2020-21 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
123 Video on Travel ( Newspapers,Travel Magazines,Travel Coverage in General Magazines,Travel Audio-Radio,Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Matador Network Entry Title: Faka'apa'apa Entry Credit: Scott Sporleder, Caz Tanner Judge Comment: "Faka’apa’apa" depicts the difficult relationship between the environment, conservation and the social-economic influences of ecotourism on the small island nation of Tonga. The team does this with an awesome soundtrack and stunning cinematography alongside well-sourced main and supporting residents and experts. The excellent backstory is provided using the subject interviews – in their own voices – explaining in narrative form the complicated relationships.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Amanda Ruggeri Entry Title: Guatemala's Lost World Entry Credit: Amanda Ruggeri, Monica Wise Judge Comment: With excellent footage, transitions and dialogue, this entry treats the viewer to rare scenes few get to experience, deep in the rainforest. The Maya history and new technology to explore its hidden remains are explained on-camera in a conversational show-and-tell that leaves the viewer feeling educated. The mystique of the region is captured perfectly through close-up and scenic footage. The voice-over is well-scripted and helps guide the documentary through the locations, technology and characters.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Sari Aviv Entry Title: CBS Sunday Morning: Not So Plain Entry Credit: Seth Doane, Sari Aviv, George Pozderec, Rand Morrison, Henry Bautista Judge Comment: The process of making vanilla extract is a fascinating story to find and to tell. The video follows the economics, pandemic, cooking and social issues surrounding a topic many don’t normally consider. Excellent sourcing. Lovely, creative footage is paired with perfect audio. Great sequencing combined with layered audio. The geographic coverage – from kitchen to Madagascar to California – is impressive.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Yankee Entry Title: Weekends With Yankee: Portsmouth, NH/Vida Cantina Entry Credit: Amy Traverso Judge Comment: There is beauty in specificity, by doing a deep dive report based on a single food, in this case the tortilla. This strong narrative is guided by solid characters with fun personalities. What an excellent quality in the narrator’s voice-over. The details of the plated lobster taco and the ingredients along the way provide strong visual variety. The depth of looking at the local sourcing of the ingredients of just the hand-made tortillas at a popular local restaurant is revelatory.
