1st Annual Indie Soap Awards



This was the official website for the 1st Annual Indie Soap Awards.
Content is from the site's 2010 archived pages and other relevant outside sources.



About the 1st Annual Indie Soap Awards

The 1st Annual Indie Soap Awards were developed by We Love Soaps to honor the efforts of creative forces in the world of independent web series production, specifically those who produce continuing serialized drama series.

Nominations were chosen from a first round of judging all eligible web series. Judging of the final nominees will occur in January with a panel of soap opera and entertainment critics. In addition to the statuette, winners receive a set of specially designed cubic zirconia rings engraved with the Indie Soap Awards Logo. An optional award consists of solitaire cubic zirconia rings style, similarly engraved. Winners will be announced on February 1, 2010.




 

 

The winners the 1st Annual Indie soap Awards were revealed on February 1, 2010. DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM took home the prize for Best Indie Soap. ANYONE BUT ME and COMPULSIONS tied with four wins apiece. Click here for a full list of winners.

You can watched the Indie Soap Awards telecast here.

The 1st Annual Indie Soap Awards were developed to honor the efforts of creative forces in the world of independent web series production, specifically those who produce continuing drama series.

Eligible Indie Soaps (2 or more episodes in 2009)

Anacostia
As The Corn Grows
Anyone But Me
Buppies
Chick
Compulsions
Confessions
Diary of a Single Mom
Empire
Gotham
Habesha Life

 

High Rise
Kindred
In The Moment
Lumina
Lovers & Friends
Money, Power & Respect
The New Twenties
On the Edge of Happiness
Palisades Pool Party
Secrets
Seeking Simone
Table of Choices
Venice


 
 

Other Indie Soaps To Check Out
Chicago to Coronado
Christopher Street TV
Eye of the Storm
Lenox Avenue
Reality Bytes
Relationships
The Republic
WeHo

Non-Soap Indie Web Series Produced By/Starring Soap Actors
Family Dinner
Fantasy Over Reality
Imaginary Bitches
Then We Got Help!
Wed-Locked
Workshop

Other Soap-Connected Web Series
The Bannen Way

 


NEW YORK (We Love Soaps) February 2, 2010 -- The 1st Annual Indie Soap Awards were held on Monday, February 1 in New York City. The show, developed by We Love Soaps, honored the best in continuing drama and web series. The telecast was broadcast around the web on various websites simultaneously.

Robert Townsend's DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM was the big winner of the night taking home the prize as Best Indie Soap. Townsend, producer and director of the series, accepted alongside stars Janice Lynde and Valery Ortiz. ANYONE BUT ME and COMPULSIONS tied for the most wins with four apiece. ANYONE BUT ME won for Best Writing, Best Storyline, Best Performance by a Lead Actress (Rachael Hip-Flores) and Best Performance by a Supporting Actor (Joshua Holland). COMPULSIONS won for Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Performance by a Lead Actor (Craig Frank) and Best Performance by a Supporting Actress (Taryn O'Neill).

VENICE won the Fan's Choice Award voted on throughout the month of January by fans.

Comedian/musician Joanna Parson sang an original song, "It Just Takes Love," which featured the titles of all the eligible independently produced soap operas.

Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs from WE LOVE SOAPS TV co-hosted the event.

 


Here is a Full List of Nominees and Winners:

 

Best Indie Soap
DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM - Winner
ANYONE BUT ME
BUPPIES
CHICK
COMPULSIONS
HIGH RISE
LUMINA

Best Writing
Susan Miller & Tina Cesa Ward, ANYONE BUT ME - Winner
Julian Breece, BUPPIES
Bernie Su, COMPULSIONS
Cheryl L. West, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM
Greg Turner & Brian Hewson, EMPIRE
Charles Van Eman & Mike Stiles, HIGH RISE
Jennifer Thym, LUMINA

Best Directing
Kai Soremekun, CHICK - Winner
Tina Cesa Ward, ANYONE BUT ME
Julian Breece, BUPPIES
Nathan Atkinson, COMPULSIONS
Robert Townsend, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM
Charles Van Eman, HIGH RISE
Jennifer Thym, LUMINA

Best Editing
Michael Darrow, COMPULSIONS - Winner
Shon Hedges, BUPPIES
Tina Cesa Ward, ANYONE BUT ME
Ryan Parker, ON THE EDGE OF HAPPINESS
James Schroeder, HIGH RISE
Bettina Enigl, LUMINA

Best Use of Music
VENICE - Winner
BUPPIES
COMPULSIONS
HIGH RISE
PALISADES POOL PARTY

Best Sound Design
COMPULSIONS - Winner
CHICK
DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM
LUMINA
PALISADES POOL PARTY
 

Best Ensemble
ANACOSTIA - Winner
ANYONE BUT ME
BUPPIES
DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM
THE NEW TWENTIES

Best Performance by a Lead Actress
Rachael Hip-Flores (Vivian, ANYONE BUT ME) - Winner
Tatyana Ali (Quinci, BUPPIES)
Janna Bossier (Justine, COMPULSIONS)
Monica Calhoun (Ocean, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM)
Kai Soremekun (Lisa, CHICK)
Erin Wiley (Morgan, THE NEW TWENTIES)

Best Performance by a Lead Actor
Craig Frank (Mark, COMPULSIONS) - Winner
Walter Maxfield Jones (Michael, ANACOSTIA)
Ryan Clardy (Cane, EMPIRE)
Rob Pralgo (Marcus, HIGH RISE)
Sharif Atkins (Ralph, THE NEW TWENTIES)

Best Performance by a Supporting Actress
Taryn O'Neill (Sara, COMPULSIONS) - Winner
Nicole Pacent (Aster, ANYONE BUT ME)
AnneMarie Pazmino (Cassandra, COMPULSIONS)
Janice Lynde (Peggy, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM)
Arlene A. McGruder (Rae Pearl, KINDRED)
Helen Bowman (Helen, ON THE EDGE OF HAPPINESS)

Best Performance by a Supporting Actor
Joshua Holland (Archibald, ANYONE BUT ME) - Winner
Ernest Waddell (Shaka, BUPPIES)
Seth Caskey (Adam, COMPULSIONS)
Richard Roundtree (Lou, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM)
Ray Campbell (Khalid, THE NEW TWENTIES)

Best Performance by a Guest Actor
Ashlee Holland (Bitsy, BUPPIES)
Damien Wigfall (Truth, BUPPIES)
Billy Dee Williams (Bo, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM)
Dale Tino (Sean, HIGH RISE)

Breakthrough Performance
Preston Davis (Eliot, BUPPIES) - Winner
Renée Olbert (Simone, SEEKING SIMONE) - Winner
Jessy Hodges (Sophie, ANYONE BUT ME)
Zach Callison (Ian, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM)
Greg Corbett (Paul, HIGH RISE)

Best Performance in a Comedic Role
Chante Frierson (Kourtney, BUPPIES) - Winner
Anthony Anderson (Sean, ANACOSTIA)
Anne Sayre (Tina, GOTHAM)
Ashley Ledbetter (Heather, HIGH RISE)
Ann Marie Hall (Louise, ON THE EDGE OF HAPPINESS)
Hillary B. Smith (Guya, VENICE)
 

Best Storyline
Vivian adjusts to her new life, ANYONE BUT ME - Winner
Stephenson family drama, ANACOSTIA
Eliot's love triangle, BUPPIES
Tameka's drug problem, CONFESSIONS
The mystery of Lumina, LUMINA

Special Editor's Awards:
Marketing/Publicity: VENICE
Business Model: HIGH RISE
Main Title Design/Opening Sequence: LUMINA
Scene Transition: EMPIRE
Future Hit: GOTHAM

Fan's Choice Award
VENICE - Winner
ANACOSTIA
AS THE CORN GROWS
ANYONE BUT ME
BUPPIES
CHICK
COMPULSIONS
CONFESSIONS
DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM
EMPIRE
GOTHAM
HABESHA LIFE
HIGH RISE
KINDRED
LUMINA
THE NEW TWENTIES
ON THE EDGE OF HAPPINESS
PALISADES POOL PARTY
SEEKING SIMONE
TABLE OF CHOICES

Best Indie Web Series (Comedy)
THEN WE GOT HELP! - Winner
FAMILY DINNER
WED-LOCKED
IMAGINARY BITCHES
FANTASY OVER REALITY
WORKSHOP


Click here for the Indie Soap Awards press release.

 

 

THE WINNERS

The winners of the 1st Annual Indie Soap Awards were announced in a ceremony on Monday night from Shetler Studios in New York City. 13 web series were honored with various awards.

Below is a list of winners.

Best Indie Soap
DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM

Best Writing
Susan Miller & Tina Cesa Ward, ANYONE BUT ME

Best Directing
Kai Soremekun, CHICK

Best Editing
Michael Darrow, COMPULSIONS

Best Use of Music
Kimmy Turrisi, VENICE

Best Sound Design
Tom Boykin, COMPULSIONS

Best Ensemble
ANACOSTIA

Best Performance by a Lead Actress
Rachael Hip-Flores (Vivian, ANYONE BUT ME)

Best Performance by a Lead Actor
Craig Frank (Mark, COMPULSIONS)

Best Performance by a Supporting Actress
Taryn O'Neill (Sara, COMPULSIONS)

Best Performance by a Supporting Actor
Joshua Holland (Archibald, ANYONE BUT ME)

Best Performance by a Guest Actor
Billy Dee Williams (Bo, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM)

Breakthrough Performance (tie)
Preston Davis (Eliot, BUPPIES)
Renée Olbert (Simone, SEEKING SIMONE)

Best Storyline
Vivian adjusts to her new life, ANYONE BUT ME

Best Performance in a Comedic Role
Chante Frierson (Kourtney, BUPPIES)

Best Indie Web Series (Comedy)
THEN WE GOT HELP!

Fan's Choice Award
VENICE

Special Editor's Awards:
Marketing/Publicity: VENICE
Business Model: HIGH RISE
Main Title Design/Opening Sequence: LUMINA
Scene Transition: EMPIRE
Future Hit: GOTHAM

Total Wins by Show:
ANYONE BUT ME 4
COMPULSIONS 4
VENICE 3
BUPPIES 2
DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM 2
SEEKING SIMONE 1
ANACOSTIA 1
CHICK 1
EMPIRE 1
GOTHAM 1
HIGH RISE 1
LUMINA
THEN WE GOT HELP! 1

 



 

ABOUT WE LOVE SOAPS

We Love Soaps is a website and podcast dedicated to the world of soap operas. From daytime drama, to primetime suds to indie soaps, We Love Soaps covers them all. Feauturing all the latest storyline and behind the scenes news, interviews, photos and more, We Love Soaps looks at the social relevance of soap stories, where they stand in a historical context with a focus on promoting and preserving the genre. Fan interest in continuing stories will never die and examing what these storyline means in the context of society is often a WLS theme.

We Love Soaps was founded by Roger Newcomb in 2007. Damon L. Jacobs joined the team in 2009 and "We Love Soaps Radio," a new and innovative podcast was launched in July 2009. In October 2009, Newcomb and Jacobs rolled out a weekly web series called WE LOVE SOAPS TV featuring celebrity guests and co-hosts, "Soaps on the Street" segments and much more. The duo has also guest starred on web series like IMAGINARY BITCHES and EMPIRE. In 2010, We Love Soaps launched the 1st Annual Indie Soap Awards to much fanfare and buzz.

 



 

More Background on IndieSoapAwards.com

The Indie Series Awards (ISAs) is a prominent annual awards ceremony that honors excellence in independently produced scripted entertainment created specifically for the internet. Established in 2009 by Roger Newcomb, founder of the media company We Love Soaps, the ISAs have grown into the largest international gala dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in digital and audio fiction series.

History and Development

The awards began as the Indie Soap Awards, with the first ceremony held online on February 1, 2010. This initial event was a low-key, pre-recorded broadcast featuring 16 nominated web series, hosted by Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs. It celebrated serialized drama series produced independently for the web, spotlighting creative talents pioneering storytelling beyond traditional television platforms.

In 2011, the awards transitioned into a live event held at Alvin Ailey Studios in New York City, hosted by Emmy winner Martha Byrne. Over the years, the ceremony expanded in scope and prestige, eventually moving to Los Angeles in 2014 to become a major industry event. The name was rebranded in 2013 from the Indie Soap Awards to the Indie Series Awards to better reflect the broader range of genres and formats honored, including comedy and audio fiction.

Purpose and Significance

The Indie Series Awards focus on celebrating artistic merit and social impact over commercial considerations, emphasizing innovation and creativity in independently produced content. The quality of nominated shows often rivals that of mainstream television sitcoms and dramas, with several past winners going on to partner with traditional TV content providers.

The awards highlight the importance of diversity and inclusivity, fostering a welcoming environment for creators from various backgrounds and promoting a wide spectrum of unique stories. This commitment has helped the ISAs become a vital platform for emerging talent and underrepresented voices in digital entertainment.

Categories and Ceremony

The ISAs feature a comprehensive range of categories, typically including:

  • Best Drama Series

  • Best Comedy Series

  • Best Audio Fiction Series

  • Best Writing (Drama, Comedy, Audio Fiction)

  • Best Directing (Drama, Comedy)

  • Best Acting (Lead, Supporting, Guest in Drama and Comedy)

  • Technical categories such as Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, Costume Design, and Makeup

  • Special awards like the ISA Spotlight Award for new series created on small budgets

The ceremony is a glamorous two-day event, beginning with a nominee pre-party and culminating in a red carpet gala where winners receive custom engraved crystal awards. The event attracts creators, industry professionals, and media, celebrating the achievements of indie series creators with performances, speeches, and networking opportunities.

Notable Winners and Impact

Over the years, the Indie Series Awards have recognized numerous acclaimed actors and creators, including Emmy and film stars such as Emma Thompson, Billy Dee Williams, Robert Townsend, Jeff Goldblum, Lou Diamond Phillips, Judd Hirsch, and many others. This star power underscores the growing legitimacy and influence of independent web series as a creative medium.

Several nominated and winning series have garnered millions of views worldwide, with some surpassing 500 million views and listens, demonstrating the substantial audience reach and cultural impact of indie digital series.

Media Coverage and Industry Recognition

The ISAs have been covered by entertainment media and recognized as a "must-attend" event for web series creators and fans. The awards have been highlighted for their role in elevating the profile of internet-based scripted entertainment and for fostering a community that supports creative freedom and innovation.

The ceremony has also been live-streamed and covered extensively on platforms like YouTube and social media, increasing accessibility and engagement with a global audience.

Audience and Cultural Significance

The audience for the Indie Series Awards includes indie series creators, industry professionals, critics, and fans passionate about serialized storytelling. The event serves as a hub for networking, collaboration, and celebration within the indie entertainment community.

Culturally, the ISAs contribute to the democratization of content creation, allowing diverse voices to tell stories that might not find a place in mainstream media. This has helped shift the landscape of entertainment, with indie series influencing trends in storytelling, representation, and production values.

Examples of Recognized Series

Some notable series that have been nominated or awarded at the ISAs include The Bay, Giants, Indoor Boys, Anacostia, and Winterthorne. These series exemplify the range of genres and storytelling styles celebrated, from dramas exploring complex social issues to comedies and audio fiction pushing creative boundaries.

 

The Indie Series Awards stand as a vital institution in the digital entertainment ecosystem, championing independent creators who produce high-quality, innovative scripted content for the web. With a rich history, broad industry support, and a commitment to diversity and artistic excellence, the ISAs continue to shape the future of independent digital storytelling.

 



IndieSoapAwards.com