1st Annual Indie Soap Awards

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.