EAGLE, Idaho, July 31, 2008-Entrants from coast to coast submitted spud-inspired shorts for the Idaho Potato Commission's iTuber Take II Video Contest including animated educational videos, horror flicks and documentaries-all vying for a chance to win the $3,000 grand prize.
Scott Winn from Olympia, Wash., took top honors winning the $3,000 Grand Prize. The two Runners Up winning $1,000 each are John Lars Lindstrom from Glendora, Calif., and Lantz Barbour from Silver Spring, Md. Michael Cochran of Wilder, Idaho, won first prize in the Idaho High School video contest.
"It's so gratifying to see how passionate people are about potatoes," said Frank Muir, president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. "The entries were are all extremely creative and we appreciate how much time and effort went into each one. To me, they are all winners!"
In addition to the cash prize, the winning videos will debut on the big screen at Idaho's family film festival SpudFest. The founder of SpudFest, Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island, will present the winning videos Aug. 2 at the Idaho Film and Television Institute in Driggs, Idaho.
GRAND PRIZE
Punchline by Scott Winn follows a high school student who lives in a world with many everyday items such as alarm clocks and pens made of Idaho Potatoes. The video depicts this teen's daily struggle with a bully, but eventually the two bond over their shared interest in music and plug their headsets into an "iSpud."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMRdFv59-zQ
RUNNER UP
John Lars Lindstrom's video The Idaho Potato takes a fun look at the history of the Idaho Potato and its impact on Idahoans involved in the industry. The documentary features educational interviews with Idaho Potato growers and shippers, and comedic transitions of experiments on how to make mashed potatoes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlyrItyXh2Q
RUNNER UP
Lantz Barbour produced a fast-paced music video called The Idaho Potato Song featuring a spud on the run. The singing Idaho Potato gives educational potato tidbits all while eluding the blade of a potato-peeling chef. In the end, the tuber saves the day by freeing his "spuddy buddies" and overpowering the peeler.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dkaP4sYJSw
HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORY WINNER
Michael Cochran's video 500 Miles - Grown in Idaho shows that Idaho Potatoes are worth walking 500 miles for. The video, set to a remake of The Proclaimers song "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," features a high school student on a mission...to enjoy an Idaho Potato. The student runs "500 miles" until she reaches her final destination to enjoy a baked Idaho Potato.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZbGR1Y4YGw