FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Isaac Reichman, ireichman@choosechicago.com, (312) 805-9586
Stephen Crano, scrano@choosechicago.com, (312) 567-8505
Michelle Gonzalez, mgonzalez@choosechicago.com, (312) 259-5708

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CHOOSE CHICAGO’S TRAVEL SERIES “THE 77: A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS” WINS THIRTEEN TELLY AWARDS 

The series, launched on April 6, celebrates the beauty, history, and diversity of Chicago’s neighborhoods

CHICAGO, IL (May 28, 2024) – Choose Chicago is proud to announce that its new travel series, “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods,” has received multiple honors at the prestigious Telly Awards, a globally-recognized awards platform that honors excellence in television and video across all screens. Choose Chicago created this series in partnership with Chicago-based Skalawag Productions to showcase the rich diversity and history of our neighborhoods. “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” garnered thirteen accolades at the Telly Awards, including five Gold and eight Silver Awards. Choose Chicago works to position Chicago’s neighborhoods as premier travel destinations by collaborating with local creatives, community leaders, and chambers of commerce, and by supporting community events, infrastructure development, and placemaking projects.

Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO of Choose Chicago, expressed his excitement about the series’ success: “We are thrilled that ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’ has been recognized with such prestigious awards. This series is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Chicago’s neighborhoods and the talented team behind its creation. We hope these stories inspire viewers to further explore and experience all that our city and its neighborhoods have to offer.”

“The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” celebrates the vibrant and distinct communities that make Chicago a world-class destination. The first five episodes of the series have resonated with audiences and judges alike, earning recognition across multiple categories. The awards underscore the series’ exceptional storytelling, cinematography, and creative direction.

“Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and we took a new marketing approach that acknowledges the realties and complexities of a constantly changing urban landscape,” said Rob Fojtik, Vice President of Neighborhood Strategy at Choose Chicago. “‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’ series is part of our organization’s commitment to position the city’s communities as premier cultural destinations and to promote economic activity beyond the central business district.”

“Working on ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’ with Choose Chicago has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Mark Skala, Founder of Skalawag Productions. “This series allowed us to delve into the heart of Chicago’s neighborhoods and showcase their unique stories. The collaboration with the community and the talented team at Choose Chicago made this project truly special, and we hope it inspires people to explore every corner of this beautiful city.”

“It has been wonderful to see Bronzeville featured in ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods,’” said Cecilia Cuff, Owner of Bronzville Winery. “This recognition goes beyond just our restaurant; it highlights the legacy and spirit of the Bronzeville community. Through this series, viewers get a glimpse into how the history and culture of our neighborhood are instrumental in revitalizing and fostering a sense of pride and unity. I am proud to be part of this celebration of Chicago’s neighborhoods and look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience all that my community has to offer.”

Gold Awards:

  • Food & Beverage — Online
  • Travel & Tourism — Online
  • History — Online
  • Documentary — Online
  • Writing — Online (Humboldt Park)

Silver Awards:

  • Non-Scripted — Online
  • Editing — Online (Humboldt Park)
  • Directing — Online (Little Village)
  • Videography & Cinematography — Online (Uptown)
  • Voiceover & Narration — Online (Little Village)
  • Directing — Online (Humboldt Park)
  • Best Show Opening Segment — Online (Bronzeville)
  • Motion Graphics & Design — Online (Pullman/Roseland)

Funding for production of “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” was provided by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) as part of a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The series can be viewed on Choose Chicago’s YouTube channel where visitors can immerse themselves in the unique stories and vibrant cultures of our city’s neighborhoods.

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About Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.