Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1437729
THE TELLY AWARDS, the world's largest honor for video and television content across all screens, recognized the "Armed with Knowledge" video project for its impact on social issues. Researched, written and produced locally, "Armed with Knowledge" is based on actual events in Macon-Bibb County and addresses the consequences of criminal activity. Since the video's debut in 2020, it's been shown to thousands of Georgia youth, including the nearly 4,700 middle school students in Bibb County Public Schools. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia also implemented "Armed with Knowledge" as part of its own Successful Tips for Youth on Law Enforcement Encounters (STYLE) youth outreach program. Presented by the Peyton Anderson Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Georgia Inc., the "Armed with Knowledge" video project depicts the story of Noah, a preteen youth facing life-altering decisions that lead to illegal firearm possession. Throughout the video, Noah learns hard truths and irreversible consequences through Attorney's Office, the Federal Defenders, Bibb Schools and the sheriff's office on distributing the educational video and accompanying facilitator guide for screening in schools and youth programs throughout Georgia. The video is suitable for middle school-aged viewers and older, although educators can choose to present the video to older elementary school-aged children, as deemed appropriate. Visit ArmedWithKnowledge.org for additional information and to watch the full-length video. Community youth organizations and school systems can request to use the video and its educational content directly from the website. — JESSICA WALDEN LOCAL BUZZ LOCAL VIDEO PROJECT HONORED WITH MAJOR AWARD personal points of view from the perpetrator, victim's family and federal court system. The video was the brainchild of Peyton Anderson Foundation Trustee Marc Treadwell. Judge Treadwell is a United States District Judge who has served in the Middle District of Georgia since 2010. The video was filmed entirely in Central Georgia by Big Hair Productions and features local actors, as well as Judge Treadwell, members of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Federal Defenders. It also features a powerful scene with Tonora Jones, the mother of Ta'Shuntis "Tootie" Roberts, who died from gun violence in 2015. The Telly Awards are prestigious video/film industry awards that recognize excellence in video and television storytelling. This year they received over 12,000 entries from 50 states and five countries. "Armed with Knowledge" was awarded a Silver Telly for "Social Impact" and a Bronze Telly for "Social Issues" and competed among national public service awareness campaigns. The Peyton Anderson Foundation continues to partner with the U.S. LEFT TO RIGHT: TONORA JONES (ACTOR), STEPHANIE SHADDEN (DP/ EDITOR), JESSICA WALDEN (PRODUCER/ CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT), JULIUS RENDER (ACTOR), JUDGE MARC TREADWELL (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), THOMAS ZACHARY RUTLAND (ACTOR), KAREN LAMBERT (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, PEYTON ANDERSON FOUNDATION), SONJA PROFIT (PROSECUTING ATTORNEY AND ACTOR), TABITHA LYNNE WALKER (PRODUCER/ DIRECTOR) AND JELANI PERKINS (ACTOR). 30 maconmagazine.com | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022