EAGLE, IDAHO, July 31, 2008 - From coast to coast, Idaho® Potato fans showed their love for the spud in the Idaho Potato Commission's (IPC) iTuber Take II Video Contest. Entrants submitted spud-inspired shorts including animated educational videos, horror flicks and documentaries - all vying for a chance to win the $3,000 grand prize.
Scott Winn, Brigham Young University Idaho student from Olympia, WA, took top honors winning the $3,000 Grand Prize. The two Runners Up winning $1,000 each are John Lars Lindstrom from Glendora, CA, and Lantz Barbour from Silver Spring, MD. Michael Cochran of Wilder, ID, 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, 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 August 2 at the Idaho Film and Television Institute in Driggs, ID.
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."
http://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.
http://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.
http://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.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZbGR1Y4YGw
Eligible entries were selected based on three judging categories: creativity and uniqueness (50%); video production quality (25%); and writing and acting (25%). To view all iTuber Take II entries, please visit www.iTuber.org. Everyone's a winner in the contest, because all qualifying entrants will receive an MP3 player.
Although Idaho is famous worldwide for its premium potatoes, some consumers don't realize that only potatoes grown in the Gem State can wear the "Grown in Idaho" seal. Both Idaho® Potatoes and the "Grown in Idaho®" seal are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.
