Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.

The InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA) is a Los Angeles–based global music competition and cultural platform dedicated to recognizing and supporting independent artists from around the world. Since 2011, our mission has been to honor musical excellence across cultures, promote unity through diversity, and create real opportunities for artists to be seen and heard internationally.

In the film and video space, our specialty lies in story-driven productions that merge music with visual storytelling. That mainly include our online award ceremonies and artist interviews named Star🌟Spot.

What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?

At the InterContinental Music Awards, our ethos is built on the belief that music is a universal language that transcends borders and unites humanity. We celebrate cultural authenticity, originality, and the positive impact of music.

What sets us apart is our continent- and genre-based evaluation system, which ensures that artists are recognized within the context of their own culture and style, rather than being compared to a single commercial standard. We bring together a diverse panel of award-winning judges from major music, film, and television industries to provide meaningful feedback, mentorship, and real opportunities for growth.

How can people join or learn more about what you do?

Artists can join the InterContinental Music Awards community by submitting their music to our annual competition, attending our events, or engaging with our educational and mentorship programs. To learn more, visit our official website and follow us on our social media channels (@intercontinentalmusicawards), where we share stories, resources, and global music highlights. Whether you’re a musician, a supporter, or simply passionate about cultural diversity in music, there’s a place for you in our community.

Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?

The online format of our awards ceremony is not just about convenience—it is about accessibility and inclusion. Unlike many in-person industry events, this format allows every artist from our global community to participate, regardless of location, visa restrictions, or travel costs. As an immigrant myself, I deeply understand how challenging it can be for our artists from certain countries to attend events in the U.S. due to visa processes or financial barriers.

Through our digital ceremony, no one is left behind. Every finalist and winner, no matter where they are in the world, gets their moment to be recognized and celebrated. By going online, we ensure that no artist feels underserved or excluded from this global celebration.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of our online ceremony is the way it brings us into the real lives of our winners. Unlike a traditional staged event where winners are dressed in their finest attire and walk up to accept an award, our format allows us to see them in their most natural and meaningful moments—at home surrounded by family, in their dorm rooms, or even mid-travel, tuning in from an airplane after a concert tour.

This makes the experience more personal and emotionally engaging—we’re not just witnessing a scripted acceptance speech; we are guests in their world, sharing in their raw, unscripted joy. Instead of missing out due to travel costs or visa restrictions, winners from all corners of the globe can join in, feel included, and be recognized for their achievements.

What are you most proud of about this piece? What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?

What we are most proud of is how this piece captured the authentic spirit of our community—artists from across continents, genres, and cultures coming together through one shared language: music. The video became more than an awards show; it turned into a visual manifesto of unity and creativity, inspiring both our participants and global audiences.

Tell us about the most memorable response you got from this work.

Several artists shared that what stood out most was the sense of community the video conveyed. They mentioned that, unlike other competitions that feel high-pressure or competitive, the InterContinental Music Awards created a supportive, collaborative environment where they felt celebrated for their authenticity and culture.

Hearing artists say they felt part of a family—not just winners of an award—was the most memorable response for us. It confirmed that the piece successfully reflected our ethos: that music is not about rivalry, but about unity, storytelling, and connection.

Complete this sentence: ‘Great video storytelling is…’

… the balance of craft and heart—where visuals, sound, and narrative come together to move an audience and leave an effective impact.