Louisville, Kentucky: “Gilda Wabbit,” a mini-documentary film produced by Leap Group Network studio (spark) about former drag queen Naomi Wayne, has added two more entries to the growing list of awards it has received. The film was selected from more than 12,000 global submissions to win two prestigious Telly Awards:
Established in 1979, the Telly Awards honor excellence in television and video, with winners of the annual awards representing some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers from around the world.
(spark) studio’s entry, “Gilda Wabbit,” centers on Naomi Wayne, a trans woman and former drag queen who has become a powerful advocate for authenticity, acceptance, overcoming obstacles and celebrating our differences. The documentary highlights the work Naomi is doing to create a safe space for those in her local community and her passion to push the limits of what people think she is capable of doing.
“Telling stories is powerful,” says Ember Marr, President and Co-Owner of (spark) studio. “And while Naomi’s may be emblematic of the LGBTQ+ experience, at its core is a narrative of making your way in the world and overcoming obstacles to create a safe, enriching, and meaningful life. As part of a network that includes women-owned agencies like mine, as well as LGBTQ-owned agencies, I’m particularly proud we could bring Naomi’s story to a broader audience.”
Earlier this year, “Gilda Wabbit” took home three awards from the 2024 Louisville American Advertising Federation Ad Club Awards, part of the industry’s largest and most representative competition designed to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising. The film was recognized for outstanding work in the categories of Cinematography and Branded Content & Entertainment Non-broadcast, in addition to earning the organization’s first “Culturally Legit” Award. It was also nominated to The One Show, the world’s most prestigious award show in advertising and design.
“We’re honored to be recognized by our peers in the television, film and advertising industries for the depth of talent at (spark) studio and throughout the Leap Group Network of agencies,” says Daniel Knapp, Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer at Leap Group Network. “But we’re even more thrilled that we can bring such an important story like Naomi’s to a broader audience. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we not only help empower members of the LGBTQ+ community and other historically marginalized groups, but also reveal the common threads that bind us all together regardless of gender, sexuality, or artistic expression.”
“Gilda Wabbit” can be streamed for free at the (spark) studio website along with other awarding-winning work and reels from the studio. More work honored by the AAF can be seen at the Leap Group Network website and on the websites of its specialized agencies. The network opened a Chicago office in April 2024 and was named to the Inc. 5000 list in 2023. It added 30 employees and 13 new clients to its roster in 2023 alone.
