Wide Awake Films Wins for Digital Interactive Experience in The 3rd Annual Anthem Awards

KANSAS CITY – Wide Awake Films announced today that their interactive film experience “Step Into History” has won an Anthem Award in the category of “Digital and Innovative Experiences.” Created in collaboration with the American Battlefield Trust, “Step Into History,” explores the stories behind the Civil War’s most famous photographs, inviting viewers into a 360 degree historical world. 

“By ‘stepping into’ these iconic images, we've created a completely new way to experience history," said Shane Seley, Founder and Owner of Wide Awake Films. "We're so honored to partner with the American Battlefield Trust and grateful for the recognition of our work." 

American Battlefield Trust Chief Historian Garry Adelman is the host in this video series, during which he brings historic battlefield photographs to life and actually "steps into" them to reveal their secrets. These captivating videos – also available in 360º virtual reality – combine contemporary video and animation methods, enabling viewers to accompany Adelman as he strolls through historical pictures and divulges the stories behind the scenes immortalized on film.

This year’s Anthem Award Winners were selected from a pool of over 2,000 submissions from 44 countries by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Anthem judges are intellectually diverse leaders from across the impact industry with expertise that spans across the Anthem cause areas. IADAS members include: Heather Dowdy, Director of Product Accessibility, Netflix; Alex Amouyel, President & CEO, Newman’s Own Foundation; Noel Kinder, Chief Sustainability Officer, Nike; Shaniqua McClendon, Vice President of Politics, Crooked Media/Vote Save America; Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., Executive Director, American Psychiatric Association Foundation; Alison Moore, CEO, Comic Relief US; Christina Lang, Vice President of North American Marketing, Mozilla; Michelle Waring, Steward for Sustainability and Everyday Good, Tom’s of Maine; and more. 

“The Anthem Awards were born out of the desire to amplify and celebrate the voices that are creating sustainable change and to inspire others to take action,” said Patricia McLoughlin, Anthem Awards General Manager. “In a year where so much is at stake, it is incredibly important to recognize impact work and celebrate the progress happening globally. Congratulations to all of this year’s Winners.” 

By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities. A portion of program revenue is allocated to the Anthem Award’s grant program, The Anthem Fund. This year the Anthem Fund partnered with Billion Oyster Project to support their work to restore and conserve New York’s waterways.

Take a look at our latest “Step In” video here:

Empowering Our Future Through Stories of the Past

Like what you see? As our nation approaches its Semiquincentennial celebration, consider Wide Awake Films as your creative partner for experiences. Contact us for any projects your team envisions for the upcoming 250th celebration of the United States, and let's continue this journey through history together.

Learn More About Wide Awake Film’s Step-Ins here.