Motion 117 Productions Wins 13 Telly Awards for Excellence in Storytelling Across Music, Education, and Architecture
By The Minneapolis Egotist / /
Twin Cities-based studio recognized nationally at the 46th Annual Telly Awards for standout storytelling
For the second year in a row, Twin Cities-based creative video agency Motion 117 Productions has been recognized on the international stage, earning 13 Telly Awards for work spanning music, education, and architecture. These honors celebrate the company’s collaborations with Cloud Cult, Mounds Park Academy (MPA), and RSP Architects, and reflect Motion 117’s ongoing charge to “create content that uncovers the relationship between a client’s passion and a viewer’s ideals to inspire action”.
This year’s Telly Awards theme, “Stories Take Shape,” celebrates the creative forces that bring powerful storytelling to life. This appeared to resonate with Motion 117’s mission to “magnify the good” in their clients’ contexts.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our clients for trusting us and letting us into their world,” said JeffD. Johnson, Founder and Creative Director of Motion 117.” One thing that doesn’t get a whole lot of airtime in these sorts of things is how unbelievably crucial emotional intelligence is in telling a story. I’m so lucky to work with the people on the Motion 117 team – real humans that put their heart and head into every project.
The 2025 Telly Awards drew nearly 13,000 entries worldwide. Winners included NASA, Apple Music, ESPN, and PlayStation Studios. Motion 117’s 2025 Telly accolades include:
GOLD: Craft — Videography & Cinematography
RSP Architects: University of Minnesota Campbell Hall
RSP Architects: Happy Holidays 2024
Mounds Park Academy: Brand Anthem 2024
GOLD: Craft Editing
RSP Architects: University of Minnesota Campbell Hall
Mounds Park Academy: Brand Anthem 2024
SILVER: Craft – Directing
RSP Architects: University of Minnesota Campbell Hall
SILVER: General – Educational Institution
RSP Architects: University of Minnesota Campbell Hall
Mounds Park Academy: Brand Anthem 2024
SILVER: Craft – Editing
Mounds Park Academy: Brand Anthem 2024
Cloud Cult – “As Beautiful as it Hurts”
BRONZE: General – Music Video
Cloud Cult – “As Beautiful as it Hurts”
Cloud Cult – “I Am a Forcefield”
BRONZE: Craft – Directing
Cloud Cult – “As Beautiful as it Hurts”
The recognized projects were created in partnership with our outstanding clients who are using their skills for good in the world. Whether through design, buildings, music, art, or education, our goal is to magnify their work and elevate their mission. The featured work can be viewed at motion117.com/stories/tell-awards-2025
The Motion 117 team includes:
Jeff D. Johnson: Founder, Creative Director, Director of Photography, and Colorist
Lauren Josephine: Director of Post-Production
Shelby Pearson: Motion Designer
Emily Bly: Associate Producer
Sarah Cagley: Director of Finance
About the Telly Awards
Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all platforms, with over 13,000 global entries judged annually by industry leaders from top media, brand, and agency organizations.
About Motion 117 Productions
Motion 117 Productions is a creative production agency based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. We create content that uncovers the relationship between our client’s passion and the viewer’s ideals to inspire action. The company was born out of a drive to create positive change in the world and within ourselves. We partner with people, organizations, and brands to create content that magnifies the best in what they do.
[News courtesy of Motion 117. Image courtesy of the Telly Awards.]
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