Government video production has evolved dramatically since the era of public access television, when the format was synonymous with monotone talking-head updates and grainy public-meeting broadcasts. At the 2025 STAR Awards, that evolution was on full display as California agencies showcased a new standard of creativity, emotion, and technical excellence in public storytelling. Public agencies are hiring artists and storytellers and using cinematic visuals and human-centered narratives to make government feel real, relatable, funny, and compelling.

While we organize and present our annual EPIC Awards at conference each year, we also recognize the long history of the STAR Awards, which were created and run for many years by SCAN NATOA. In 2024, SCAN NATOA and CAPIO formed a partnership to ensure the program could continue, and CAPIO began hosting the STAR Awards with deep respect for the foundation SCAN NATOA built and the storytellers who have shaped its legacy. This partnership allows the STAR Awards to continue highlighting the craft of government video and the talented teams behind the camera.

A major standout of the ceremony was the winner of the Member’s Choice Award. Coming off three 2025 EPIC Awards, including the inaugural Best Small Shop Award, the Town of Apple Valley’s powerhouse duo of Sarah Krieg and Shannon Dunkle left the 2025 STAR Awards with another major win. Mixing humor, artistry, and blockbuster flair, their McConnell Park video is a clever, shot-for-shot spoof of the original Jurassic Park trailer, complete with their Town Manager cast as John Hammond. The piece also took home Best Community Awareness Video.

From a two-person team in a rural desert town, Sarah and Shannon deliver agency-level creative work that rivals any marketing firm in California. Even better, they are passionate about helping others evolve and mentoring fellow government communicators and videographers through tutorials and sessions at CAPIO conferences.

Finally, the Content Creators of the Year Awards recognized standout video teams across California by size and resources. The County of Riverside Executive Office earned top honors in the 1-person category for creative, bilingual, and highly engaging content that proves one videographer can make a big impact. The Riverside County Department of Public Social Services won in the 2 to 3 person category for heartfelt storytelling that captures the resilience of local families and caregivers across multiple languages and platforms. In the 4 or more person category, Long Beach Television was celebrated for a dynamic mix of community-driven stories, ranging from everyday acts of kindness to citywide celebrations, that showcase the heart and pride of Long Beach.

From small shops to city studios, these teams are redefining what government storytelling looks like.

Did you produce any outstanding videos in 2025? Start thinking about your EPIC Award entries in categories like Public Service Announcements, Marketing Videos, and Video Series. We will see you in San Diego in 2026!

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