Web Series Clutch Defies Tradition and Sweeps Awards Circuit

    TORONTO, ON, May 16, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Clutch, a femme fatale web series that plays like a mashup of Oliver and Nikita, adds two Indie Awards to it's resume, which already includes eight L.A. Web Fest awards and Honoree Status at this year's renowned Webbys to name just a few.

The Indies may just be two more for the pile, but "That makes the win no less special," says Clutch creator Jonathan Robbins from his Toronto office. "Pouring everything I had into this medium where a monetized a return is unheard of, it means everything to be applauded for our efforts creatively."

The Indie Fest, which recognizes "filmmakers who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity", according to their website, has honored Clutch with an Award of Excellence for Season One, and an Award of Merit for it's leading actress, Elitsa Bako. Clutch is the only web series to be recognized by The Indie Fest, in a list otherwise filled with feature films and documentaries.

"Times are changing for web series," says Robbins. "We are no longer the 'other guys', now we're playing in the same league."

The prizes are also meaningful to Clutch because it falls in the action genre, a genre that is traditionally snubbed by the awards circuit. Add to that the R-Rated nature of the series, and its chances would be considered even lower.

"It just goes to show that if you tell your story the way you want to tell it, with no compromises and no one to answer to, people will respect that," says Robbins.

People have. Beyond the slew of awards, Clutch's fan base has been growing exponentially since it's release online last fall, with nearly one million views and counting. The support and enthusiasm from fans has prompted Robbins to push forward with a second season.

"I had said I wouldn't do a Season Two unless we could pay our cast and crew," shrugs Robbins, "however people keep asking for more and everyone wants to keep making them, so I guess we are."

Will financial reward come to web series the way it has to television or feature film? Maybe, but in the meantime, Robbins will settle for his "shiny new statuettes".

For more information or to watch the series, visit http://clutchtheseries.com.

Clutch is a femme fatale web series. Season One is currently online at clutchtheseries.com and Season Two is in preproduction.

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