Final eight vie to make film ideas a reality

16 Aug 2010

MEDIA RELEASE: 16 August 2010

A panel of film industry judges has selected eight finalists who are vying to be the winner of the TAC's Make a Film, Make a Difference (MAFMAD) competition.

MAFMAD asked people aged 25 and under to submit a film concept based around the theme “party in the car” that explores the dynamics between young people travelling together on a night out.

TAC Senior Manager Marketing & Road Safety John Thompson said the finalists were chosen from a record number of 590 entries to the competition.

"We had an amazing response to this year's competition making it tougher than ever for entrants to make the final eight. We had almost double the number of entries of 2009.”

The finalists are:

• Chris Busuttil, St Kilda
• Nicholas Carlton, Southbank
• Aimee Johnson, Melbourne
• Eliza Tivendale, Ashburton
• Maddison Toms, Mildura
• Nicole Tyers, Mildura
• Laurie Walker, East Bentleigh
• Peter Vulinovich, Prahran

“We congratulate our eight up-and-coming filmmakers who have made the final cut. Over the coming weeks, the judges will whittle down the finalists to two winners, who will get the chance to work with respected film industry mentors as they bring their ideas to life and to the big screen," Mr Thompson said.

The two winners also receive a $20,000 production budget and $5,000 prize money.

The winning films will be screened on MTV, at cinemas and online across the state during the summer and at youth events such as the Falls Festival and the Big Day Out.

Mr Thompson thanked the panel of judges, including Mike Reed from production company MRPPP and Josh Butt from the Guild of Commercial Filmmakers, along with representatives from the TAC and its agencies.

"MAFMAD has produced 15 films over the past 7 years, each with a unique approach to the competition brief. Many films have gone on to be recognised internationally" Mr Thompson said.

To find out more about the competition, visit www.mafmad.com.au 

Media contact: TAC Media and Communications Adviser Amanda Bavin 5225 6591 or 0439 567 249.