Young Filmmakers on Set to Reduce Road Trauma

21 Jul 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 21 July 2011

Eight young Victorian filmmakers hoping to make a difference and reduce road trauma have been selected as finalists in the Transport Accident Commission's (TAC) 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.

A panel of film industry judges selected the eight finalists from more than 450 entries.

TAC Senior Manager Marketing & Road Safety John Thompson said the finalists had created concepts that were not only creative, but had the potential to change the attitudes of their peers.

"The response to this year's competition has been outstanding, and the quality of the ideas coming forward never fail to blow us away,� Mr Thompson said.

The 2011 finalists and their suburbs are:

• Jonathan Burton, North Melbourne  
• Tess Fisher, Brighton   
• Tom Campbell, Collingwood   
• Hannah Payton, Glen Iris  
• Tom Swinburn, Preston    
• Blake Borcich, Glenhuntly  
• Laura Bryan, Reservoir  
• Stephanie Parsons, Toorak   

Over the coming weeks, the judges will further analyse the finalists' concepts, and select two winners.

The two winners will be awarded a $20,000 production budget and the chance to work with film industry mentors as they bring their ideas to life and to the big screen. They will also win $5000 prize money.

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 said the MAFMAD competion had been running for 7 years, and many of the films had been recognised internationally.

"MAFMAD empowers young people to make films that speak to their peers about an issue that affects so many young Victorians each year.

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

Media contact: TAC Media and Communications Adviser Sarah Henderson on 0429 294 262.