Rhys Delios Callanan and Olivia Hartanto named winners of TAC’s Split Second Competition 2024

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has announced the winners of its annual Split Second Competition. Melbourne-based aspiring creators Rhys Delios Callanan and Olivia Hartanto have been awarded for their compelling content concepts addressing the crucial issues of driving tired and seatbelt usage.

The Split Second competition, now in its sixth year, invited emerging filmmakers, animators and content creators to develop impactful, relatable narratives that resonate with Victorian audiences. This year’s winners impressed the judging panel with their innovative storytelling, and will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize and $35,000 production budgets to bring their vision to life.

Callanan’s creative concept titled ‘Fashionably Late’ targets the road safety issue of driving tired and how a quick pit stop nap can help reduce fatigue and ultimately decrease the chance of drivers falling asleep at the wheel. The concept focuses on the simple days of the horse-and-carriage era while leaning into the fashionably late phrase transforming something negative into a positive.

For the first time in the competition’s history, this year not one but two winners are crowned, with Hartanto also recognised for her concept ‘Captain Buckle’, which raises the importance of seatbelt usage through a witty and comedic story. The introduction of a multicultural category garners fresh perspectives and celebrates the voices of more young Victorian creators.

Both winners will collaborate with creative agency TABOO and production company Truce to bring their scripts to life. The content will be produced over the coming weeks and premiered at a special screening in February 2025.

Says Callanan: “Winning the TAC Split Second competition is an incredible honour. I am so excited to turn my vision into something lasting and impactful among my peers.”

Says Hartanto: “The competition has given me a platform to share my voice and creativity on real-life scenarios. I can’t wait to collaborate with The Taboo Group and Truce Films to create my animation.”

TAC head of community, Jacqui Sampson praised the winners’ creativity and commitment to the competition: “Rhys and Olivia have created concepts that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their audiences. Their creativity has the power to influence the attitudes and behaviours among their peers and make a change in road safety awareness in Victoria.

“We’re constantly looking for new, innovative ways to get the road safety message through. It’s inspiring to see the efforts of these two young creatives – we’re excited to bring those ideas to life.”

Click here for more information about the TAC Split Second competition and upcoming film premiere.