TAC puts young Victorians in the driver’s seat with 2019 Split Second Film Competition via Taboo

Following the success from 2018, the Split Second Film Competition is back for its second year. Conceived by Taboo for the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), with the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), the competition aims to change the way young people think about using mobile phones in cars.

Says Meg Jacobs, senior manager of Towards Zero Engagement: “This is a great opportunity for Victoria’s budding young creatives to get some real experience in the film industry, while also starting a conversation with their peers about road safety.”

More than 270 young drivers aged 18 – 25 have lost their lives on Victorian roads in the last 10 years, making the competition an important initiative within TAC’s Towards Zero strategy.

Says Jacobs: “Young drivers are more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash than more experienced drivers. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to find new and innovative ways to engage with them and send crucial road safety messages.”

The Split Second Film Competition invites all Victorians aged between 18-25 to come up with an idea for a 45 second film that tackles mobile phone related driver distraction. Judged by a panel of film and advertising industry professionals, the lucky winner will receive a $50,000 production budget and have their idea produced by award-winning production house, Airbag. The winner will also receive $5,000 prize money and have their film shown before all MIFF screenings – over 530 total – throughout the festival and the regional travelling showcase.

Last year’s winner, Callum Borthwick (pictured), a 21 year-old film student from Swinburne, is proof that the competition opens doors for aspiring filmmakers looking to enter the industry too.

Says Borthwick: “Winning the competition was a transformative experience. Being involved with the whole process, from casting to editing, was beneficial to see how a bigger scale production gets pulled together. Since the film’s release, I’ve even had the opportunity to work across other paid projects.”

Artistic director of MIFF, Al Cossar, hopes the platform inspires creativity across all Victorians.

Says Cossar: “This is a great opportunity for the next generation to use their creative minds for something good. We can’t wait to see their take on communicating the dangers of distracted driving to their peers and MIFF audiences throughout this year’s festival.”

Find out more about the Split Second Film Competition and how to enter at miff.com.au/splitsecondfilmcomp.