AACTA and Sony launch short film pitch for student filmmakers

AACTA and Sony have joined forces to launch a national short film launch competition for student filmmakers, with production funding valued at $ 15,000.

Registrations are now open for AACTA Pitch: Focus, with teams consisting of a director, screenwriter, producer, editor and cinematographer with at least one team member actively pursuing studies in film or screen.

Teams are invited to submit their creative ideas for a short fictional film (4 to 10 minutes) via a three-minute video pitch.

The top five entries will then receive a Sony Loan Equipment Kit, valued at over $ 2,500, to complete a short two-week proof of concept.

These teams will then participate in a live pitch at the AACTA ScreenFest in December.

Each finalist will have the opportunity to show their proof of concept and pitch their short film in front of a jury for the chance to win the grand prize which includes $ 15,000 in production funds, a loan of Sony equipment (of a value over $ 6,000), feedback and advice throughout the production process,
Mentorship opportunities and tickets for the 2021 AACTA Awards. The winner will also be included in the Sony Film Festival 2022.

“Sony is delighted to be able to offer this exciting opportunity to students currently studying film, film and filmmaking across Australia. Sony hopes this development initiative will unearth Australian rising stars in cinema and provide a platform for the future careers of Australian filmmakers, ”said Jun Yoon, Head of Digital Imaging, Sony Australia.

AACTA Awards and Industry Development Director Ivan Vukusic hopes the initiative will encourage and nurture the next generation by providing platform, mentorship and equipment.

“We look forward to seeing this year’s nominations and look forward to providing more opportunities for young Australian creatives on screen in the future.”

Projects that demonstrate the following are likely to be the most successful:
• New, creative and unique ways to engage audiences;
• Strong characters who resonate with the public;
• Ideas that bend genres and innovate.

Admission is $ 50 for teams that have at least one AACTA member and $ 90 for teams made up of non-members. Registration for the first round ends on October 25.

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