Make A Film. Make A Difference - MAFMAD

The 2012 'Make A Film. Make A Difference.' competition opens on the 20th of May.

It's quick and simple to enter and all you need is a fresh idea for a short film that will get your mates to think twice about taking risks on the road.

The theme is Party in the Car - we're looking for films that explore the dynamics between young people travelling together on a night out.

Two winners will be given $20,000 each to produce their film and will also receive a $5,000 cash prize.

So, if you're 25 or under and have a creative idea for a short film that will make a difference, then check out the brief. You can view previous winning films and hear what MAFMAD mentors have to say about what makes a winning entry.

So start thinking and brainstorming, entries close at 5pm on Wednesday 20th June 2012.

Remember you can keep up to date with MAFMAD on Facebook.

The MAFMAD competition calls on young film makers, 25 and under, to write an idea for a short film that will challenge young people's attitudes to driving, independence and looking out for their mates. MAFMAD is entering it's ninth year of existence and during this period, 19 exceptional films have been produced by young Victorians.

From the ideas submitted, two filmmakers are given the go-ahead to produce their short films with a budget of $20,000, providing an opportunity to work with the TAC in developing a film that will make a difference.

Once produced, the films will be shown in cinemas, online and at youth events. Winners will also receive a $5,000 cash prize.

This competition forms part of the TAC's youth risk taking marketing strategy targeting 16-25 year olds. Research suggests that this age group is more receptive to peer-to-peer marketing rather than traditional mass media. This competition was consequently developed with the premise that they are short films with valuable messages created by young people, for young people.

Tom's short film centres around two best friends on their way to a party. Amped and excited about the night ahead, Jake is given grim warnings about the distractions occurring around him and the consequences they may have, should he choose not to alter the situation.

You can also view and share 'Room for one more?' on YouTube

Tess Fisher's film 'Adventure' explores the theme of choices between two friends.

In one scenario Harry decides to get into an unsafe car on the journey home. On the other hand his friend James decides to take the safer option and walk. Both encounter separate adventures with very different consequences.

This short film shows a 'sliding doors' approach to what might happen travelling home from a party environment.

You can also view and share 'Adventure' on YouTube

How to enter

Firstly, you must be 25 years or under. Submit an idea for a short film that will challenge young people's attitudes about driving, independence and what it means to be a mate and address the issue of "party in the car". The style you choose to communicate your idea is entirely up to you. You could use documentary style, animation, a music clip, or whatever else your imagination can conjure.

However, the one style the judges aren't seeking is a traditional TAC road safety ad. This means nothing that's gruesome or uses car crashes to make the point. These strategies are used already by the TAC. The whole point of this competition is to do something different. The judges are also looking for ideas for short films that will be shown in cinemas, not 30-second TV advertisements.

If you want some inspiration, you might want to take a look at past winners.

So get familiar with the brief for 2012, have a think about your own experiences and let your imagination do the rest.

Entries to the Competition will be accepted until 5pm 20/06/12

Enter now

Or you can view the pdf documents that contain the information about the compettion

• MAFMAD Brief (pdf)
• MAFMAD FAQ (pdf)
• MAFMAD Judging Criteria (pdf)
• MAFMAD Keydates (pdf)
• MAFMAD Production Guidlines (pdf)
• MAFMAD Terms and Conditions (pdf)

Key Dates

Competition closes
Wednesday 20th June 2012

Eight finalists announced
Friday 13th July 2012

Finalists meet judges and develop scripts
Tuesday 17th July 2012

Finalists submit their scripts
Wednesday 1st August 2012

Two winners announced
Monday 6th August 2012

Winners meet their mentors and commence production
Monday 13th August 2012

Winners submit finished films
Monday 22 October 2012

Winning short films launched
November/ December 2012

Make A Film. Make A Difference (MAFMAD) has been running since 2003 with some great entries over the years. They are all available to view on youtube. REmeber once you have watched these films to share them with your friends to help make a difference