Curtain rises on new TAC youth films

11 Nov 2003

Media Release - 11 November 2003

TAC Minister Rob Hulls today launched two short films by young directors Shannon Sleeth and Thomas Kinsman as part of a new TAC program designed to combat risk taking among young drivers.

Chosen from nearly 100 scripts, the directors were given the opportunity to make their films when their entries won the TAC Make a Film, Make a Difference competition earlier this year.

Following the theme "your mate's life is in your hands", the films explore one of the most powerful influences among young people: friendship.

Mr Hulls commended the filmmakers for their creative portrayal of issues confronted by young drivers and their passengers.

"These films are innovative, thought provoking and most importantly are made by film makers who are in the same age group as the target audience," Mr Hulls said.

"Changing young driver behaviour is a huge challenge and so having the involvement of directors who are so young, provides us with a fresh and welcome perspective."

As the winning entrants, the film makers were each given a budget of $10,000 to make their films, mentorship with two of Melbourne's premier production houses and a $5,000 production grant towards their next project.

Mr Hulls said that film had been selected as a medium because of its currency with youth culture.

"Young people aged between 16 and 25 years, see more films than any other age group and given that they are also more often killed on the road than any other age group, the choice was obvious," he said.

"Last year 94 young people died and 1,517 sustained serious injuries on Victorian roads.

"These films won't save lives on their own, but as part of existing efforts, they will make a difference."

The two new films will be screened in cinemas around the State from Wednesday, 12 November.

Victoria's road toll currently stands at 289 down from 340 for the same period in 2002 (a decrease of 15%).

Victoria's youth road toll (16-25 years) currently stands at 68 down from 103 for the same period in 2002 (a decrease of 34%)

Further information:

Joel Deane 0407 139 441