Cash prizes offered for road safety film ideas

VICTORIAN filmmakers and content creators between the ages of 18 and 30 are invited to submit “attention-grabbing concepts” for future road safety campaigns aimed at their peers through the state government and Transport Accident Commission’s 2024 Split Second Competition.

Two winning entries will each be awarded a $5,000 cash prize and $35,000 production budget, along with mentoring from Truce Films and creative agency Taboo.

Submissions are required to focus on either fatigue or not wearing a seatbelt and must include an idea for a 45-second film/advertisement in the form of a written description (script, storyboard or synopsis) outlining the narrative, or entrants can upload a video of their concept.

The seatbelt category is open only to entrants who were born or have a parent who was born in a country where English is not the main language.

Young drivers continue to be involved in more crashes resulting in death and serious injury than any other group of drivers, and one of the most critical factors in those incidents is fatigue.

Research also shows that people aged 18 to 25 are most likely to have travelled as a driver and passenger without wearing a seatbelt.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the above factors continue to be significant contributors to road trauma in Victoria, and it only takes a split second for a life to be changed forever.

“By engaging young filmmakers and content creators, the Split Second competition aims to bring fresh, impactful perspectives on how these risks can be prevented,” she said.

Entries are open until November 24.

For further information please visit the Transport Accident Commission website.