Trop Jr – the world’s largest short film festival for kids, by kids – announces junior movie makers have just four weeks to get their films in by Thursday 5 January, 2012 at 6pm (AEDT). Incredible prizes are up for grabs as well as the opportunity for finalists to have their short films screened at the Domain in Sydney ahead of the iconic Movie Extra Tropfest event on Sunday 19 February 2012.
Finalists will be competing for a stack of awesome prizes that have just been revealed. The winner receives a huge cash prize of $2,500 thanks to new major partner, LOL 99% fizzy fruit juice; a digital video camera and filmmaking experience from ABC3 and $1000 worth of short courses through the AFTRS open programme.
Two runner up’s will each receive $1,000 in Onitsuka Tiger products, and $750 worth of equipment hire and post-production facilities at Metro Screen in Sydney.
To enter, young people aged 15 years or under must create a film that is no longer than seven minutes, and include the Trop Jr Signature Item for 2012 – JUICE.
Last year 15 year-old Simeon Bain beat 13 other finalists with his film “Imagine” an action flick that dealt with a seemingly average teenager who turns into a highly trained special operative after receiving an order from headquarters.
Bain says, “Since Trop Jr I’ve had so many fantastic opportunities in the film industry. I was able to do work experience at ABC 3 and help out in a real television studio. My dream of being a filmmaker is being realised”
Tropfest Founder and Director, John Polson says, “Now in its fourth year Trop Jr just keeps growing. The number of entries has doubled year-on–year for the past couple of years, and the quality of films we receive is astounding. There are some future big time Aussie film directors out there for sure.”
Back for the second year, the Onitsuka Tiger Prize for Fearless Filmmaking recognises brave and bold filmmaking. The winner receives Onitsuka Tiger merchandise and the opportunity to create a 3-minute short film inspired by the Onitsuka Tiger brand. The winner is paired up with a past Tropfest finalist who will guide and mentor the junior filmmaker through the entire filmmaking process.
Trop Jr has become a major draw card for young film lovers across the nation, attracting thousands of fans every year. Organisers anticipate this year will be even bigger, so get those cameras rolling!
From school groups, to individual school holiday projects, Trop Jr is about encouraging kids to explore their creative talents, get experience in filmmaking and shine amongst their peers.
Entry to Trop Jr is free! To get your lights, camera, and action going for the 2012 festival check out www.tropjr.com for tips, hints and to view all 14 Finalists from the 2011 festival.
Visit www.tropjr.com for entry information and subscribe to Trop Jr News for regular updates. If you’re too old for Trop Jr, visit Movie Extra Tropfest Australia at www.tropfest.com/au for festival details.
