Calling all filmmakers, vloggers, animators!
Whether you’re an aspiring Steven Spielberg or simply bubbling with creative ideas and own a smartphone, you’re in luck because Optus has announced their Connect5 short film competition. By submitting a five-minute film, you could win up to USD $30k!
This awesome competition is open to everyone. You have until 1 October 2017 to submit an original five-minute short film centred on how lives change for the better when people reach out and connect with each other. The theme of “connecting lives” is quite broad and open to interpretation; whether it’s two people meeting for the first time, a group of mates hanging out, or simply having a conversation. But if you think you can squeeze in a film on the scale of Christopher Nolan, you may need to reconsider how you approach your film. Think on the scale of those Disney shorts like Piper or Tim Burton’s Vincent.
There will be two winners of Optus’ Australian Connect5 competition and they will each receive $10000 AUD cash prize and a trip with a friend to Singapore for the regional finals in November. From there the winners will go head-to-head with the winners from Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand with the chance to win USD $30000 as the grand winner, and USD $15000 as the runner-up. In addition, there will be a regional people’s choice competition with USD $3000 and $2000 awarded to the winner and runner-up.
Now that is a lot of moola.
According to Genevieve Clay-Smith, Connect5 ambassador and judge, getting noticed is “one of the biggest hurdles facing aspiring Australian filmmakers.
“Connect5 presents an opportunity for filmmakers to elevate their profile and showcase their work to millions of people on an international stage. If you’re looking to make a name for yourself in the film industry – whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or you’re shooting your first film on a smartphone – I’d encourage you to get involved with Connect5 and get noticed.”
Furthermore, Optus, as an entertainment brand, is all about supporting new content creators and helping grow creative talent. According to Ben White, Managing Director of Marketing and Product, Optus “can help kick-start careers of aspiring filmmakers by sharing their work across our platforms and showcasing their talent to our large base of customers who are passionate about great entertainment.”
“Connecting people is at the heart of what we do at Optus, so we look forward to seeing talented filmmakers’ interpretations of ‘Connecting Lives’ and to hearing their stories about how connection fosters love and hope.”
It’s up to you now, folks. Good luck on your filming endeavours!
For full submission requirements and to enter Connect5 visit optus.com.au/connect5 between now and 1 October 2017.