YOOFTube the annual short film competition for ages 12-20 is on again this year, presented by South East Arts. The deadline for entries is 1 August, so now is the time that all those budding directors, camera operators, screenwriters and sound technicians should be putting the finishing touches to their work.
Anyone aged 12-20 in the Eurobodalla, Bega Valley or Snowy Monaro Regional Shire Council areas are eligible to enter.
Above: Young Snowy Monaro filmmakers working with Sats Kramer of Indigo Pictures at the Cooma Youth Hub for Filmmaking 101, run by YOOFTube
Above: Young filmmakers taking advantage of the green screen at South Tribe, Batemans Bay in the Filmmaking 101 Workshop run by Rima Edwards of Tuross, for YOOFTube.
Above: Young filmmakers working together at the Filmmaking 101 Workshop run by Hiromi Matsuoka and Sats Kramer of Murrah, for YOOFTube.
"You don't need fancy gear. Just a story idea and a bit of hard work. The maximum length is seven minutes, you can tell a pretty good story in that timeframe. Last year's winning film was only 32 seconds long. Entries have been open since April, we always get a mad rush at the end, but this year we've already received some entries which is really great," said YOOFTube Co-ordinator and Screen Industry Development Officer, Kate Howarth from South East Arts.
"We accept all types of film - comedy, drama, documentary, experimental, even music videos. There are a few rules, like make sure your music is original or that you have permission to use it, but other than that the topic, genre and method are entirely up to you. We have run Filmmaking 101 workshops in each Shire in the last few months, but if people missed them there are some great filmmaking tips and tricks on the YOOFTube Facebook page," said Mrs Howarth.
Each year the number of YOOFTube entries increases. Some previous YOOFTube entrants have gone on to study screen industry subjects at a tertiary level, some are working on productions as attachments or interns and others are now using their filmmaking talent in their school subjects. Some lucky winners get to spend time with professionals in the industry, there is a course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art on offer and cash prizes.
This year the Bega Valley Community Drug Action Team have come on board and have added an exciting prize to the swag already on offer. Any film, from any Shire, that includes drug and alcohol issues in the community, is eligible for the Mindbenders Prize, $200 for first and $100 for second. The overall winning film receives $1000 and there are various other prizes in various categories.
The films are judged by professional filmmakers and community members with the final 12 being shown on the big screen at venues throughout the three Shires in September for free.
More information on YOOFTube is available from www.southeastarts.org.au or phone 64920711.
