TAC calls on young creatives to reduce driver distraction through film with Split Second Film Comp via MIFF, Green Man Grants and Taboo

As part of the Towards Zero strategy, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) in partnership with the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) and Green Man Grants are putting the call out to young Victorians to help change the way we think about using mobile phones in cars.

Created by Melbourne agency, Taboo, the Split Second Film Competition invites creatives aged between 18-25 to create a 45 second road safety message designed to challenge young people’s distracted driving attitudes.

Find out more about the Split Second Film Competition and how to enter at miff.com.au/splitsecondfilmcomp

Judged by a panel of film and advertising industry professionals, the lucky winner will receive a $50,000 production budget from Green Man Grants and have their idea produced by award-winning production house, +ape. The winner will also receive $5,000 prize money and have their film shown across 500 MIFF screenings during the festival, from 2-19 August, and the regional travelling showcase.

Artistic director of MIFF, Michelle Carey, said that she hopes this competition will inspire a new generation of creative talent.

Says Carey: “This is a great opportunity for the next generation to use their creative minds for something good. We can’t wait to see their take on communicating the dangers of distracted driving to their peers and MIFF audiences throughout this year’s festival.”

Meg Jacobs, senior manager, Towards Zero Engagement, said involving young people in campaigns is the key to ensuring the road safety message gets through to young drivers.

Says Jacobs: “We want young Victorians to speak up and have their say on how we can keep them and their peers safe on our roads.

“Split Second empowers young people to create a short film that will cut through and send a message that there is a time and place to use your phone, and driving is not one of them. We know that a film made by a young person will resonate more with their peers than something that comes from the TAC or Government.”

Towards Zero acknowledges that making our roads a safer place is a shared responsibility for all road users. Split Second Film Competition is an important initiative, given that one of the biggest causes of driver distraction is mobile phone use. In fact, driving whilst using a handheld device increases the chance of crashing by up to four times. Victorians aged 18-25 can enter the competition and have been asked to submit an idea that addresses the theme ‘the problem is in our hands’.