TAC Announces Winner Of Talent Scouting ‘Split Second Film’ Competition

Aspiring young Victorian filmmakers have been given the chance to bring their cinematic vision to life on the big screen, as part of the fourth annual Victorian Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Split Second Film Competition.

The competition invites 18–24-year-old Victorians to help tackle key road safety issues affecting the community through their own creativity.

The 2021 competition cast a spotlight on the risks of drink driving, an issue that is of particular concern among young Victorians.

Research shows that around one in five drivers and riders killed on Victorian roads have a BAC over the legal limit of 0.05

This year’s winning script, ‘To Die For’- conceived by 21 year-old, Felix Barnett – was selected from over 300 submissions, a record for the competition.

Barnett’s script looks at the ingredients of a ‘car crash’ through the lens of an upbeat bartender, mixing a seemingly ordinary cocktail.

Barnett was awarded $5000 cash and a $70,000 production budget to bring his road safety script to life in collaboration with award-winning production partners, Sweetshop, and creative agency TABOO.

The haunting short film will screen at Village cinemas across Victoria to remind the community about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Associate creative director of TABOO, Steph Kitchin, said: “What’s so unique about the Split Second Film Competition is it’s an opportunity for young Victorians to actually be part of the solution and use their creativity for good.

“We can often feel like the outcomes on our road are out of our control, but it’s up to every single person to make better decisions, that’s how will can affect change.

“We gravitated to Felix’s script because it dramatizes a key moment where the decisions around drink driving are made – at the bar”.

TAC head of road safety, Samantha Cockfield, added: “Each year we are in awe of the talent amongst entries and Felix’s film shone bright.

“‘To Die For’ will play a crucial role in educating young drivers of the risks associated with drink-driving and could help save lives on Victorian roads.”

The film will screen across Victoria this February in partnership with Village Cinemas.

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