4 June 2004

Matthew Russ (left) and Tobias Robinson

Two Alice Springs teenage students have taken out an award from a national Film Festival.

Tobias Robinson and Matthew Russ won the best animation category at the 2004 15/15 Film Festival – a national event for aspiring film makers.

As entrants, the two Broadcasting and Multimedia Year 12 students from Charles Darwin University’s Alice Springs Campus were given the challenge to record a short film up to 15 minutes in length in 15 hours.

“At 8am we were handed a kit containing a bottle and a quote, okay you’ve got my attention I’m listening, both of which had to be incorporated into the film. The film had to be completed by 11pm,” said Mr Robinson.

The resulting a one and a half minute flash animation Bottle Horror, took out the Best Animation award. National winners from the 15/15 Film Festival will be screened at the Barcelona Film Festival held later this year.

“Bottle Horror is the story of two characters based on ourselves being chased by a giant bottle. The idea developed as we created each scene. One thing led to another and before we knew it, our 15 hours were nearly up,” Mr Robinson explained.

“We wanted the end product to be better but making an animation to such a tight schedule was a difficult task. For example, we wanted to do another four scenes and the sound mix was not what we were after. We spent four hours just downloading onto the computer for that alone.”

“Ultimately, our intention was to have fun. Winning the category was an absolute bonus – especially given that our entry was even awarded above the entry by our lecturer!” Mr Russ said.

“Participating in the Festival was a great process and a lot of fun. I recommend anyone interested in film or media to enter as you certainly learn an incredible amount,” Mr Robinson said.

The student’s Broadcasting and Multimedia Lecturer, Ronny Reinhard, said, “I’m a bit miffed to be honest. I entered and they beat me hands down!

“But seriously, I’m pleased for the guys. They’re strong on ideas and represent the new talent that is on display in Alice Springs.”

The two students’ future is tightly scripted; after further studies in 2D and 3D animation they want to get some hands on experience at a well-respected company and then form their own film or multimedia business.

Bottle Horror and other 15/15 Film Festival entries will screen at the Araluen Arts Centre on Saturday 16 July.