Press release from AFI
Today the Australian Film Institute (AFI) announces that entries are now open for the 2010 Samsung Mobile AFI Awards in all categories: Screen Content Innovation, Documentary, Short Fiction Film, Short Animation, Feature Film and Television.
The AFI Awards are held each year to celebrate excellence in Australian film and television. These are the most prestigious and recognised screen entertainment awards in Australia, and the recent and continuing successes of local content on big and small screens alike is already generating significant anticipation ahead of what’s likely to be another intensely competitive awards season. The 2010 Samsung Mobile AFI Awards will be held in Melbourne.
The AFI rigorously review the Awards process each year as we endeavour to grow in step with the ever changing landscape of our industry.
As a result of the annual review, the AFI has made the following rule changes for the 2010 Samsung Mobile AFI Awards:
SAMSUNG MOBILE AFI AWARD FOR SCREEN CONTENT INNOVATION CASH PRIZE
In 2009, the AFI inaugurated the exciting new AFI Award for Screen Content Innovation and it was presented at the AFI Outstanding Achievement Dinner in August to the ABC’s Gallipoli: The First Day.
The AFI is delighted to announce that our naming rights sponsor, Samsung Mobile, in their continued pursuit of cutting edge technology and excellence in innovation, have generously offered a cash prize of $20,000 for the winner of the Samsung Mobile AFI Award for Screen Content Innovation. Further information on this exceptional opportunity, can be obtained at www.afi.org.au/awards
FEATURE FILM ELIGIBILITY REVISION (Direct Entry & Pre-Selection)
This year, in light of the welcome volume of Australian features films in theatrical release, direct entry into the 2010 Samsung Mobile AFI Awards will be limited to films having a minimum 5 capital city release. Films achieving a 2-4 capital city release in the period are eligible for pre-selection. Certain limitations are imposed upon eligibility in order to ensure the most successful, practical and financially responsible program possible. Further information can be obtained at www.afi.org.au/awards
AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION DEFINITION EXPANSION
The AFI has expanded further its definition of an “Australian” production to assist in assessing the eligibility of entries in 2010. In addition to the existing guidelines for determining “Australianness” the AFI will also refer to the Broadcasting Services (Australian Content) Standard 2005. Further information can be viewed at www.afi.org.au/awards
STUDENT FEATURE FILM ENTRIES CONDITION
Further to the limitations of Feature Film eligibility detailed above, a Feature Film will not be able to enter through direct eligibility if it was created in the course of, as a result of, or predominantly for the purposes of, completing a course at a school or tertiary institution or any other educational program. These entries will be required to enter through pre-selection. Further information can be viewed at www.afi.org.au/awards
AFI CEO, Damian Trewhella, said of this year’s call for entries:
“The range and quality of local screen productions in 2009 was outstanding, best ever according to some. We’re delighted that this trend appears set to continue throughout 2010, providing further satisfaction for enthusiastic audiences and raising the stakes ahead of what’s likely to be another stirring awards season. To top this, the AFI is thrilled that Samsung Mobile have very generously committed a $20,000 cash prize to the critical new area of screen content innovation. The scene is now set for the 2010 Samsung Mobile AFI Awards. It’s going to be a great year.”
The Australian Film Institute (AFI) is Australia’s foremost screen culture organisation. The AFI has recognised and celebrated excellence in Australian film and television for over 50 years through the annual AFI Awards ceremony.
For further details on how to enter the 2010 Samsung Mobile AFI Awards,
go to www.afi.org.au/awards
To join the AFI, visit www.afi.org.au/join
The AFI is calling for jurors to take part in judging the 2010 Samsung Mobile AFI Awards, to be held in Melbourne.
Jurors are required for the Screen Content Innovation, Feature Film Pre-Selection, Documentary, Television, Visual Effects, Short Animation and Short Fiction Film juries. Each AFI Awards jury is created with representatives across all industry crafts and jurors play an integral role in selecting this year’s AFI Award winners.
If you are a member of the AFI with professional film or television credits, you are eligible to become an AFI Awards juror. If you are not an AFI member, but are a member of another screen industry guild we encourage you to consider taking part in the AFI Awards by becoming a professional AFI member.
The AFI is seeking industry professionals with relevant expertise to be a part of the following juries:
JURY
VIEWING & MEETING
Screen Content Innovation
May – June
Feature Film Pre-Selection
June – July
Short Fiction & Short Animation
June – July
Documentary [Series, Under One Hour and Feature juries]
June – July
Television Drama
July – September
Television Comedy Series & Light Entertainment Series
July – September
Children’s Television [Drama and Animation]
July – September
Visual Effects
August – September
Documentary Craft Jury
September – October
Television Grand Jury
September – October
Young Actor
September – October
For more detailed information regarding Juror eligibility, process and requirements, please visit www.afi.org.au/juror
Expressions of interest and a current CV or details of your professional screen guild accreditation should be emailed to the AFI Awards Manager, Helene Carter at awards@afi.org.au by 5pm Friday 23 April, 2010.
For information about becoming a professional AFI member please visit www.afi.org.au or contact the AFI Membership Department on 1300 139 697.