Melbourne WebFest program launch.
Melbourne WebFest has unveiled the program for its fourth edition, to be held July 1-3 at Deakin Edge, Federation Square.
After receiving a record 230 submissions, a total of 55 web series represented from 15 different countries were selected as the 2016 Official Selection to screen at the festival.
"The selection panel’s job is getting more difficult every year, and this is a great testament to the quality of web series being produced in Australia and around the world", said festival director Steinar Ellingsen.
"This year’s selection is undoubtedly the strongest we’ve ever had, and it’s also the most diverse.”
In a festival-first, creators will have the chance to pitch their idea for an original web series at ‘Pitch Perfect @ MWF with ABC iview', an interactive pitching competition that will earn the winner $5000 towards script development.
The cash prize is intended to cover a trip to Marseille WebFest to attend their screenwriting residency, which is sponsored by Fox Digital.
The Industry Development Day, hosted by LaTrobe University, will include master classes and cutting edge workshops on VR technology, pitching, and audience engagement and directing.
In 2015, Melbourne WebFest acknowledged web series creators, cast and crews with an Official Selection of 51 series and 16 awards.
This year the Official Selection consists of 55 web series and a total of 23 awards will be handed out.
Opening Night on 1 July will feature a keynote presentation from John Cabrera (Gilmore Girls, H+: The Digital Series) and the premiere of Melbourne WebFest’s very own web series, Melbourne WebFest Presents: 2046.
The festival is supported by the City of Melbourne, LaTrobe University, ABC iview and Fed Square.
Full program details can be found at www.melbournewebfest.com