Press release from Metro Screen
After five solid pitches from five solid NSW filmmakers our esteemed judging panel debated into the night to decide who the state champion would be.
Taking out the title of NSW champion was Maria Tran who will now represent NSW at The National Pitch competition 12 Oct. The National Pitch is brought to you by Screen Development Australia [SDA].
“The pitch competition was great, the chance to put myself out there, to see how my ideas effects others and to see if it’s what people want to see, makes me really proud to be myself and stay connected to my stories and communities” Maria Tran
Maria Tran is a director and producer of low budget features and short length films which include “Maximum Choppage: Round 2”, she is currently working with SBS on “Once Upon A Time in Cabramatta” and is completing her documentary “Quest for Jackie Chan!”
What the judges had to say.
“…Marias’ stories aren’t in our market…” Lisa Gray – Head of Content, The Feds
“…we don’t see these stories on our screen…” Sally Regan – Development and Production Executive, Screen NSW
“…Maria’s pitch was infectious….” Louise Smith – Producer, Film Depot and Metro Screen Board Member
“…Maria’s connection was great…” David Opitz, Projects and Productions Manager, Metro Screen
This is a great outcome for a storyteller with true passion for cross cultural, cross creative collaboration and a strong desire to work both in and with Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Metro Screen congratulates all five pitching contestants whose slate, skills and ability to capture an audience with their stories was apparent in their pitches, we wish them all a lot of success.
State based competitions are being held all over Australia by Screen Development Australia [SDA], which includes Metro Screen [NSW], Media Resource Centre [SA], Open Channel [VIC], Film and Television Institute [WA], QPIX [OLD] and Wide Angle Tasmania [TAS].
The National Pitch ultimate champion will receive the title of Australian representative at the Beijing Film workshop, return flights from their capital city to Beijing, accommodation for three nights, workshop registration and airfares sponsored by Screen Australia. For more information on The Film Workshop Beijing see here http://www.metroscreen.org.au/events/The_National_Pitch_2011