[Press release by Short Sited]
Six months after the successful satellite transmission of the 12th Short Sited Film Festival a.k.a [SHORT_SITED_v12.0], and three months after an intense coordinated production effort, Festival Director Tom Subjak is finally proud to announce the premier release of the 2008 festival on a 2-Disc Special Edition DVD, complete with fabulous bonus material.
The DVD received a Mature rating from the Australian Classification Board and will be made available to purchase from www.shortsited.org for the RRP of $24.95 from September 19. A first and exciting development in the festival’s history, it will also be exclusively available for rental at participating Video Ezy stores across the Illawarra and South Coast.
Video Ezy Illawarra marketing coordinator Joe Floro states, “The opportunity to promote grassroots filmmakers based in the Illawarra was difficult to pass up, especially with Short Sited packaging a DVD that is accessible for all audiences to enjoy! Video Ezy is absolutely proud to be supporting a local homegrown DVD rental of what is a focused and unique product.”
Tom Subjak says, “What this product delivers is one of the very few innovative film festival DVD packages ever to hit market. As a complete archive of all the hard work that is involved in producing for, and entering in, an annual short film festival, this DVD sets precedents simply never before seen anywhere in the world.”
As well as an enhanced presentation of the festival screening showcasing all 15 finalists short films including overall winner Christmas Bonus and audience favourite Hey Timothy!, the [SHORT_SITED_v12.0] Film Festival DVD contains a wealth of bonus features:
• Filmmaker audio commentaries: Gain exclusive insight from all finalist filmmakers as they talk about the trials and tribulations that went in to creating their short films!
• Film database: Similar to DVD chapter selection, this is essentially a digital program guide. It gives the viewer several details of a film such as its plot synopsis.
• Intermission music 5.1 surround mix: Remixed exclusively for DVD, enjoy the festival’s upbeat sci-fi musical styling, utilising the full capabilities of your home theatre system set up.
• Bonus film: Cowboys and Indians, the audience favourite film that originally screened at Short Sited 11 in 2007.
• Short look at [SS_v12.0]: Relive the excitement of the actual festival competition screening night, all captured on camera.
• Deleted scene: Finally be witness to a unique segment that was removed from the [SS_v12.0] opener at the last minute!
• Multi-view comparison: Take an interactive real-time look at the production process of the [SS_v12.0] opener – from storyboard to completion, with optional commentary from the festival creative team.
• Non-finalist montage: A homage sequence to all the entries that did not make final selection for competition.
• Media promotion: Get a chance to view all television commercials, radio spots and print ads that were designed to promote the festival!
• Design gallery: Flick through all the graphic design elements that went into designing the cohesive look of [SS_v12.0].
Also featured on the DVD is a teaser trailer for what will mark the 13th year of the festival, which will have a special Horror category to commemorate the distinction. It is hoped that it will encourage all filmmakers to enter the 2009 festival with an aim to gain a place on the next DVD!
Subjak finally adds, “This DVD is a positive bold step in moving the festival to the next level, both in providing new opportunities for filmmakers and creating community awareness via the branding of Video Ezy. The digital technology that allows these ideas to escape out in to the wider world just continues to amaze me! Please do give your support.”
So budding filmmakers, are you ready for next year? Rip in to it. Get involved. Short Sited the 13th – it will be screaming in 2009!
** Short Sited is the Illawarra’s largest and longest running short film festival since 1996. With a strong support network from local industry, business and media, Short Sited has developed a reputation for developing and providing an annual cultural event for local audiences to see the work of people from their city and region.