Spotlight shines on talented Australian student filmmakers as National competition bestows awards
Wednesday 19th October 2011
The Dendy Opera Quays Cinema in Sydney opened its doors to more than 170 of Australia’s finest young student film makers at the annual Panasonic Kid Witness News (KWN) New Vision Awards yesterday.
The highly acclaimed winners on the night were top prize winner Mooloolaba State School, from Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and Ocean Reef Senior High School from the northern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia.
Mooloolaba State School took home top prize, the prestigious Australian Regional Award, as well as the Queensland State Primary Award and National Primary Award for its film, Grandpa. The students were also recognised for their technical excellence, taking home two National Spotlight Awards in the Concept and Writing categories. The film is a special dedication that tells in animation the true story of Mooloolaba student Ruby Lawrance’s Grandpa - Ian “Yappy” McDonald – a prawn fisherman who went down with his boat called Jodi off Caloundra in 1982.
Read more
KWN Judges provide their tips to making the best video
Hello 2011 KWN Team!
Hot off the press! We have some valuable words of advice to share with you from our KWN Ambassador - Toni Pearen and three Judges; Actor - Luke Carroll, INXS Lead Guitarist - Tim Farriss and Director - Khoa Do.
There are so many things to consider when creating a film – so we thought we’d pass on some valuable pointers that if followed, would turn a mediocre film into a fantastic, slick and exciting piece of art - worthy of a place at the KWN Asia-Pacific Regional Awards.
There were a few common points that all the judges highlighted as being key to your film making process:
Record more than one take when shooting a scene for your film. Make sure all elements (acting, sound, lighting) are perfect and you’re happy with your shot - remember, practice makes perfect!
Allow plenty of time to plan, shoot and edit your film. Even though the edit is the last stage in film making, it should never be rushed to meet your deadline. Don’t try and do it all in a few weeks – the judges will be able to tell!
Try making and playing the music yourself - you’ll score highly for being original and developing your own soundtrack. If you do use music from an artist make sure you are copyright clear!
Make sure your sound is mixed to the right levels – timing and tweaking your special sound effects and music is an important part of the editing process.
Use a mixture of shot sizes, types of shots and different camera angles to make your film more interesting to your audience. Good use of lighting is also key – we want to see all the action clearly.
To hear all the hot tips from the judges, click on the video links below. You will gain valuable inside words of advice and a list of things to remember and things to avoid when planning, filming and editing your masterpiece.
Remember! Film synopsis forms are due Friday 29th July and all final films are due Thursday 1st September.
Good luck!!!
KWN Team
KWN set to kick off in 2011
With teachers and students now back at school, the 2011 Panasonic Kid Witness News (KWN) program is set to kick off its biggest year yet. In 2011 over 64 primary and secondary schools across Australia will direct, produce and star in their own five minute feature video.
Developed in collaboration with The Department of Education, the KWN program integrates subjects such as English, Drama, Computer Studies, Creative Arts and Social Science, ensuring the program satisfies the education requirements of all primary and secondary students.
KWN challenged and motivated students as they commenced their introduction to the program through the Inspiration Session held across Australia from 18 - 26 March. Delivered by industry professionals, and featuring the popular young Australian actor Luke Carroll as guest speaker, the program will provide the grounding to encourage students to think more deeply, explore their creativity and develop communications skills through the use of technology.
2011 Inspiration Sessions:
Brisbane – Friday 18th March at Hotel Grand Chancellor
Sydney – Monday 21st March at Macquarie University, North Ryde
Hobart – Tuesday 22nd March at Hotel Grand Chancellor
Melbourne – Wednesday 23rd March at Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf
Adelaide – Thursday 24th March at InterContinental Hotel
Perth – Friday 26th March at Hyatt Regency Hotel
TV personality, Toni Pearen will once again be the ambassador for KWN and will host the New Vision Awards which will take place in October.
See Toni's tips for future stars of Hollywood and on the importance of recording the best take. Remember practice makes perfect.
As of October 2010, 679 schools and around 10,000 children are participating in 26 countries and regions around the world including Canada, USA, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Panama, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand and Australia.