11 December 2007

Dear %PERS_NAME%,

Attention all people in the Screen Industry, we have 2 great initiatives happening that you can be involved in.

1. Measuring the value of training in Victoria's Screen Industry www.survey.theworklab.com.au

Do you want to have your say about skill development within the industry? Do you want to provide an accurate snapshot of how people work? You can, by being involved in the project for the Office of Training and Tertiary Education (OTTE) that sets out to measure the value of training in Victoria's Screen Industry.

We have devised a short (yes it really is short) survey to establish the following:

1. What are the current skills shortage areas within the screen industry (film, television and games)?

2. What are those working in the industry doing in terms of employment, volunteering and training?

The main outcome of this could be an increase in and improvement to the delivery of training to meet current and future employment opportunities and industry needs.

How can you contribute?

We would like to invite you to undertake the following short survey which has been designed to gather relevant industry information. This should only take a few minutes to complete and is critical to the success of the project. www.survey.theworklab.com.au

Why does this need to be done now, just before Christmas and the New Year?

OTTE needs to get the completed report by the end of January as that's when planning starts for the next 3 years funding of the Vocational Education and Training sector in Victoria. We are hopeful that the results will result in an increase in public funding for appropriate training in Screen in Victoria.

2. Make A Film. Make A Difference (MAFMAD) www.mafmad.com.au

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will open its 2008 Make A Film. Make A Difference. (MAFMAD) short film competition on the 1st January 2008.

The competition is entering its sixth year of existence and previous winners have received some fantastic recognition for their achievements. Just recently, three previous winners each picked up an award at the United Nations Global Road Safety Film Awards and one of these winners is currently secured work with a Hollywood director.

In 2008, the TAC is calling on young film makers, 25 and under, to write an idea for a short film that will challenge young people's attitudes to driving, risk taking and looking out for their mates.

From the ideas submitted, two film makers will be given the go-ahead to produce their short films with a budget of $20,000. This is an opportunity to work with the TAC and industry mentors in developing a film that will make a difference. Once produced, the films will be shown in cinemas and at youth events over the next three years. Winners will also receive a $5,000 cash prize.

This competition will be of interest to some of your students as it is a great opportunity for young filmmakers to develop their craft and explore a challenging topic.

A representative of the TAC would be happy to address your class and students about the competition and field any questions they may have. If this is of interest, please call on (03) 9664 7503 and speak with Shenagh Macrae.

Further information on the competition can be found at www.mafmad.com.au along with previous winning films. 2008 Competition information will be available from the 1st January 2008 and entries will close 30th May 2008.