As many secondary students around the country work on their entries for the Cut! National Secondary Schools Short Video Competition, Hamilton has added a new challenge for local entrants. The year, the city will present an award for "Most creative use of a recognisably 'Hamilton' location or icon" within a Cut! film.As many secondary students around the country work on their entries for the Cut! National Secondary Schools Short Video Competition, Hamilton has added a new challenge for local entrants. The year, the city will present an award for "Most creative use of a recognisably 'Hamilton' location or icon" within a Cut! film.Hamilton City Council Marketing Manager Michelle Smith says the award offers entrants a chance to showcase their unique interpretation of Hamilton. "There are some wonderful locations and icons in our city. This category allows entrants to be creative in recognising and capturing their perspective of these city treasures".

In judging the award, the Cut! team will be looking for innovative, contemporary uses of a Hamilton location or icon. This could be achieved in a number of ways, including creative camera angles, editing, animation, or simply how the location/icon is used within the film. The inclusion itself can be pivotal or secondary, but should support the narrative and be integrated within it, rather than being too obvious. The location or icon chosen should be within the city limits, and generally considered to be recognisable as 'Hamilton'.

The winning entry will receive $500, of which half goes to the filmmaking team and half to their school.

Margi Moore, Media Arts Head of School, says the addition of the new award is an exciting reflection of how the competition continues to grow. "As Cut! increases its profile at a local and national level, it's great to welcome new supporters such as Hamilton on board. Establishing this award helps retain an important connection with our young Hamilton filmmakers and adds to the benefits Cut offers for entrants."

Cut! 08, run by Wintec's Media Arts department, is currently in its fifth year, and received a record number of entries in 2007 from all over New Zealand. Major awards presented include 'Best Drama', 'Best Documentary', and 'Best Director', and a great range of prizes is on offer, from iMac computers with Avid Media Composer to Ricoh digital cameras and a DSE iPod Touch. The closing date is October 22nd, and entrants can register online now at the Cut! website www.wintec.ac.nz/cut.

For more information about Cut!, including details of entrants making films in your area, or requests for Cut! posters, please contact Cut! Co-ordinator Dawn Tuffery at Dawn.Tuffery@wintec.ac.nz, or ph (07) 8348800 x 7576.

17/09/08