LOGIE AWARD WINNER KAT STEWART RETURNS AS JUDGE
Sydney, Australia, October 18, 2010 - The OPTUS ONE80PROJECT is back! The partnership between Optus and MTV will for the fifth time give aspiring Australian TV and film makers the chance to see their vision brought to life on the small screen.
The project has also received a welcome boost, with Logie award winning Australian actress and star of last years’ winning entry, Dungoona, Kat Stewart, coming on board for the second time and joining the panel of judges.
A joint initiative between Optus and MTV Networks Australia, in association with Event Cinemas, the OPTUS ONE80PROJECT, is an opportunity for aspiring Australian TV makers to turn a good idea into a big shot at the small screen. All you need to do is upload a 180 second pilot and treatment, and you could see your idea for a TV show brought to life with you at the helm.
Ten entries will be short-listed by Kat Stewart and a soon-to-be-announced panel of industry judges. Previous OPTUS ONE80PROJECT judges include Sam Neill, Twilight's Xavier Samuels, Abbie Cornish, Emily Barclay, Teresa Palmer, Alex Dimitriades and Sophie Lowe.
Michael Smith, Managing Director of Optus Consumer said, "We're very excited to be involved for a fifth year in this fantastic project. Optus ONE80PROJECT seeks out the best and brightest budding TV directors and enables them to achieve their dreams.
"Last year's entries were the highest quality yet, and to see the quality work which young Australians are capable of is truly inspiring. We're very much looking forward to seeing what is in store in this year's entries."
Logie award winning actress Kat Stewart said she was looking forward to returning for a second year as a judge of the competition. "I am delighted to be involved in the OPTUS ONE80 PROJECT again - this time as a judge. I applaud this competition's commitment to acknowledging and promoting fresh ideas and new talent. As an actor it was a great experience to witness first-hand what OPTUS ONE80 PROJECT enabled the inspiring team behind Dungoona to accomplish. I can't wait to see what this year's entries bring."
Stewart's performance as Roberta Williams in the acclaimed first series of Underbelly saw her receive an AFI Award for Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama and, in 2009, a Logie for Most Outstanding Actress. Recently Kat's television work has included series 1 & 2 of Tangle and Offspring.
To enter, contestants need to upload a 180 second pilot and treatment onto the OPTUS ONE80PROJECT website, www.one80project.com.au, from 12pm (AEDT), Friday October 15, 2010 until 5pm (AEDT), Friday January 14, 2011. All entries must be suitable for viewing on Optus smartphones and 3G mobile phones, internet and TV.
The public can choose the winner of the Peoples' Choice Awards by voting for 10 shortlisted pilots which will be available for Optus mobile customers to view on their 3G smartphones or mobile phones via the Optus ZOO Mobile TV site, or streamed from www.one80project.com.au from Monday, January 24, 2011 until Friday, February 25, 2011. Winners of the Judges' Choice Award and the Public Vote Award will be revealed at the OPTUS ONE80PROJECT Festival during March 2011.
Both winners will receive a prize package that will include a share in over $20,000 cash. The winner of the Judges' Choice Award will work with MTV's production team to shape their pilot into a full-length multi-platform drama which will premiere on Optus ZOO web and mobile portals and on MTV Australia.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OPTUS ONE80PROJECT AND HOW TO ENTER, LOG ONTO www.one80project.com.au
For further information:
Milly Gattegno
Publicist
milly.gattegno@mtvna.com.au
MTV Networks Australia
(02) 9921-0261
Siobhan Quinn:
Optus Corporate Affairs
Siobhan.Quinn@optus.com.au
(02) 8082 8432
About Optus
Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications. The company specialises in a broad range of communications services including mobile, local, national and long distance telephony, business network services, internet and satellite services and subscription television. For more information please visit www.optus.com.au
About Optus Mobile TV
Mobile TV gives Optus 3G customers the chance to access the biggest TV brands on their mobiles, both live and on demand. Channels include: MTV, Sky News, South Park, The Hills and more. Access is through Optus ZOO, for more information please visit www.optus.com.au/mobiletv
About MTV Networks Australia
MTV Networks Australia & New Zealand is a 24 hour music and entertainment network. In Australia, the award-winning multi-platform operation comprises MTV, MTV Classic and TMF (The Music Factory). The network also operates kids' brands Nickelodeon and Nick Jnr. MTV Networks Australia is broadcast via Foxtel, AUSTAR (basic) and Optus: MTV - channel 124/MTV Classic/TMF - channel 812 /Nickelodeon - channel 701/ Nick Jnr - channel 703. In addition to showcasing local and international artists, the network also houses a portfolio of 22 digital brands and is the home of first-run international content including Jersey Shore, the VMAs and the EMAs. MTV is also Australia’s leading provider of mobile video content. MTV Networks is the largest television network in the world and a leading creator of content across all platforms. MTV Networks is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA. B).