Entries Open For Tropfest Film Competition

Annual celebration of Aussie cinema Tropfest has opened its entries for 2014, including for the fourth annual iteration of film-score competition Tropscore.

The renowned cinematic celebration is partnering up with music-industry body APRA AMCOS for the fourth year to present Tropscore, a competition for composers and songwriters that affords the opportunity to score one of Tropfest’s short films, with the winner looking at walking away with a cool $5000 in cash. Capture, a New York Tropfest finalist last year, will serve as the visual inspiration for the submitted works.

“We are really excited to offer this opportunity to songwriters and composers,” APRA AMCOS Manager of Film and TV Michelle O’Donnell said in a statement.

“It’s the only competition of its kind in Australia and really showcases how important music is in terms of creating certain moods and meanings in films. Whether you’re a songwriter, play in a band or compose, I’d encourage you to try something different and apply for Tropscore this year.”

Meanwhile, the main competition is tipped to be the biggest in the event’s history, with a formidable number of entrants expected to jostle for a place among the final 16 successful candidates who’ve most expertly interpreted the annual Tropfest Signature Item – in this case, Mirror (previous TSIs include topics such as Change, Balloon, Light Bulb and Key).

The Nikon DSLR Film Category making its return in 2014 as well, so if you’ve shot your film on a DSLR and remember to check the category box when you submit, you’ll go in the running to nab a brand new Nikon D610 and $3000 worth (RRP) of lenses and other accessories – and you’re still eligible for the main prizes!

That haul includes a mighty swag of goods this year, from a brand new Toyota and $10,000 in cash thanks to Kennedy Miller Mitchell, to a new Nikon D800 and $2000 of accessories, and a trip to LA where you can rub shoulders with film execs on the Motion Picture Association and the Australian Screen Association’s dime.

With a deadline of 6pm on October 2 (for both the main and Tropscore competitions), budding auteurs have a bit of time – but not as much as you’d think – to get their affairs in order for submission, which can be completed online.

See the Tropfest website for more information.