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Screenwriters Hooked
The Peninsula Leader
Tuesday, November 11, 2003

By Julieanne Strachan
THE world's biggest short film festival will feature some familiar faces this year, as peninsula acting students prepare to put their talents on the big screen.

Work has begun on two productions, which will last about seven minutes.

Acting teacher and director Sally McLean said the prestigious event gave little-known actors a chance to shine. "I was planning to put together a film for Tropfest anyway and when it was suggested to me that I use my students in various acting roles it made a lot of sense," she said.

"It helps enormously, not only with the casting process, but it also means I get to write to the strengths of each student, which gives them something to use on their own showreels once they are out in the industry."

Ms McLean, who has performed in a range of television series and worked as a casting agent, said there was a lot of acting talent on the peninsula. "The classes we have been holding at the (Mt Martha) community house have been very popular and there's
an incredible amount of talent here," she said.

"Short films are great for experimentation and for getting messages across mainly through symbols rather than dialogue."

Scriptwriters have an unusual challenge before them.

"The theme for this year is 'hook'- that's the Tropfest signature item. It's so the judges know that this is a film created in the past few months - not old work, or something that has been screened elsewhere."

An audition workshop will be held on November 29. Details: actingup@salmac.com.