Flying Fives Films Wow Full House
The finalists in this year’s Flying Fives Film Awards screened in Nelson over the weekend are very much a part of the
growing international story telling trend as witnessed every day on the likes of YouTube.
That’s according to one of the judges for this year’s Flying Fives Short Film Competition and Festival, well known New
Zealand documentary and feature film director Barry Barclay.
Since last year's competition, YouTube has come on the scene. After only nine months, 65,000 short video clips are being
posted each day and in July there were over 100 million views every day.
“There’s a lot I find sad about YouTube, but there’s something huge going on here, of course, and it’s got the gurus
scratching their heads,” said Mr. Barclay
“What hit me was that each of these pieces, although very different in content and style, had a certain something going
for them. Perhaps it was that those who had posted them, had a confidence that what they had produced would be engaging
for somebody out there, that they had got it just right. Not for the whole world perhaps, but for somebody.
“A somebody beyond the industry and or beyond their film school tutors.
“I see similar conviction and dedication amongst those who have entered in Flying Fives this year and I am heartened for
our industry,” said Mr. Barclay.
The winner was: A Child Learns produced by Rick Roberts of Christchurch. Rick as won 50 Hours postproduction time in The
Film School's Final Cut Pro HD and Pro Tools Suites
At several hundred dollars an hour this is a very valuable prize for any filmmaker. Plus the winner will also receive a
mentoring session with top New Zealand film producer Dave Gibson of the Gibson Group
Second Prize went to: The Sunshine Man produced by Peter Tonks of Wellington. Peter has won an attachment to a Film
School crew shooting a film drama exercise in November/December 2006.
The first two films will also have their entry fees to the next Sundance Film Festival underwritten by the Flying Fives
The two Runners Up were first: Bulls Eye by Ollie Neas of Nelson and second Hobson’s Choice by Peter Friend of
Wellington.
All Flying Fives finalists will be included in the Rialto Channel screening of The Flying Fives Show Reel 2006 early in
the New Year.
ENDS