Optus launches mobile film competition

Optus has partnered with MTV and Sony Ericsson to launch a new program aimed at sourcing mobile content from the local film and television industry.

The One80Project invites writers, directors and producers to create a 3 minute
Script and pilot suitable for viewed on a mobile phone.

Winners selected by the public, and a panel lead by screenwriter and film director, artistic director, Company B, Neil Armfield, will then be developed into full-length programs for screening on MTV Australia and on Optus’ Zoo website.
The competition is open now and closes on 24 November.

Optus Consumer group marketing director Michael Smith said that the project would provide a channel for the energies of budding drama makers across the country.

MTV Australia MD Dave Sibley said One80 was an example of a multi-platform project with TV, mobile and online working in a complementary way.

The Web and drama was also melded last month when Yahoo!7 announced the launch of its PS Trixi interactive drama series.

The initiative, a cross between an online drama and an interactive game, offers 2000 pages of content, 140 webcam videos, 22 games, 1000 emails and 30 podcasts.

In a move which is likely to fuel more of these collaborations between content providers and telcos, ICT Minister Helen Coonan has said that she intends to introduce legislation that will see the formation of two additional free to air digital channels.

Both channels will be allocated as separate, national licences valid for 10 years with the option of a five year extension.

Channel ‘A’ will be used for the transmission of free-to-air services which can be received on a standard digital TV receiver. Channel ‘B’ will be reserved for emerging digital services such as mobile TV.

With the new services consumers would also be able to access improved multi-channels from the ABC and SBS, Coonan said.

“The commercial broadcasters will also be permitted to provide a High Definition multichannel from 2007 and a Standard Definition multichannel from 2009."