[press release from SPIN PR]
What does Australia’s premiere short film festival have in common with an iconic English pottery? That’s the $30,000 question, one Tropfest filmmaker is being given the chance to explore.
Movie Extra Tropfest for the first time, partners with luxury fine china brand Wedgwood to create an even more memorable experience for filmmakers and festival goers alike.
In addition to bringing a touch of elegance to the festival with the launch of a luxury Wedgwood picnic hamper, Tropfest and Wedgewood will give a past Tropfest finalist the opportunity to produce and direct a short film to celebrate Wedgwood’s 250th anniversary in 2009.
Wedgwood’s brief is simple: create an emotive and compelling short film to capture the genius, beauty and contemporary values of the Wedgwood brand, retelling the 250 year old story to a contemporary audience.
“Synonymous with the pursuit of artistic excellence the Wedgwood brand is a perfect, if not somewhat surprising fit for Tropfest. We believe we will bring a new dimension to the event, and our ability to tap into the bank of talent to direct our short film, available to us through only through the festival is extraordinary. It is a very exciting project for Wedgwood and one we are very proud to be associated with.” said Fiona Irving, Wedgwood Marketing Director.
Having been a two time Tropfest finalist (2007, 2008) and the winner of the 2008 Women in Film Award, filmmaker Jayne Montague, was confidently selected to produce and direct the film. For Jayne, not only is this a fantastic opportunity to explore the significant impact the brand has had in shaping the styles of dining rooms in millions of homes across the globe, it’s also an excellent platform to show case her filmmaking talents.
“It’s an honour to be selected by Wedgwood to direct and produce a short film which celebrates their brand’s 250th anniversary,” said Jayne Montague. “The world over Wedgwood is renowned for its uncompromising quality and classic design. It will be a pleasure to bring to life these values and the brand’s rich heritage in the medium of film and for our modern festival audience.”
Jayne’s film will be screened at the Movie Extra Tropfest festival on 22 February 2009 to a live audience of over 150,000 people on a single night and more than 1 million Movie Extra subscribers, as well as in-store at Wedgwood Lifestyle centres nationally, in cinemas and on the Movie Extra Tropfest 2009 Finalist DVD distributed via The Sydney Morning Herald.
However it’s not just Tropfest filmmakers who will be feeling the Wedgwood touch. Festival goers can enjoy the festival while sitting on plush Wedgwood branded picnic rugs and enjoy deluxe Wedgwood picnic hampers in association with Kitchen Event Catering. Picnic hampers are available for sale from 1 December at www.kitchencatering.com.au
With Tropfest renowned for launching some of Australia’s most talented new filmmaking talent, and Wedgwood’s evolving luxury brand, perhaps the $30,000 question won’t be that difficult to figure out.