TAC LAUNCHES 2025 SPLIT SECOND COMPETITION WITH BUMPER BUDGET BOOST

by FilmInk Staff

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is offering young Victorians the chance to make a life-saving difference, with its Split Second Competition returning to inspire young people to play a role in reducing road trauma.

In its seventh year, the initiative is designed to engage young creatives aged 18-30, calling for compelling short films that capture the devastating consequences of a split-second decision on the roads.

The competition is open to filmmakers and content creators, with two winning entries each receiving a $5,000 cash prize, while a budget of $45,000 is allocated to produce each winning film. The two winners will also receive mentorship from Truce Films and creative agency TABOO.

For the second year, one of the winners will be selected from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, ensuring road safety messages resonate across Victoria’s multicultural communities.

Entrants are asked to focus on one of two risky behaviours: low-level speeding or not wearing a seatbelt – both behaviours that disproportionately affect young drivers and passengers.

Speeding – a new theme for this year – is a major factor contributing to trauma on Victorian roads, even at lower levels. Approximately 25 per cent of deaths and serious injuries on our roads involve people travelling 1-10 km/h over the limit. TAC research shows that people aged 18-25 are most likely to exceed the speed limit by 10km/h.

Seatbelts are a focus of the competition for the second consecutive year, with road trauma data showing around a quarter of young drivers and passengers killed on the roads in the past decade were not wearing a seatbelt.

“By engaging young filmmakers and content creators, we’re inviting fresh, authentic perspectives that can shift attitudes and save lives. We’re especially proud to continue highlighting voices of multicultural creatives, ensuring our messages reach and reflect the diversity of young Victorians” says TAC Chief Executive Officer, Tracey Slatter.

Olivia Hartanto, the competition’s first CALD winner, showcased the power of seatbelts, with her film featuring seatbelt wielding superhero ‘Captain Buckle’.

“Split Second gave me the chance to tell a story that felt personal and powerful. It was a huge step forward in my creative journey – and knowing it could help save lives made it even more meaningful” explains Olivia.

2024’s additional young creative crowned as a 2024 winner was Rhys Delios-Callanan – his short film, ‘Fashionably Late’ took a nostalgic nod to the simple days of the horse-and-carriage era to highlight the dangers of driving tired.

“The competition was a great experience. It challenged me to think differently, work with industry mentors, and create something that really mattered. It’s opened doors I never expected.”

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, emerging creative, or social media whiz who wants to make a difference to the lives of young Victorians, visit www.splitsecond.au to learn more.

Aspiring filmmakers and emerging creatives who want to make a difference to the lives of young Victorians, are encouraged to visit tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/split-second. Competition entries close at 11.59pm, 9 November.

ABOUT TAC

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is a Victorian Government-owned organisation set up to pay for treatment and benefits for people injured in transport accidents, promote road safety, and help Victorias get their lives back on track. TAC is committed to reducing road trauma and supporting those impacted by road accidents in Victoria. Through ongoing education, campaigns and community engagement, TAC works to make roads safer and prevent loss of life.

PREVIOUS WINNERS:

2024: ‘Fashionably Late’ by Rhys Delios Callanan