That's a wrap!

The 2010 Kid Witness News Inspiration Sessions wrapped up on Friday, March 26, in Perth. Over the course of a week, 550 students and teachers from 38 schools across Australia attended video-making workshops in their home States. They were taken through the ins and outs of film production by award-winning film director Khoa Do; industry recognised director, camera operator and editor Shane McLachlan and producer Sarah Garnett.

Speaking about his passion for film production, Khoa Do, said, "I developed a love for film making at a very young age and would have jumped at the chance to be a part of a program like KWN. Film making has taught me so many important skills and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to share what I have learnt with the students."

At the workshops, students and teachers were taught a whole range of new skills including the 5 C's of Cinematography - Creativity, Camera Angles, Composition, Continuity and Cutting. Overall, the sessions were a great success and everyone involved had fun, which is what film making and the KWN program is all about! ,

Check out the students from Queensland in action at their KWN Inspiration Session!

Panasonic Managing Director Steve Rust looks forward to another blockbuster year of KWN

Kid Witness News (KWN) is back in the limelight for 2010 and with 63 schools participating, it is sure to be an exciting year.

I would first like to start by welcoming all the schools who have returned for 2010 as well as the new schools who have joined the program this year. Over the past six years, I have seen KWN inspire creativity and encourage teamwork among students and I have no doubt that this year we will see the same.

For the third year in a row, Toni Pearen will be involved in the program as the official KWN Ambassador and will again host the New Vision Awards, where I will be looking forward to seeing the amazing efforts of our participating schools.

The KWN program is an overwhelming success because of all of you and I would like to thank you for your unwavering commitment to the program.

Finally I would like to wish all schools, students and teachers the best of luck for 2010; now lets start those cameras' rolling!

Steve Rust

'Behind the scenes' with Khoa Do

	If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be?
	I would take my laptop with wireless internet connection! That way, I can write film scripts, watch movies, look at all my favourite photos and stay in touch with the rest of the world! Also, I can email someone to come and get me if I get too bored.
	What is your favourite movie genre?
	My favourite movie genre changes all the time. It used to be comedy, then art house dramas for a long time but currently its action films and thrillers.
	If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
	If I could have a superpower, it would be telepathy! It would be fantastic to know what people are thinking without having to say a word. Many of the best moments in film are those moments between the lines - when nothing is spoken, yet everything is understood.
	Who or what inspired you to become a film director?
	I was inspired to become a film director from my passion for telling stories. Growing up, I used to love all forms of the arts - drawing, painting, music and photography. With film, I found a way to incorporate all these passions into one form. Film directing allows me to explore stories I care about, stories that are original and inspiring.
	What one piece of advice would you give to students participating in the 2010 KWN program?
	Let your creativity take you places you never dreamt possible. Find an original idea, one which has something to say, and work hard to make it happen.

Cameras Start Rolling on KWN Submissions

'Kid Witness News - Scene one, take one a...n...d action!' With the curtains up, KWN participants are preparing their short video submissions for the 2010 New Vision Awards.

It is an exciting time of year for all of you budding filmmakers out there, as it is time to get those creative juices flowing and start working on your five minute short video submission, if you haven't already started of course.

Each year, I am amazed at what all of the participants are able to achieve, and I am sure my already high expectations will be surpassed again this year. For many of you it will be your first time ever writing a script, editing or directing a video, so make sure to ask your KWN Coordinators and peers for any advice, or simply check out the KWN website for some insider tips

I consider myself very lucky to be the ambassador for KWN and I love seeing everyone get involved and work together. I can't wait to see your entries for 2010 and celebrate your achievements at the New Vision Awards in Sydney.

Best of luck and remember to keep up the hard work.

Toni

Tips for Teamwork

The best videos are produced by the teams that work the best together

Tip 1
It is always important to listen to your fellow film makers, as everyone's contribution is important.

Tip 2
Working as a team means communicating as a team. To get the most out of your team you need to communicate with each other.

Tip 3
If everyone participates equally than this will ensure that all tasks are completed on time and with care.

Reach for the sky

This year there are heaps of Kid Witness News awards up for grabs, giving all KWN participants something to aim for.

In 2010 there are two awards for each state, one for primary school students and the other for secondary school students. Five spotlight awards for excellence in concept, writing, videography, sound and editing are also on offer.

There are also two national awards, one for primary students and the other for the secondary students whose video best demonstrates video development, clarity, technical strengths and innovative style.

Finally there will be one overall Australian Winner, whose video will meet the international awards criteria of being within a theme of Environment, Communication and My Hometown. The winner will represent Australia at the Asia/Pacific Regional Awards in December this year with the potential to then attend the Global Awards Ceremony next year.

Good luck to all our 2010 KWN participants and remember to give it your all.

"We're ready for our close-up"

Introducing... the 2010 KWN Judging Panel

With the lead guitarist for INXS, a three time AFI award nominee, a renowned television personality, a highly regarded film editor, an award wining creative director and the Australian Managing Director of one of the world's most innovative technology companies, the 2010 Panasonic Kid Witness News judging panel is far from being short of talent.

Joining the 2010 panel is none other than INXS lead guitarist, Tim Farriss. Music is a key part of Tim's life and he has been successfully playing and producing music for almost 30 years. By joining the KWN program, Tim wants to encourage students to have a go and make their own music for their short films.

Also welcomed onto the judging panel this year is Khoa Do, who has been nominated for three AFI Awards and had a film shortlisted for the 2001 Academy Awards. As a successful film director, writer and teacher with an inspirational life story, Khoa will bring a wealth of experience to this year's panel.

Ash Naidu, an award wining Deputy Creative Director from Campaign Palace, who has worked on campaigns for Mercedes Benz, Coca Cola, McDonald's and Virgin Atlantic, also joins the KWN judging panel for the first time this year. Ash has worked in Australia and internationally for the past 12 years and will be bringing his flare for creativity to the judging table.

Returning as a judge in 2010 is Jane St Vincent Welch who is considered one of Australia's best screen editors as a member of The Australian Screen Editors Guild (ASE). Jane specialises in editing documentaries and her unique method has delivered many industry recognised films. This along with her years of experience will add a valuable perspective to this year's judging panel.

Accompanying Tim, Khoa, Jane and Ash as judges in 2010 will be Panasonic Australia's Managing Director, Steve Rust and KWN ambassador and television personality Toni Pearen. Each judge this year brings with them a different set of experiences and skills ensuring an exciting 2010 KWN program.

The Judges (left to right): Steve Rust, Ash Naidu, Tim Farriss, Toni Pearen, Khoa Do, Jane St Vincent Welch