It's time to get creative

KWN (Kid Witness News) is a global video education program supported by Panasonic, with the aim of boosting creativity and communication skills and fostering teamwork through film production by children at the primary and secondary school levels. More than 130,000 children around the world have participated in the KWN program since it first began in the U.S. in 1989.

The KWN program encourages students to get creative in the real-life application of key skill sets such as written and oral communication, teamwork, critical thinking and project management.

Providing a platform for experimental learning in the classroom, KWN encourages students to work cooperatively with their peers and apply a variety of skills to communicate with others.

The program provides teachers with an education rich program which enhances students learning and achievement through technology.

Under instruction from teachers on scriptwriting, acting, and the use of filming and editing equipment, students make five minute videos that fall into specific categories including, drama, documentary, news and a current affairs, animation, entertainment, music, science and technology, health, sport, comedy and art.

The creative works are then submitted for judging in the annual New Vision awards video contest.

Films will then be judged by a panel including industry experts including, Panasonic Managing Director - Steve Rust - The Campaign Palace Deputy Creative Director - Ash Naidu , One of Australia's most successful young film directors - Khoa Do, INXS Lead Guitarist - Tim Farriss, one of Australia's best screen editors - Jane St Vincent Welch and KWN Ambassador - Toni Pearen. Prizes are awarded for technical excellence in sound, editing, videography, writing and concept, as well as to state and national winners. The panel of industry representatives will determine the winners.