As Bendigo gears up for its first every short film festival, there's good news for our local budding film makers.
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While general entries have closed, the deadline for Bendigo's best has been extended to November 7.
Local entrants just need to have the word Bendigo featured somewhere in their film - in a spoken word, a street sign or as part of a brand or local business.
Bendigo Short Film Festival organiser John Richards, himself a writer and film maker, said people can be as creative and playful as they like in their efforts to incorporate the word "Bendigo" in their film.
"Adding this word is a bit like including a password in your film, and will also help Bendigo build its persona as a hub for creative activity," Mr Richards said.
In more good news for local entrants - there is no entry fee for Bendigo residents. The Bendigo category carries $500 in prize money.
Mr Richards said entries so far have been very strong, but he would like to extend the closing date to encourage as many locals to try their hand at short film.
And what are the judges looking for?
"One of the most important elements is clarity," Mr Richards said.
"Knowing what the idea is and what it is you want to say."
He said the films should be 15 minutes or less in length.
"It's surprising how many entries come in too long," he said.
"It can sometimes be harder to make something short and to focus in on your idea.
"My advice would be to not overthink it. We're not looking for slick or overproduced. Films shot on phones are fine.
"We are more interested in being impressed by the idea."
Mr Richards has lived in Bendigo for the past few years after moving from Melbourne, and is enjoying the rich cultural life of the region.
Selected entries from the Bendigo Short Film Festival will screen at The Engine Room in View Street on November 23.
Mr Richards said the night should feature eight or nine films over an hour and a half or so, and will be rated MA for people over the age of 15.
He has always had a fondness for the medium of short film and writes the popular BBC radio series Night Terrace. He also wrote the ABC sitcom Outland, which began life as a short film.
The festival is supported by a grant from the Greater City of Bendigo.
