2022 HYBRID GENRE GREEN LIST JUDGES REMARKS

Remarks by Screenplay Judge Kirsten McKenzie

It's been a real privilege reading these scripts. It's not often that one gets to see the backroom machinations behind what we see on the screen. The finalists represent masterful dialogue and screenplays with unexpected twists. And delve into cultural expectations stretching from 1970s Australia, to deep into the future. The future of screenwriting is bright.

Specific mention for the quality of dialogue in Invasion Day. For a screenplay about an alien invasion, I was sucked into the pages and pummeled with witty repartee peppered with cultural references, elevating the script to unexpected heights. Invasion Day has the makings of a cult Australian film classic.

A number of scripts addressed women empowerment, but in very different ways. The treatment of the female antagonist in Winter Bird sits firmly on the cusp of Stephen Kingesque suspense, reminiscent of King's hedge animals in his book The Shining, and the threat they represented. Winter Bird will leave uneasy shadows in the viewer's memory.

2nd Date has enough madcap shenanigans to keep even the most flint-hearted viewer entertained. Is there anything better than a friendship forged by adversity, and the quest for love? The strength of 2nd Date was that the writer does not rely on tired stereotypes. The writing and characters were fresh, a palate cleanser with unexpected twists. A modern day romance for modern day love seekers.

Although Spun Out! (Epsidoe 1) didn't win, the concept of a team of top class female cricketers being transported back to 1970s Australia was intriguing. If a television network doesn't pick this up and run with a limited season, then they are missing out on a sure thing. Playing with the disconnect between modern women and 1970s attitudes to women in sport is incredibly timely, and has never been more important.