AND THE WINNER IS …

I thought the standard of all 5 movies was very high, and I liked the way all managed to capture the themes described, especially NZ being the Earth’s “youngest” country.  There were a variety of tones and different ways to feature the natural landscapes – but the technical polish was equally high throughout.  It really was a situation where any of the 5 finalists deserved to win.  It came down to personal choice.
AYA TANIMURA – USA
TITLE – “SWEET AS”
This was a fun, well concieved idea which was cleverly shot with strong editing and good performances from all the cast. It had a good sense of unity and delivered on it’s opening premise in a delighful way.  An affectionate portrayl of life in New Zealand that captured the kiwi sense of humour really well.
ANDRES BORGHI – ARGENTINA
TITLE – “WORKING DAY”
This short film stood out as a fresh and original piece of storytelling. I loved the whismical way it showcased the natural beauty of our country; it’s humour kept the viewer engaged and entertained from begining to end. Most importantly it made you want to see more of the stunning landscapes of New Zealand.. I was particularly impressed by the director’s use of camera, the editing and the strong visual story-telling. This was an extremely accomplished piece of filmmaking. Congratulations Andres  - I will defintiely be keeping an eye out for your future work.
KRISTI SIMKINS – USA
TITLE – “SOMETHING SPECIAL”
Of all the short films this showcased the landscape in the most dramatic and spectacular way. It was well performed and beautifully directed. The idea of contrasting the peace and beauty of New Zealand with the horror of war was an interesting and ambitious undertaking. I commend Kristi for taking risks with the story-telling.
RAJNEEL SINGH – NEW ZEALAND
TITLE – “BLANK SPACES”
This was a beautifully told short film with an understated and delightfully wry sense of humour.  It was very assured piece of storytelling.  Interesting use of location and a very novel concept.  I enjoyed watching it immensely.
TIM MCLACHLAN – NEW ZEALAND
TITLE – “FROSTY MAN AND THE BMX KID”
This captured the Kiwi spirit and sense of humour very well. It was engaging and funny in the very  best way. Imaginative use of camera angles and snappy editing. It worked at 3 mins, and could just as easily form the basis for something longer. Hopefully, we’ll see more of the BMX Kid!
Thanks for allowing me to judge these movies – I always feel a great sense of excitement (and relief) when new talent makes its mark in our industry. Welcome, all of you, and I look forward to your future movies!
Peter Jackson
Feb 2010

Andres pic 1

Drumroll please …

The winner of Your Big Break is Andrés Borghi for his film Working Day! Many congratulations from all of us at Your Big Break – may the exposure and experience your New Zealand adventure brings launch your filmmaking career on the world stage.

It’s been an incredible journey getting here, and our five finalists couldn’t have made such wonderful short films without the support and encouragement of the Your Big Break community. To everyone who entered, and especially those who shared their thoughts and well-wishes on the blog, on the Facebook page and via Twitter – thank you for making this an experience we’ll never forget. We hope to see you in New Zealand before too long.

But who am I to go on, when there are finer voices in the room? For the run-down on the final judging session, exclusive to the Your Big Break blog – allow me to hand over to Kiwi filmmaking legend and uber-judge extraordinaire … PETER JACKSON!

I thought the standard of all 5 movies was very high, and I liked the way all managed to capture the themes described, especially New Zealand being the Earth’s “youngest” country.  There were a variety of tones and different ways to feature the natural landscapes – but the technical polish was equally high throughout.  It really was a situation where any of the 5 finalists deserved to win.  It came down to personal choice.

ANDRÉS BORGHI (ARGENTINA) - WORKING DAY

This short film stood out as a fresh and original piece of storytelling. I loved the whismical way it showcased the natural beauty of our country; its humour kept the viewer engaged and entertained from beginning to end. Most importantly it made you want to see more of the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. I was particularly impressed by the director’s use of camera, the editing and the strong visual story-telling. This was an extremely accomplished piece of filmmaking. Congratulations Andrés  - I will definitely be keeping an eye out for your future work.

AYA TANIMURA (USA) - SWEET AS

This was a fun, well concieved idea which was cleverly shot with strong editing and good performances from all the cast. It had a good sense of unity and delivered on its opening premise in a delighful way.  An affectionate portrayal of life in New Zealand that captured the kiwi sense of humour really well.

KRISTI SIMKINS (USA) - SOMETHING SPECIAL

Of all the short films this showcased the landscape in the most dramatic and spectacular way. It was well performed and beautifully directed. The idea of contrasting the peace and beauty of New Zealand with the horror of war was an interesting and ambitious undertaking. I commend Kristi for taking risks with the storytelling.

RAJNEEL SINGH (NEW ZEALAND) - BLANK SPACES

This was a beautifully told short film with an understated and delightfully wry sense of humour.  It was a very assured piece of storytelling.  Interesting use of location and a very novel concept.  I enjoyed watching it immensely.

TIM MCLACHLAN (NEW ZEALAND) - FROSTY MAN AND THE BMX KID

This captured the Kiwi spirit and sense of humour very well. It was engaging and funny in the very  best way. Imaginative use of camera angles and snappy editing. It worked at 3 mins, and could just as easily form the basis for something longer. Hopefully, we’ll see more of the BMX Kid!

Thanks for allowing me to judge these movies – I always feel a great sense of excitement (and relief) when new talent makes its mark in our industry. Welcome, all of you, and I look forward to your future movies!

Peter Jackson

March 2010


22 Comments

  • Les Petersen says:

    Congratulations, Andres! A delightful entry and well produced.

  • Congratulations, Andres!

    :D Brilliant piece of work and superb effort. Congrats!

    Very well produced. Brilliant showcase for us all.

    Best regards to all,

    Mo :D

  • rowina says:

    Felicitaciones andres y pablo….. derecho al estrellato!

  • Sinead says:

    Congrats Andres!!! A very deserving win.

  • Lucila says:

    I am soo happyyyy well done my friend!! and congratulations to everybody who worked on these films!!!

  • cristina says:

    Congratulations my dear, your brother Pablo, Mariana, Cecilia, your father and me are very proud of you.
    Sabiamos que llegaria el dia que podrias mostrar tu talento.
    Te queremos mucho,
    ma and andres’ family

  • vladi says:

    wooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

  • rachel carroll says:

    You rock Andres!

  • Dario says:

    see this other video of Andres
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM-e5p5nPbI

  • Ce says:

    Congrats Andrés, felicitaciones!!!!
    And now, time to enjoy your life as a new talent in film making industry!!!
    You made such a good short film, and that nice catchy music by Pablo!

  • Manuel Carballo says:

    SOS UN GENIO, ya comenté en tu canal de youtube y te comento acá. FELICITACIONES GENIO!.

  • Cristina de Borghi says:

    Yes Ce,really the music by pablo Borghi is just according with the film.
    Have you heard ther Piano? It’s Pablo himself playing, well done Pablo!!!!!
    And Vladimir with his guitar is amazing!!!!!!
    Congratulions musicians too!!!!!

  • Andrés Borghi says:

    thank ya all!!!!!!! :)

  • Claire Clark says:

    Andres, congratulations, on your whimsical, clever piece of storytelling. I saw your original entry and I was both fascinated by the concept and impressed by how far you had advanced your story boards. As a New Zealander I love your entry – so now go show the world!

  • J Wells says:

    Well done, Andres.
    You truly deserved to win.
    When I saw your pitch, I knew it was going to be a winner.
    And I was right. (:

  • BernieR says:

    ЎHola!
    De dуnde eres? їEs un secreto? :)
    Gracias

    BernieR

  • Robert says:

    I have to say this is pretty questionable. The ending of this film is just so awkward. The acting of the main giant guy is pretty weak…and when he says his first line I think I cringed. I didn’t even really get what the deal was with the Maori guys….they were all pissed off but I’m not really sure why….and if anything they should probably just be afraid. And the beat at the end where the Maoris just suddenly stop being angry was really strange and unnatural.

    I think Blank Spaces or Sweet As got robbed.

  • Giangetsu says:

    WAAAAAW!!!!!!!! Que groso!!!!!!! Andres sos el mejor!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Alaryn says:

    I’d like to say congrats, but you’re kidding, right? I agree with what Robert said. This was one of the weakest of the films. Very dissapointed in the selection and the outcome of this contest. Not sure what the judges were looking at. Peter?!?!

  • Dario says:

    Working Day is the most Peter Jackson like film on this contest.

  • Cassio Amador says:

    My favorite was Working Day, but I thought Sweet As would be the winner. It is more emotive and have a great story.
    But watching the movies again, the powerful of WD is amazing. With no problem you could use this as an ad to go to NZ.

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