International film award for former students

Jason Tozer

15 August 2006: Former media students Matthew Fallon and Marisa Martin have put their young production company on the world stage winning two awards at the third International Youth Film Festival held in Kundl, Austria.

Mr Fallon and Ms Martin won the Jury Prize for Most Outstanding Music Video for their work on Canberra punk-rock group Switch 3's clip 'Memories Fade' and were awarded fourth for their short film 'Thursday' in the aged 20-27 Independent Category.

Mr Fallon (right) accepts the award Photo: JUGENDFILMFESTIVAL

Ms Martin, who met Mr Fallon while studying at the University of Canberra and with him established EoR Media, said that entering competitions provides their company with much needed exposure.

"Having an international award demonstrates to potential clients the quality of work we do," Ms Martin said.

"Entering competitions and festivals is a really good way for filmmakers to get their work seen by the public and hopefully recognised for its excellence," Ms Martin said.

"At this early stage of our careers getting awards and getting our name out there is the main motive for doing short films and music clips for free."

Mr Fallon attended the ceremony and said though the language barrier delayed the surprise it couldn't stop the excitement of winning the Jury Prize.

"The entire awards ceremony was conducted in German, so it was a little hard to follow," Mr Fallon said.

"We had two films screening at the festival and the other one had already won fourth place so I was already thrilled, but winning the special jury prize was amazing, because it was completely unexpected."

Their international success means they have the recognition to do more exciting work in music videos and short films.

"We've already managed to secure another music video project for completion in October," Mr Fallon said.

"We're looking to direct a lot more music videos, so it's going to be very positive for us."