Two young Melbourne content creators have been named winners of the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) annual Split Second Competition, which encourages emerging talent to raise awareness about road safety.
Rhys Delios Callanan and Olivia Hartanto were recognised for their standout concepts tackling the dangers of driving while tired and the importance of seatbelt use. Each winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and $35,000 in production funding to bring their ideas to the screen.
Now in its sixth year, the Split Second Competition invites young filmmakers, animators and content creators to craft stories that resonate with Victorian audiences. This year marks the first time two winners have been selected.
Callanan’s concept, Fashionably Late, creatively explores how taking a short nap could help prevent fatigue-related accidents. The story draws on the horse-and-carriage era and turns the idea of being “fashionably late” into a positive safety message.
Hartanto’s entry, Captain Buckle, uses humour to highlight the life-saving importance of wearing seatbelts. Her win also reflects the competition’s new multicultural category, which aims to bring diverse voices into road safety storytelling.
Both projects were produced in partnership with leading creative agencies The Taboo Group and Truce Films, and will premiere at a special screening in February 2025.
TAC Head of Community Jacqui Sampson praised the winning concepts for their creativity and potential impact.
“Rhys and Olivia have used innovative storytelling to highlight important road safety issues. Their work has the power to influence behaviour and improve safety on Victorian roads,” she said.
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🎬 Melbourne’s Rhys Callanan & Olivia Hartanto win @TACVictoria’s Split Second Competition for standout road safety films. 🛑 Their creative entries on fatigue & seatbelt use each earn $40K in prizes & production support. 🛡️ #TheIndianSun @rhys_dchttps://t.co/GtRm4Jajf6
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) April 16, 2025
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