A question...

Ok, first of all, I should clarify: I'm not suggesting that we need more crappy Youtube type videos by people who are just stupid, and think their stupid antics will win them praise. What I meant was that local professional (and perhaps amateur) performers/directors/producers can submit short videos (ok, here I should have said a la indie short film festivals) which can be voted on. And I wasn't specific in the requirements, but I would naturally create guidelines which would only see good quality films by local performers (not the average joe with a camera) be eligible. As for your last sentence - I'm sorry. I'm not the government. I can't (and don't) provide a large budget, nor can I increase local funding. I can't bring the standard up; and certainly not by myself, without the aid of other people. This is why I'm trying to find a new project which the larger Aussie theatre community can be involved in. And I have to disagree. We have a lot of amazing talent that beats any European and US talent. It's just that not a lot of it gets seen, talked about, or advertised. Bringing the creative standard up has a lot of variables, one of which is the lacklustre effort of local industry people to get stuck in and change things. While I agree with your comments, they are hardly helpful. You want the standard lifted? How about making a suggestion of how we go about doing it, with a limited budget, limited resources, and limited time? My idea of the awards for instance; I would design them so that more of the fringe and undervalued companies would be reviewed and awarded. It would also be an incentive to local companies to improve their act. Eg. The only VIC awards (the Green Room awards) have pretty much disappeared. So much for the industry congratulating local talent, and so much for encouraging companies to be the best they can be. As I said - any other ideas? Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne