MELBOURNE – Monday 28 March, 2011 – Entries are now officially open for the 2011 ATOM awards – Australia and New Zealand’s most prestigious awards for achievements in Film, Television, Animation and Educational Content.

Production houses, students, game developers, educational resource developers, independent film makers, documentary makers, animators … anyone who has produced anything for the screen is encouraged to enter the 2011 ATOM Awards.

This year, the ATOM Awards program will recognise and celebrate excellence, featuring thirty four awards across three categories – Student, Educational / Vocational and General.

“We have reviewed the award categories for the 2011 ATOM Awards and have added several new awards – Best Docudrama, Best Factual Television Series, Best Tertiary Instructional/Corporate Documentary, Best Children’s Fiction Television, Best Children’s Factual Television and Best Factual Television Series – so we are really looking forward to seeing some exciting entries this year,” commented Simon Wilmot, ATOM Awards Executive Officer.

“The ATOM Awards program is the leading program for recognising the work of both students and industry professionals and as such the program provides an incredible opportunity for both students and industry professionals to show off their work and be recognised by their peers. In fact, the ATOM Awards is one of the few platforms where the Industry gets together with media educators and students and it is this that makes these awards unique,” Mr Wilmot continued.

“The ATOM Awards program is proudly presented by the Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM) and therefore has a strong focus on education. The judging panel includes educators, industry professionals in the relevant media and a guest panel of child judges to assist in judging the child focused entries.”

“The ATOM Awards program has been acknowledging the work of students and professionals for 29 years and we look forward to yet another year of inspiring contributions from our entrants. This year’s theme ‘put yourself in the picture’ is just we are encouraging Australian and New Zealand film makers to do. Any student or professional who has completed a media production in the past 12 months is encouraged to enter. Don’t be shy and don’t delay – we want to see your work!” he concluded.

Entries for the 2011 ATOM Awards will close at 5pm (AEST) on Monday 13 June, 2011.

Awards will be presented to the most outstanding entrants at the 2011 ATOM Awards Night, held at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank Melbourne on Friday 21 October, 2011.

For more information or to enter the 2011 ATOM Awards please visit www.atomawards.org