Stimulus questions: Make a Film. Make a Difference
Transport Accident Commission
Anything?
1. This film uses humour in the initial stages. What do you think was the
purpose of using humour? Was it effective? Why/why not?
2. Comment on the effectiveness of the ‘twist’ at the end of the film. What
message is being conveyed to the audience?
3. What sound effects are used at the end of the film? What is their purpose? Are
they effective? Why/why not?
Birthday Present
1. Comment on the setting for this film. Why did the director choose this setting
for the film and not an alternative setting, such as being outdoors? Ensure
that you refer to use of lighting in the scene depicted.
2. Comment on the use of dress/costume. What is the purpose of the particular
dress/costume chosen for this film?
3. The audience laughs during the speech, even when it is suggested that David
will be killed later that night. What is the director suggesting about the nature
of risk taking and group responsibility?
4. ‘After all, what are best friends for?’ What is the director suggesting about
the nature of friendship for young adults?
Only a Mate
1. Look closely at the opening scene. What is Benson doing?
2. Comment on the use of dress/costume in relation to Benson and the licence
applicant. Why did the director choose this dress/costume for the central
characters? What does it tell us about the personalities of those involved?
3. ‘You ain’t a wuss are you?’ What is the director suggesting about the
pressures on young people to conform to a particular image? You should also
cross-reference this with the use of ‘pussy’ in Social Death.
4. After the credits, the director has featured an additional scene. This is an
example of satire. Define the term ‘satire’ and explain its purpose here. Do
you think it is effective?
Swing
1. Comment on the use of colour and black/white film. Why do you think the
director used this technique?
2. Comment on the setting. Why did the director choose a playground?
3. The director uses slow motion in this film. Suggest reasons for this. What
effect does it produce in the viewer?
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4. There are sound effects used at the end of this film. Do you think that they are
effective? Give reasons.
5. Consider the quote, ‘I didn’t even get it on with a chick, let alone get married
and have kids.’ What is the message of this film?
Denial
1. Comment on the ‘twist’ in this film. At what point did you realise that this
was Johnno’s interpretation of his mate’s predicament?
2. The deceased mate keeps speaking at the end of the film. What effect did this
have on you as a viewer?
3. The title of the film is important. What does it mean and what message is
being given by the director?
Wanker
1. Define the term, ‘wanker’.
2. List three traits of a ‘wanker’ as presented in the film. Can you think of any
other traits of a ‘wanker’, which you have observed on the road?
3. Describe the tone and feel of this film. Give reasons why the director chose
such a light-hearted approach for such a serious issue.
4. Would this film persuade you not to be a ‘wanker’? Give reasons.
Price of Friendship
1. Comment on the use of dress/costume and make-up in relation to these
characters:
a) the car salesman
b) the customer
c) the uni friends
d) the girlfriend
2. Give reasons why the customer is reluctant to include his girlfriend in the
deal.
3. The director uses close-up to emphasise the power of the car keys. Suggest
reasons for this.
4. Comment on the use of music at the end of the film. How does the music add
to the message being delivered by the director?
5. What is the message of this film? Do you find it effective?
Social Death
1. This film uses suspense to enhance the message. Explain how this is achieved.
2. How is the Grim Reaper presented? Comment on the reasons why the
director may have chosen to adopt this particular tone for the film.
3. What is the significance of the title of the film? What message does this
convey to young people about challenging their mates when driving a car?
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Death Blooms
1. Describe the opening of ‘Death Blooms’. In your opinion, why did the director
have a flickering light and the bolt emerging from the pole? What impact is
this designed to have on the audience?
2. There are three people in the car: Harry (the driver), Ben and Jess
(passengers). How would you describe each of them?
3. There are two dangerous events that are depicted in this short film.
a) What are these two events?
b) How do Ben and Jess each respond to what Harry has done?
4. Explain the link between the visuals and the dialogue of the three people in
the car. In your answer, make specific reference to the light pole with
emerging and disappearing flowers, the white cross and the photographs.
5. There are some examples of humour and irony in this film. For example:
 Harry says: “I’m dying to get there, that’s all”; and
 Jess says: “It’s a dead end”.
In what ways does this add to the engagement of the audience?
6. This short film is not typical of many others in the MAFMAD series because it
does not rely on human visual action.
What’s on your mind?
1. There are two distinct styles of music used in this film. What styles of music
are used and what is their purpose?
2. The director of this film uses camera to great effect, especially in terms of
panning shots and cross-cutting. Explain the use of these devices and
comment on their purpose and effectiveness.
3. What sound effects are used in this film? What is their purpose?
4. What is depicted in the photos that we see on the computer screen? How do
the photos change over the course of the film?
5. In 200 words, explain the message of this film.
Insignia
1. Comment on the setting that is used for the opening of this film. Why do you
think the director chose this setting?
2. The director makes use of close-ups in these early scenes. What is depicted in
these close-ups? What is the purpose of this?
3. When the scene shifts to the modern day, what is occurring? Do you believe
that this is a typical experience for many people?
4. What is the response of the man when he realises that the ‘other ride’ is a taxi?
Why do you think he feels this way?
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5. One of the characters says: “C’mon boys, where’s your bloody sense of
adventure anyway?” In a 200-word response, explain what you think ‘sense
of adventure’ means for young people today.
Party planner
1. What is the role of the ‘party planner’ in this film? What does she represent?
2. David initially says: Ï think you’ve got the wrong person. I’m not having a
party”. What does this suggest about David as a character?
3. Outline three dangerous acts that take place once David leaves the house.
4. What choices does David make while he is driving? Why does he make this
choice?
5. Watch the final scenes carefully when David arrives at the party. What do you
think is the message of this film?
Yes Mum
1. Describe the music used in this film. Why do you think this particular music
was chosen?
2. The creator of this film has used cross-cutting between moments in time. Why
do you think this was used? Do you find it effective? Give reasons.
3. Describe the conversation between the driver, Andrew, and his mother. What
does this tell us as viewers about their relationship?
4. Halfway through the film, the film shifts from music to sound effects. What
affect is this designed to have on the audience?
5. In what ways are the other characters in the car with Andrew used to
communicate meaning?
The Deso
1. How would you describe the music in this film? In what ways does the use of
camera techniques and sound mimic a contemporary popular music video?
2. What does the line, It’s only 9 o’clock and someone’s hurling in the sink suggest
about young people? Do you think that that this is an accurate depiction?
3. What differences are there in the choice of dress for the Deso as compared to
the others at the party?
4. How do you think the director wants us to view the Deso? Comment on how
female actors are used in this film to present the Deso in a positive light.
5. In terms of road trauma, explain three risks that are depicted in this film.
6. Do you think this film would encourage others to be responsible on the
roads? Discuss in 200 words.
I Should’ve Said Something
1. Describe the clothes being worn by DJ Casualty. What type of a character is he
in this film?
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2. How would you describe Jimmy in terms of his manner and dress? Why do
you believe that he is presented to the audience in this way?
3. In what ways is this film an example of satire (in the arts, satire can be defined
as the use of irony, sarcasm or ridicule, in exposing or deriding vice or folly)?
Explain your opinion.
4. To what type of audience is this film designed to appeal?
5. In your opinion, is this style of satirical film-making more or less effective
than a more realistic film such as Death Blooms? Explain in 200 words.
There’s No Place Like Home Safe
1. Describe the opening scene in this film? In what ways is it like a typical scene
in a club?
2. At what point in the film is it revealed that this is a parody of the movie, The
Wizard of Oz? (Note that a ‘parody’ is a copy of the style of a particular artist,
or genre, using deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.)
3. What do each of The Wizard of Oz characters represent in this film? In
particular, how is the taxi driver used to add both humour as well as a deeper
message about road safety?
4. What is the ultimate message of this film? Do you find the use of The Wizard of
Oz to be an effective way to present the director’s message? Explain in 200
words.
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