The Volkswagen Beetle, motoring icon and sixties movie star, is set to make a celluloid comeback with today’s launch of Volkswagen’s short film competition, "The Bug Picture".

Second prize is $3,500 cash, plus a New Beetle Prize Pack. Third Prize is $1,500 cash and a New Beetle Prize Pack.The competition celebrates the Australian love affair with the legendary Beetle, the new version of which is due to arrive next month.

The event is open to all film-makers, including students, budding directors, cinematographers and amateurs.

Competition entrants are required to include - however briefly - a VW Beetle in their films, in either a cameo or feature role. The films are to be three to seven minutes in length, on film, digital tape or BetaCam SP.

Winners will be announced at the official launch of the New Beetle, being held in January 2000. The winning entries and finalists will be screened at the launch.

"From the moment of its arrival in 1948, the original Volkswagen Beetle became entrenched in Australian lives," said Oliver Mann, marketing manager of Volkswagen Australia.

"Affection for the bug’s quirky, curvaceous styling and legendary reliability meant it became Australia’s best selling car.

"To celebrate this enduring relationship, we are offering short film makers across Australia the chance to portray this motoring icon in a creative and unusual way. And with many thousands of original Beetles still on Australian roads, contestants should not have any problem finding a Beetle to feature in their films."

Entries close at 5.00pm on 10^th January 2000, and should be sent to The Bug Picture, c/- Volkswagen Distributors - Marketing, Private Bag 59, Wetherill Park, NSW, DC1851.

All entries should be accompanied by a VHS copy of the film and full postal and phone contacts for entrants.