12-seconds; that’s the time needed for the MX-5 Roadster Coupe’s retractable hard-roof to open and close. With that in mind, Mazda set-up a pan-European video contest where all participants had to create a 12-seconds long video of the new MX-5 Roadster Coupe. About 200 videos where submitted across Europe, with the winner being Marianna Shafranskaya from Russia. We haven’t seen the rest of the videos, but we sure enjoyed Shafranskaya’s one. The later will receive a new Mazda Roadster Coupe, while nine other finalists will have to be content with prizes including Bose home entertainment audio systems. Via: -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release

PRESS RELEASE: Novice filmmaker wins Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe Video Contest

Mazda Motor Europe has announced that Marianna Shafranskaya from Russia has won its pan-European 12-second video contest. The contest is the highlight of a unique advertising campaign for the new MX-5 Roadster Coupe – whose power retractable hard top opens and closes in a record 12 seconds.

The campaign included an interactive website where budding filmmakers were challenged to capture their interpretation of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom feeling on film. From a total of nearly 200 videos submitted from across Europe, a jury selected Ms Shafranskaya’s entry as the grand prize winner. She will receive a new Mazda Roadster Coupe, while nine other finalists will receive prizes including Bose home entertainment and audio systems.

The jury comprised of Mazda’s agency Creative Director Eddy Greenwood, website producer Scott Bedford and Seamus Masterson, director of the viral marketing. “Mazda’s new Zoom-Zoom roadster with the retractable hard top,” said Greenwood, ”is a thriller”. That’s why we asked the public to submit their own version of a thrilling 12 seconds, filmed in a way that is surprising and fun. All the final 10 videos were very good, but we felt the grand prize winner best reflected Mazda’s spirit of fun and ingenuity.”

Technorati: Mazda+MX-5+Roadster-Coupe, Mazda+Miata, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007