Tropfest YouTube Wildcard finalist selected from 700 submissions

One For The Money, the debut short film by Maddy Tyers and Jimmy Eaton, has secured a Top 10 position in the 2026 Tropfest YouTube Wildcard competition. The film ranked among the top 3% of submissions after judges reviewed more than 700 entries nationwide.

The YouTube Wildcard winner will be decided through audience engagement during the official voting window from 4th February to 14th February 2026. Views, likes, comments, and shares across the Tropfest YouTube playlist determine the outcome.

Tropfest will return in 2026 following a six-year hiatus. The live festival will take place on Sunday, 22nd February 2026 at Centennial Park in Sydney, with the Wildcard winner earning a screening slot in the final program.

Jimmy Eaton wrote, directed, and edited One For The Money, while Maddy Tyers produced the film through WIN WIN PRODUCTIONS. The filmmakers shot the project in Brunswick, Melbourne, with a total runtime of four minutes and fifty-five seconds.

Narrative and production

The film follows a young woman who wakes late and races through her day to deliver money to an unknown recipient. Along the way, escalating obstacles interrupt her progress, while time repeatedly resets. The structure creates a fast-paced loop that reframes the story as it unfolds.

The filmmakers shot the film in a single continuous take using an iPhone 17 Pro. A cast and crew of eight completed filming in four hours, followed by extensive post-production. The reported production budget totalled $2,000 before editing.

The project draws influence from 1990s cinema, which Eaton and Tyers describe as a key creative reference point. Steven J Hearn composed the original score, while Brendan Croxon handled the final sound mix.

Audiences may recognise Tyers and Eaton from their appearance on LEGO Masters Australia in 2019. One For The Money marks their first short film collaboration since the series and their debut as short-form filmmakers.

Maddy Tyers and Jimmy Eaton said:
“One For The Money is our one-shot love letter to 90s cinema, made with a tiny crew and a whole lot of heart. After 25 years slogging it out in the industry, being selected as a Tropfest YouTube Wildcard finalist is a genuine pinch-us moment, and we’re so proud of what our cast and crew pulled off.”

The cast includes Maddy Tyers, Harris Tuckey, Amanda Buckley, Ken Tyers, Rebecca Victoria, Mitchell Holland, and Jimmy Eaton. Alex Jones and Callum Padgham served as assistant directors, while Rachel Winter provided hair and makeup. Jonathon Jones designed the film poster.

The Tropfest YouTube Wildcard winner will be announced after the voting window closes. The selected film will screen at Centennial Park on 22nd February 2026.

Event details:
Location: Centennial Park, Sydney
Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Time: Screening schedule to be confirmed
Watch Movie HERE