The entry in the Optus One80project titled Rockdale 83 is the branchild of Mark Alston, who attended Henschke and St Michael's schools in Wagga before moving to Sydney to work in the film industry.

"We only did it for a bit of fun rather than anything serious, but it's nice to be noticed," Mark said. "It's a great initiative where you have to come up with an idea for a TV pilot and and then make a 180-second trailer to promote it."

Mark is in the running for the Judges' Choice award - where the winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the MTV production department to develop the pilot into an hour-long drama ? and the Voters' Choice award, which carries a $10,000 cash prize and BlackBerry pack.

His first entry in the competition last year also finished in the top 10.

Mark made Rockdale 83 with his brother-in-law Cameron Craig, who has Wagga connections.

"Cameron grew a beard and one day had a sweatband on his head, and I told him how much he looked like a squash player from the 80s," Mark said.

"We went to a couple of parties dressed like that and the concept grew from there."

Wagga residents can vote for Mark's entry by visiting www.one80project.com.au.