Almost two months after the winners of the 'Make the Cut' Film-making Competition were announced at the Terra Nova All-Suite hotel, the reality of their win may well have started to kick in.

One winner in particular, first-place Lionel 'Dukie' Thompson, is certainly excited, as he left the island on Sunday for a mini adventure that could end up being anything but short-lived.

His winning entry was a unique piece of work using only CGI (computer generated imagery). It earned him a cheque for $150,000 and a weeklong trip to the renowned New York Film Academy, where he will have the opportunity to pick up some invaluable lessons and possibly make some links which could help him hone his already huge array of talent.

Under the banner of Red Stripe's innovative responsible drinking campaign, Drink Right, Make the Cut challenged young film-makers to use their talent to promote responsible alcohol consumption. Using the Drink Right message of 'Right Age. Right Amount. Right Way', the participants were tasked with interpreting this message visually in a 30-second TV commercial.

One of the perks for Thompson is his work will be aired on national television in Red Stripe's regular advertising rotation. Aldwayne Tomlinson and Damion Radcliffe were the first and second runner-ups, respectively.

Prior to leaving on Sunday, Thompson said he was excited about the learning opportunity and the well-needed cash prize. "I won $150,000, so I want to get a better computer - a faster one so I can really push on with what I need to become a standout producer," he said.

LeVaughn Flynn, senior communications manager at Red Stripe, said Make the Cut proved to be a marriage of talent and social responsibility.