Microsoft today announced the winner of its unique competition, “Halo: RECUT,” which saw budding film directors from across Europe create works inspired by the unseen adventures of Master Chief, the hero of the Halo franchise. The prize? A once-in-a-lifetime all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles to study at the prestigious New York Film Academy.

Whether it was Master Chief’s hilarious exploits as a TV chef, a Spartan high school reunion, or even Master Chief break-dancing to MC Hammer, the guys at Bungie thought the “HALO: RECUT” competition was stiff and found it hard to pick local country winners, let alone an overall European winner. However, after much lively debate back at Bungie’s HQ, the judges - who live and breathe Master Chief on a daily basis - chose Scott Robertson, from Cardiff, UK, as the lucky winner with his video “Master Chief’s Day Off.”

“Master Chief’s Day Off” presents the celebrated Halo hero as an average Joe on a break from his regular office job, struggling with the trivialities of everyday life - with hilarious results. Be it turning to rust after a shower or changing a simple light bulb, Master Chief’s mastery of the Halo universe is sadly not paralleled in Scott’s imagining of the hero’s battle with the ordinary.

Overall competition winner Scott said, “My head’s still a little bit in the clouds about it all - I’m such a big fan of Halo and have always enjoyed being creative – but to be chosen a the overall winner is just a dream come true!

“I spent six years battling a serious illness which resulted in several major operations, the last being in November 2007. It was during my recovery from this final operation that I heard about the Halo: RECUT competition and working on this video really helped me through this difficult time.”

Scott, 25, is now 100% healthy and thrilled at the opportunity to trade in his day job at British Gas in Cardiff and jet off to the home of cinema. “I studied Animation at the University of Glamorgan, and this is great chance for me to throw myself back into the world of film – where better than the home of cinema to do this! I just want to say a huge thank you to Xbox, Bungie and, of course, Master Chief for all the help this competition gave me, and above all the opportunity to live out my dream!”

Bungie Studios’ Brian Jarrard added, “This fantastic competition really showcased the creativity and passion that drives the Halo fan community. It was great to see people throw themselves into the task, infusing their personality and style into the Halo legend – often with hilarious consequences! We really want to extend a massive thank you to all those who entered, it’s amazing to see the creativity of the Halo fan base come to life.”

To view Scott’s film and those of the shortlisted entrants visit www.xbox.com/halorecut.