• 48-Hour filmmaking challenge for Two Short Nights

By D+CFilm, on Thursday, November 13, 2008

Filmmaking is big business – it took two years, involved over 500 cast and crew, and cost $225,000 000 to make Quantum of Solace. But what can you do with 48 hours, a handful of mates and a budget big enough to keep you fuelled with coffee for the weekend?

This is the challenge put to you by the Exeter Phoenix Arts and Media Centre this month. From November 21-23, budding filmmakers can enjoy a quick-paced weekend of filmmaking, working to an ‘assignment’ and a strict 48-hour deadline to produce a film no longer than five minutes.

All scripting, music and production must take place within the timeframe, beginning at 7pm on Friday, November 21 at the Phoenix, and ending the with the hand-in at 7pm 48 hours later, on Sunday, November 23.

Organiser Jane Rosenbaum hopes that the project will encourage creativity and promote film in the south-west, offering the opportunity for some innovative short films. Jane, who lectures in drama at Exeter College, said: “The challenge is open to everyone, and with such a variety of media at so many people’s fingertips, we’re hoping for a wide variety of entries.”

The challenge will form part of the Two Short Film Nights festival held at the Phoenix on the November 28-29. A free screening of 48-hour films selected by a panel of judges will be held at 8pm on November 28, where the winning film chosen by the panel will be announced.

Challengers will need to pool creative talents with friends and co-participants, as well as organising their own equipment to create a team. Each pre-registered group will be given an ‘assignment’ containing individual inspiration for making their film, thus beginning a weekend of high-octane film-making, wild spontaneity, and little opportunity for sleep.

This will be the first 48-hour film challenge to be held in Exeter, with other cities around the country carrying out successful challenges regularly. Local filmmakers Joshua Gaunt and Dave Shaerf, who are currently carrying out filmmaking doctorates at Exeter University, took part in the London Sci-Fi festival 48-Hour Film Challenge in May 2008 with a small team of local cast and crew. Their short film, Noise Reduction, was shortlisted as a top-10 film from 100 entries to the festival, and screened in front of a panel of judges, including director John Landis.

Joshua said: “The whole experience tested our resolve and resourcefulness as filmmakers – we barely slept in two days, but by the end of the weekend we had an amazing experience, and a great little film.”

Potential participants are encouraged to register their team for free at the Two Short Nights site before the closing date of November 19.