If you’ve ever wanted to make a film but didn’t know where to start, I suggest you join a team that is participating in the 48 Hour Film Project.  You get 48 hours to cast, script, shoot, and edit a 4 to 7 minute film.  Oh, and you cannot write the script in advance. Why? Because at the kickoff of the project you choose your genre out of a hat.  To make it even more interesting, all teams must include a specific character, prop, and line of dialog in their films.

I have participated in the five 48HFP events that have been held in Salt Lake City.  Here is the list of films I have helped create...

2007:  “Sports of Mandibular”

A boat with a radio washes up on the shore of an uncharted island. One of the island inhabitants listens to the radio and tries to copy the sports she hears about but has never seen before.

Genre: Sports
Character: Victor or Victoria Sarmast, Office Manager
Prop:  Tape Measurer
Line of Dialog:  “Give me that!  You don’t know how to use it!”

2008:  “Learning Police Techniques”

A retired law enforcement officer creates an instructional video that show police cadets how to handle different situations on the street. The officer gets more and more beat up as the video progresses.

Genre: Detective/Cop
Character: Jacob or Janice Simon, Instructor
Prop:  Jewell
Line of Dialog:  “Just wait and see!”

2009:  “Tu Tengo: Victoria’s Inception”

A heroine seeks revenge on those that wronged her.

Genre: Superhero
Character: Dan or Danielle Bridges, Roommate
Prop:  Certificate
Line of Dialog:  “Whoa, I didn’t see that coming!”

2010:  “Last Day”

A reporter is hot on the trail of the biggest story of her career. She causes an accident that launches an extinction-level event for all of humanity. 

Genre: Drama
Character: Ed or Edna Keegan, Reporter
Prop:  Egg
Line of Dialog:  “That’s what I’m here for!”

2011:  “Curtain Call”

A man with a promising career in the art of magic joins his friend in defending their country. A decision is made that impacts both of their lives.

Genre: War or Anti-War Film
Character: Meg or Miles Madigan, magician
Prop:  Toilet Paper
Line of Dialog:  “What were you thinking?”

I am keeping a blog of my experiences with each of the 48 Hour Film Projects I participate in. You can view the films my teams have submitted along with extensive behind-the-scenes photos of the shoots themselves. There are also photos of meet & greet events and film premieres. 

 Click here to go to the blog.