By Thomas Taylor
This year’s 24 Hour Film Race is set to take place April 29-30. Films screen in 14 cities across the country, inclduing Atlanta, but a film does not have to be shot in the city in which it is screened.
The objective is simple: registered teams must assemble a crew, acquire their own equipment and shoot a short film based on a stated theme within a 24-hour period. Teams receive a theme, like revenge or spare change and are also required to include a surprise element in the film, like a specific action and prop.
Typically, a feature-length film often requires years to complete.The workload is divided into three parts: pre-production (budgeting, screenwriting and scheduling), production (directing, acting and cinematography) and post-production (editing and sound design). The 24 Hour Film Race focuses on shorts — the maximum time is three minutes and thirty seconds. The quick turn-around is meant to spark creativity.
“Besides the fact that teams get to go through the entire process of making a film in just 24 hours, the deadline and assigned elements force teams to work together creatively to accomplish the mission,” competition director Charlie Weisman said. “There’s no time for writer’s block or ego trips when you’re working against the clock. And probably the most rewarding aspect of the competition — the filmmakers get to see how an audience reacts to their film on the big screen a few days later.”
Registration is open to the public. The deadline to pay the entry fee of $99 is Wednesday, April 27. Each team will receive this year’s specifications on Friday, April 29 has until 9:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 30, to upload and submit the finished film online.
SCAD Atlanta does not currently offer a film program, however students majoring in television can rent some equipment from the DMC. Most of the films submitted by SCAD students are from Savannah, which does offer a film program. Still, talented filmmakers call Atlanta home. In 2007, the winning film from the Atlanta showcase, “Not Jim,” won Best Film overall. The team from Marvin Productions was composed of three Georgia Tech graduates, who have also received awards in seven other regional festivals.
Winners of the 24 Hour Film Race are chosen from each host city and then submitted for Best Film overall. Awards are granted for editing, directing, acting and cinematography. The Best Film winner also wins a $4,000 prize.
For more information the 24 Hour Film Race, click here.
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