The premise is simple: Filmmaking teams have 48 hours (7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Sunday) to make a short film four to seven minutes in length. In addition, each team must include the use of the same prop, character name and line of dialogue.
In most cities the finished films — which range from sub-par to sublime in every way imaginable — are then shown to an audience within a week of their creation. (This year’s local screenings take place Saturday at The Carnegie in Covington.)
No marketing meetings, test screenings, budgetary issues, delayed openings or meddling executives — just 48 hours of sweat and creativity. And the experience is only heightened by the fact that none of the participating teams know the exact requirements until minutes before they can start the filmmaking process.
And, as if the satisfaction of having your freshly minted film screen in front of an eager audience isn’t enough, 48 also offers up various prizes, culminating with the crowning of “Best Picture.” Each local winner then screens at the national 48 Hour Film Project gathering a few months later, with the possibility that it could eventually make its way to the Cannes Film Festival. Yes, the fancy one in France.
See this year's films at a screening from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at The Carnegie in Covington.
Read Jason Gargano's musings on Cincinnati's entries in the 48 Hour Film Project. Check out Emily Maxwell's multimedia show on last weekend's shooting adventures.
