Currently in the midst of making my first serious short film, I now have some insight into what it takes to create a low-budget movie. It takes longer than one would expect – we’re shooing a throwaway scene, I think, which will maybe end up as a minute of footage in the final product; should be a quick and easy thing. An hour later, that single minutes-worth of film is completed and it’s finally time to move on. Not to mention the logistics of preparation and blocking and finding time when all involved parties are available for shooting… the slow pace can be frustrating. And I haven’t even gotten to editing yet, which is a daunting task considering I have yet to seriously think about things such as music – which is all-important to my project, which is a silent film.

This is why I am thoroughly impressed with all the teams who participated in and completed the 48 Hour Film Project last weekend. Teams of filmmakers were given certain guidelines – a character, a prop, a line of dialogue, and a genre – and were then tasked with creating a 4-6 minute film in only two days. Reports show that sleep-deprivation and caffeine consumption were at an all-time high.

Now complete, the time has come to show off the goods. All films completed for the 48 Hour Film Challenge will be screened at Village 8 Theater tonight and tomorrow evening. The filmmakers have by now presumably awakened from their long and well-deserved slumber and many will be in attendance to show off their efforts.

Village 8 is located at 4014 Dutchmans Lane. Showtimes for both nights are at 7:00, 7:15, 9:00, and 9:15, and admission is $8.50. There will also be a screening of the best films of the project next Saturday, August 4. Admission for the best-of screening is $10.

Further information about the project, including online ticket sales, can be found at the Village 8 website or the 48 Hour Film Challenge website.

Image: 48 Hour Film Project website