On August 16, 2003, the challenge goes out to the UK’s freshest filmmaking talent to complete a five-minute film in just two days. Following the success of the 2002 Digital Guerrilla Filmmakers (DGF) Challenge at the Curzon Soho in London, the DGF group launches the National 48-Hour Film Challenge, held simultaneously in Bristol, London, Manchester and as part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Filmmakers must script, shoot and edit a five-minute short film in just 48 hours and, to make it more difficult, participants are given a random title and genre for their film. Picked from hundreds of titles, filmmakers will have to show how creative and quick-on-their-feet they can be without any forward planning.
Supported by Film Four and the UK Film Council, the 48-Hour film challenge is also throwing the gauntlet down to some major players in the film industry, including Arif Kapadia (“The Warrior”), Mike Figgis (“Leaving Las Vegas”) and Shane Meadows (“Once Upon a Time in the Midlands”). Invites have also gone to film-loving celebrities such as Dave Stewart, Jarvis Cocker and Jonathan Ross.
Organisers Johnnie Oddball and Louis Savy are keen to see professionals and newcomers working side-by-side over the 48 hours. “It is a chance to learn how to make a film against all the odds… true guerrilla style,” says Oddball. “Stop moaning about how the UK film industry has no money and go make a film. With DV it is more possible than ever; forget massive special effects – tell a good story.”
Find out how it works at The National 48-Hour Film Challenge website.
