Four hundred filmmakers taking part in the Glasgow 48 Hour Film Project left the Trongate 103 Arts Centre on Friday night on a mission to make a short film in just one weekend. Filmmakers have 48 hours to script, rehearse, film and edit a short film which includes the elements of specific character, a prop, a line of dialogue and a genre, the details of which were announced at last night’s kick off meeting. Over 40 teams are taking part in the project as the 48 Hour Film Project’s worldwide tour sets down in Glasgow this weekend, and their films will be screened next week over three consecutive evenings at the Glasgow Film Theatre.
While the 48 Hour Film Project (48HFP) has been running in Edinburgh for 4 years this is the first time it has been run in Glasgow. “After four years, over 100 films, and over 500 participants in Edinburgh, we decided it was time to take our show on the road” says Glasgow and Edinburgh 48HFP Producer Sam Goldblatt. “Each year Glasgow folk would come through for the Edinburgh competition, so finally we decided to go west, and bring the competition to the good people of Glasgow. We’ve been amazed at the level of interest. I dare say that registration filled up faster than in Edinburgh.”
While there are rules to follow and the specific elements to work with, the restrictions can be liberating – instead of talking about making a film, the film is actually made. And despite the time restrictions, the quality of work is high. “You would be stunned at the high standard of films,” Goldblatt says. “We have a real diversity of participants, from first-time filmmakers and under-16s to professional broadcast filmmakers who work in television. The strict 48-hour time period focuses the mind and often brings out the best from these creative artists. Judges from major television production companies and film festivals often tell us that our films are just as good, if not better, than other shorts that they have seen at film festivals.”
Up for grabs for this year’s Glasgow winner is a trophy, the chance to have your film screened at the official 48HFP Awards Weekend Filmapalooza 2012 this year in Taos, New Mexico and some screenwriting software. Not only that, it’s a platform towards greater things. Goldblatt mentioned Lee Archer, whose team’s film ‘Travel Plans’ won Best Film at Edinburgh in 2008 and was premiered at the international awards in Miami. “Lee is now a professional commercial television director.” He added, “We are delighted that the winner of the Glasgow competition will receive free airfare and accommodation to attend Filmapalooza 2012, an amazing opportunity for career development and international experience.”
Accolades aside, it sounds like a great weekend for those filmmakers who take part. “My favourite films,” said Goldblatt, “are those by first-time filmmakers, where you can tell they had the time of their lives making the movie. The screenings are also really fun and inspirational. It’s very special for young filmmakers to get their film shown on the big screen in front of a huge audience. In Edinburgh, the screenings often sell-out completely, so I can’t wait to share these special nights with Glasgow.”
The Glasgow 48 Hour Film Project started last night for the teams taking part and their films must be completed and dropped off on Sunday night.
Premiere Screenings will take place at the Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RB at 6pm on October 11, 12 & 13.
The Wrap Party takes place at The Art School, 468 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3LW between 7 – 11pm on October 17th. The awards are announced between 8 – 10pm.