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What is the National Film Challenge?
Full details are at the official website.
In this national version of the popular 48-Hour Film Festival, teams are given 72 hours in which to write, film, edit and submit a 4-7 minute short film. On day one a randomly selected genre is emailed to the team leader, along with required elements such as a character, line of dialogue and prop. Within three days a finished short must be submitted by mail.
The National Film Challenge takes place October 23-26, 2009.
This is an excellent contest for those wanting to try out filmmaking for the first time, as well as for those with experience who want to practice their craft with a fun, low time-committment project.
If you're a film or media instructor, there is a guide for teachers, including a useful Class Room Guide that describes how participating in the NFC is an excellent learning experience.
Sample films
What kind of films can you make in 48 - 72 hours? Here are some that we've done:
- The Food Police, filmed in Charleston, SC
- Nowhere, Man, one of the "Best of DC" in the 2009 48 Hour Film Project (behind the scenes featurette)
And some of our favorites by other teams:
Who Should Enter the National Film Challenge?
- Screenwriters
- Directors
- Actors
- Editors
- Score composers
- Camera operators
- Lighting crew
- Sound crew
- Permit and paperwork shuffler
- Makeup and costuming
- Someone to hold the slate!
Don't be afraid if you have no experience, this contest is a great way to get your feet wet. Just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to collaborate.
If you missed the Meet and Greet, send mail to register@spiral-arm.com and we'll make your contact info available to the registered team leaders, or add you to our team leader list.
Disclaimer
Spiral Arm Productions is in no way affiliated with the National Film Challenge or the 48-Hour Film Festival. We will be participating in the National Film Challenge as a contestant. Our goal in hosting this Meet and Greet is to encourage the formation of a vibrant amateur filmmaking community in Charleston and to encourage the formation of more local teams in order to bring the 48-Hour Film Festival to Charleston in the future.