48-Hour Film Project, 2021

The 48-Hour Film Project, 2021, in Washington, DC is kicking off this weekend. For all filmmakers, actors, scriptwriters, film editors, and others, it is a mad romp to write, film, edit and complete a short film within the 48-hour time limit. For the Washington, DC area, the competition runs from August 6th through August 8th, 2021.

After that, the submitted films are judged and the best movie is named. The winning film is shown at Filmapalooza 2022. Because the grand prize is a chance for your film to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival 2022 – Short Film Corner, everyone wants to win.

Filming teams are set and filmmakers anxiously awaiting the kickoff.

No Starting Ahead of Time

The 48-Hour Film Project, 2021, strict rules state that no one can start any part of the film prior to the event.

Each team is assigned two random genres to use when making their 7-minute film. They can use one or the other, or both.

So, some of this year’s genres are Dark Comedy, Film Noir, Mockumentary, Romance, Superhero, Western, Food Film, Holiday Film, Musical, Road Movie, School Film, etc.

Camera/48-Hour Film Project
Sand Bags used to Hold Camera and Light Stands

To make it even more interesting, required elements must include a character, a prop, and a line of dialogue which must appear in all submitted films. These are also all unknowns until the competition begins.

Suggested Schedule & Tips for Entering the 48-Hour Film Project, 2021

  • Friday night – your team’s creative staff meets to work out the script, and get any needed props/costumes together.
  • Saturday – begin filming.
  • Saturday night through Sunday – edit film and complete all paperwork. Make sure all wavier and release forms are filled out.
  • Sunday – get film in on time.
Panasonic GH3 Camera Set Up

The completed films are shown on the big screen in a local movie theater so you and your team can see how the film looks.

Last year, our video technical director entered the competition.

In conclusion, It is definitely a rush to edit, complete the paperwork, and get the film in. If you are even a minute late, your film will be disqualified from winning the event.

Filmmakers, put on your running shoes and Good Luck to all teams this Weekend! May the Best Movie win!

Update Review of the Winning Film: 9-18-2021

The film STUCK was selected as the Best Film of 2021 produced by Pre Pre Production.

STUCK is a romantic film starring a couple of strangers who gets stuck in an elevator. They fall in love while awaiting rescue. Very cute and I loved the upbeat music used in the film. I, also, liked the video they used around the ending credits. The film STUCK was crisply filmed. The actor and actress had great chemistry and everyone loves a happy romantic ending. XOX

2nd Car Seat Camera Rig

3 Replies to “48-Hour Film Project, 2021”

  1. Charles J.,
    Thank you for reading my blog. I’m not sure what you sent me? Is it a portion of a story you are working on? Anyway, good luck finishing it and I hope the characters in the tavern stay in control. Have a wonderful day.
    FARMHOUSE MAGIC BLOG.COM

  2. D. E.,
    Thank you for reading our blog. I’m glad that our blog on a Cookie Cutter Christmas gave you some ideas. It is a very popular blog especially around the holidays. Have a great day.
    FARMHOUSE MAGIC BLOG.COM

  3. T. M.,
    Thank you for your comments. However, I have to disagree with you regarding night school classes. This is something I know about. I earned my college degree at night during the week not weekends. My weekends and early mornings were saved for the times I needed to read, study and do reports/homework. I also read every college book twice! Good luck with your studies.
    FARMHOUSE MAGIC BLOG.COM

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