Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions | Technical Questions

General FAQ

What is the 48 Hour Film Project?

It's your chance to stop talking and start filming! The premise? Filmmaking teams have just one weekend to make a short film. All creativity—writing, shooting, editing and adding a musical soundtrack—must occur in a 48 hour window beginning Friday evening at 7 and ending Sunday at 7. The following week, the completed films are screened to an eager audience.

How much does it cost?

The registration fee is for the entire team. In the US, registration fees vary from $125 to $155 per team, as follows:
First year cities (cities new in 2008):
- $125 for each team
Repeat cities (48HFP has already been to your city at least once):
- Early Bird registration: $135 (expires four weeks before competition)
- Regular registration: $155

For the registration fee outside the United States, please visit the relevant city page.

The registration fee includes two free tickets to the screenings, which are given to the team leader just before the screening.

What are the films about?

That's up to the filmmaker; however, each team must select the genre for its movie in a random drawing 15 minutes before the start of the competition. In addition, teams are given a character, a prop and a line of dialogue that must appear in their film.

Who sees the films?

The films screen to sold-out audiences in every city we've visited. Of course the filmmakers, actors, family and friends are there to enthusiastically support the premiere of the weekend's work. But also supporters of the local film community, and discriminating viewers who want to see something new—something raw and alive—are there to feel the creative energy. Winners of the city contest are distributed on a "Best Of" 48 Hour Film DVD, which you can purchase from Factory 515. They are also screened at major film festivals. The winning films from 2003 were screened at South by Southwest in Austin. The winning films from 2006 will screen at our own Filmapalooza in Albuquerque. The winning films from 2004 and 2005 were screened at Cinequest in San Jose, and the winning films from 2007 will be as well.

Who are the filmmakers?

The 48 Hour Film Project is open to all filmmakers, pro and novice alike. Rules state that all team members (crew and cast) must be volunteers. Most teams consist of film and video professionals. And teams have attracted some top talent on both sides of the camera. Penn of Penn and Teller, Dennis Farina, and George Clooney's father have each appeared in a 48 Hour film. Is this the year for the next Reese Witherspoon?

How long are the films?

The films are short; they must be a minimum of 4 minutes and a maximum of 7 minutes long. Short is good. Not only are shorter films tighter and usually more interesting, they are more marketable.

Where and when are they shown?

On the first few days following the competition deadline, the movies are screened at a grand premiere in a local movie theater. A guaranteed standing-room-only audience of tired, excited filmmakers, crews and friends are in attendance to cheer on the films. The winning films go on to our National Screening and Awards Weekend.

What cities has the 48 Hour Film Project visited?

The project began in Washington, DC in 2001, and in 2007 we visited 55 cities. In 2008, we'll be in even more places. (See all of our cities here.) Filmmakers just can't get enough of the 48HFP!

How is the event advertised?

The event is advertised by word of mouth, through the Internet and in local press. Local filmmakers and organizations are our most vocal supporters and do a great job spreading the word. In each city, the 48 Hour Film Project has generated considerable interest from local and national media. From CNN to the Washington Post and LA Times—we've had more coverage in more than 50 media outlets to date.

Is this a contest and will there be a "Best of" selection?

Yes and yes. One film in each city will be chosen "Best of City". All "Best of City" films will compete for the national title of 48 Hour Film of the Year. An annual awards weekend will include a ceremony to celebrate the winning teams, and the world premiere of the feature length, "Best of the 48 Hour Film Project".

What are the prizes?

Each city winner will receive our special trophy, and go on to represent their city in the finals. More prizes are detailed on our prize page.

Will I win?

Depends on what you mean by winning. Countless filmmakers over the years have told us that the 48 Hour Film Project weekend was fantastic. They loved getting to use their creative talents; they had fun with their friends; and they made a film, too! So if winning means having a great time, you've got a very good shot at it.

There were over 2,000 entries in 2007 and we gave out more than 700 awards. There are 55 city winners...and only one will win the grand prize. So if winning means getting that grand prize, you've got your work cut out for you. But don't let that discourage you—you can do it!

Will I get rich?

Probably not. As far as we know, no one has made much money selling a 48HFP film. However, some of our filmmakers have had success with their films in other festivals including SXSW; one team won a $100K filmmaking package at a festival; and filmmakers have used recognition of their 48HFP film to get paying work. Additionally, we at the 48HFP have set up an arrangement whereby if we're able to earn money by distributing your film, you will receive a portion of that money. We believe our arrangement is fair and equitable. As you may know, the market for short films is nearly non-existent. However, we do garner more interest in our films because of the 48-hour concept and the fact that they are part of a bigger collection. So, while folks have lots of fun doing the 48HFP, they don't make lots of money.

Who judges the films?

In each city we gather a group of film and video professionals to serve as our judges.

These judges generally have extensive experience within the field. We require these judges to be fair and impartial. Our judges donate their time and talent to select the top film in each city. In addition to determining the city winner they also select a number of other awards. The judges on the national/international level have included actors such as Julianne Moore, directors such as Simon West (Con Air), and editors such as Thelma Schoonmaker (Raging Bull, The Departed).

But no matter how careful we are in selecting our judges, judging itself is extremely subjective. So many times, two regarded critics feel markedly differently about the same film—remember the long debate between Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert about Apocalypse Now; remember Pauline Kael's ambivalent review of Star Wars. Similarly, on many occasions our favorite 48HFP film of the year has not even won its city. When it comes to evaluating art, a lot comes down to matters of taste.

Where can I buy the films on DVD? Where can I see the films?

You can buy DVDs from Factory 15. You can see the films on 48.tv.

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Technical FAQ

Does the maximum length of the film include credits?

No. Your film may be 7 minutes long plus 1 minute of credits.

Are credits in the beginning permissible and do they count against the credit time limit?

Opening credits are allowed and do not count against the credit time limit. However, they do count against the seven minutes of film. Remember, the audience is here to watch, not read.

Are we allowed to have footage under our closing credits?

Yes, however, the narrative must end before the closing credits begin. So outtakes, Ferris-Bueller-like antics, or bonus scenes are allowed. But if we removed the credits, the movie should still feel complete.

Can I film outside of my 48HFP city?

Absolutely! The only requirements are that you have a representative from your team at the Kickoff and that you deliver your film to the Dropoff. (If this is the first year the 48HFP is in your city, you must also include a landmark in your film.) Other than that, it's up to you. We've had teams shoot hundreds of miles away from their host city. We've even had a Boston team upload footage from Panama!

We're limited to using two cameras. Does a still camera count? And what about having a back-up camera?

A still camera does not count against the two camera limit. And you may have a third camera on standby in the event that one of your cameras goes down. However, you may not have more than two shooting cameras. (i.e., Two are shooting and a third is set up and ready to go awaiting word that one of the first cameras is finished—this is not allowed.)

I know that stock film and video footage is not permitted. What about stock photos?

If you have the rights to them, then stock photos are permitted. In other words, you may use photos not taken during the 48 hour time period.

Is animation allowed?

Yes. However—while you may use still drawings created in anticipation of the Project—you may not use animations created ahead of time. That is, all "inbetweening" must be done during the 48 hour time period. Downloading existing images and 3D objects is permissible, provided that you have full and permanent rights to them. Again, only animation created during the 48 hour period is allowed. And, as with a live action film, you must have all rights to the animation you submit.

Should we shoot in HD? Should we shoot in widescreen? Should we use surround sound?

Your film will be shown in Standard Definition in stereo or mono with an aspect ratio of 4:3. So you may shoot in HD, in widescreen, or in surround sound, but the film will not be projected that way. We require you to submit a Standard Definition, letterboxed, stereo or mono version of your film—anything else can lead to problems during our mastering process.

Does every team member have to sign the Participant's Agreement?

No, only the team leader needs to sign it (and turn it in at the Kickoff). However, everyone who works on the film must sign the Liability Waiver form. See the documents page for more details.

I was looking at the Wrap Up Form, and I'm still not sure what a logline is. Can you tell me more?

Sure!

May we use SAG performers in our film?

Yes, but more paperwork is required. See the SAG page for more details.

If we are working with someone out of state, can they fax or email us the release form?

Yes, but you must provide us the paper release before your film shows.

We want to use public domain or royalty-free music or photographs. What do we do about the Music Release Form or the Materials Release Form?

Have the person who has the rights to the music or materials sign the release form. In the case of royalty-free materials, this is the person who purchased them. In the case of public domain materials, this could be anyone on the team. Please also include documentation that shows your rights to the music or materials, such as a license, a purchase receipt, or a statement by the author. Note: You may only use materials if the license granted to you allows for all forms of distribution.

Do I need a Location Release to shoot on public property?

No, but you may need a permit. We do not require you to prove to us that you received a permit, but you may be stopped from shooting or even fined if you do not have one. Please check with your local film commissioner.

Can I get copies of the release forms that I turned in with my completed film?

Yes, we can mail them to you. To cover our costs, we charge $25 for this service. Email us at info@48hourfilm.com to request your forms. Please include the team, film, city, and year.

If the "required character" is audible off screen—like on the other end of a phone conversation—does that count?

No, we must actually see the required character in some way on the screen. Remember, he/she need not be the star of the film, just make an appearance.

Does the required character have to say his name or wear a name tag?

As long as the audience can infer who the character is, he/she doesn't need to be further identified.

Have any of the movies been shot on film?

Yes. Two 48HFP movies were shot at least partially on film stock. Both of those teams had connections with labs that enabled them to develop the film and transfer it in the 48 hour time period. We were quite impressed!

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