The St. Louis 48 Hour Film Project
What Happened During Your Weekend?
The St. Louis filmmakers share stories from their wild weekend of filmmaking. (Blogging will begin after the filmmaking weekend ends.)
One more thing (stupid blog editor!)
I've heard of several teams that have "decided" they won't be back next year, including some of the perennial favorites. I’d encourage you to wait to make your decision next April or so. If your concern was you had issues with “team dynamics”, maybe now is the time to form two (or more) NEW teams, and make the St. Louis competition even greater than it was this year. I for one would be ECSTATIC (and terrified) to hear St. Louis had 80+ teams entered next year.
- Trent Wohlschlaeger, Brain Freeze Productions
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Who won? We did!
At the risk of seeming self-serving, and since none of the more politically-correct members of the team appears willing to step up, I will confirm that "Circles", by Brain Freeze Productions, won Best of St. Louis for 2009.
The process went something like this:
After we finished shooting, everyone thought we had a good film.
After we saw the final edit, with score, we thought we had the best film we'd ever made, and we would win "for sure". (But then, who doesn't? ;^)
After we saw the competition at the "Best of" screening, we weren't so sure. Who knows what the judges are looking for, and there were a LOT of good films for which an argument could be made.
After they gave us that one award for four categories, we thought we were SCREWED. Historically, "Best Film" only got one or two other awards, based on the judging.
After the final announcement, we were all incredulous. The last week and a half has been quite the roller coaster ride, and even though we knew we had made the best film WE could make, we were not at all sure we had made the best film ST. LOUIS could make. I for one am still not convinced, but that is why I'm glad I'm on this side of the equation, and not the judging side. It just seems a little arbitrary to me to have all of everyone's hard work boil down to a single "advancement" award. I bet several of the other 14 "Best of"s from here could have been THE Best of in other cities.
So, congratulations to all of the other St. Louis films, just for getting it done. MAKING a movie in 48 hours is no mean feat. And were it not for the "threat" of your effort our movie (and most of the others) would not have been as good as it was.
I've heard of several teams that have "decided" they won't be back
- Trent Wohlschlaeger, Brain Freeze Productions
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Who Won?
just wondering who won,
We had great fun making this years entry and we were very proud of it "Blood Guzzler". We were bummed that at the last min we had problems getting it burnt on a disk so we missed the dead line, but live and learn maybe next year. thanks to all!
we did get it up on YouTube so watch it and let us know what you think of it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhj6j3QQWF8
- Daniel Darkside, Kid Sized Coffins
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Great showing
Great job STL. After seeing the Best Of, I am very proud of our city. Great films, great performances, special effects, everything.
- Warren Arnold, One Handsome Man
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Fast Cheap and out of Control
I'd like start off by saying thank you to every team player we had, Clare, Jim, Gabe, Josh, Guy, Kjle, Virginia, Bridget, Kreige, Aaron, Erin, Mike, Pete, Matt, and especially Katie. I wanted this to be above all FUN and not stressful! We laughed the whole time, and no fights of merit. We all had a great time and we're all very proud of "Love Stalker". Musical slash Western was the LAST genre we wanted but fortunetly Pete and Matt and Kjle all made wonderful and speed compositions that worked well. I'm looking forward to the screening(in about two hours).MAYBE we'll be there next year!Thanks everybody.
- B. Bowls MacLean, Filmbender Entertainment Group
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Feedback
So this year was interesting for us. After last years fiasco with our software, i was quite proud of the fact we finished filming a full 24 hours before the deadline. We drew the genre of Thriller/suspense, usually something that we do on a normal day, and we felt really good about having that as our genre. We took a chance this year in trying to make the film as artistic as we could, which in turn could have possibly been our downfall. Although i am quite happy with the finished product, and bummed that we didn't make the best of showing, it would be nice to get some honest feedback from those who viewed our film. We were in group C, Sedition Entertainment, and our film was called '(descent)' ....All who have seen it and wish to give feedback, please please please email me at twolf@siue.edu .....i feel that by asking for feedback about our film it will help us in the future, whether it be for this event, or just everyday activity.
Regardless, congrats to those who made the best of showing, and even more regards to everyone who participated this year.
- Thomas Wolf, Sedition Entertainment
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Congratulations and Many Thanks
What an incredible thrill!
As a serious amateur, I ventured out to the newly opened four story Martin W. Malcolm overlook in East St. Louis last Saturday evening to get some shots of downtown and the great sunset. While enjoying the colorful hues of the fading day, a film crew with an energy level far from fading rushed up the ramp. Within minutes they were setup to shoot a scene with downtown and the glorious sky as a backdrop.
That was my introduction to the 48 Hour Film Project.
With my curiosity stoked by these energetic filmmakers, I ventured out to the Tivoli to view the Group A screening. Immediately afterwards, I was in line at the box office to buy tickets for the complete series.
For fear of missing someone, I don't dare mention any of the teams that I was honored to talk to over the past three evenings. But I have to give a shout out to Space Dolphin Pictures for our chance encounter last Saturday evening. If it wasn't for you, I never would have had the opportunity to experience the 48 Hour Film Project.
To all of you, you captured my mind and heart as I watched your creations unfold. I was amazed by your creativity, imagination, and energy level. I was in awe of your ability to transform 48 hours into an incredibly moving experience. And I'll always be in your debt for capturing my heart as I was privileged to witness filmmaking at its best.
"Have you ever seen anything like it?"
NO! Never! But thanks to you, I can say I have seen passion transform into incredibly moving stories.
My profound congratulations and thanks.
- Doug Weber, Captured Bystander
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Judging Process
Congratulations to everyone who completed films this year. Just finishing a film in 48 hours is worth an award in my mind.
Announcing the finalists every year is the hardest part of my job because there are always more disappointed filmmakers than happy ones. As a filmmaker myself, I know exactly how much time, energy and mania went into the creation of your film. And I also know the sting of what feels like rejection (but is really just non-selection.) But please believe me when I reiterate what many have said before: that film selection is subjective, and what's selected by our judges represents a small sliver of the many quality films submitted. I want you to know that many of the films were rated highly and it is a narrow distinction between being a finalist and missing the cut. So if you didn't make the finals, keep your head up and keep making films.
- Doug Whyte, 48HFP STL Producer
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Can't win 'em all
Well, I think year six will be the last for 88mm. We've had some really great times, and some not so great times.
The 48 hour film project has been an overall nice experience, but I think it's time to get out while the gettin' is good.
Best of luck to everyone!
- Chris Grega, 88mm productions
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Great Films This Year
Lots of terrific films this year. My favorites were:
"Two days Ago" from Caffine Tamborine"
"Yesterday's Dirt" from Lou Crew
"Double Fault" from Tangent Mind LLC
"The Trophy" from Los Hermanos Politicos
"Junior Knows Best" from Reel Men
"Photoshop of Horrors" from Tiny Planet
"Inseparable." from Soyburger Studios "
"Zom-B-Gone" from Golden Mullet
"Blood Guzzler" from Kid Sized Coffin
"The Freegonists" from Sozo Pictures
Easily the best year ever as far as technical quality goes - with a few exceptions. Good luck to everyone who participated.
RT
- Richard Taylor, Brain Freeze Productions
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A lot of fun!
I've been doing the 48 for several years now, and I've never had more fun than this year! After getting mockumentary, and having a team full of skilled ad-libbers, a lot of pressure was relieved and we just let loose and have fun, making a hilarious movie in the process. The biggest problem we had this year was cutting things out. A lot of great footage hit the cutting room floor. Oh well, that's why we have director's cuts!
See you all on Thursday, and prepare yourself for the Great American Pyramid of the Midwest!
- Louie Benson, Dogs and Cats Living Together
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Six Years And It Just Keeps Getting Better
Few things get better with age, a good wine, a nice aged cheese, and the 48 Hour Film Project. Having participated in every 48 Hour Film Project in St. Louis, I can say, unequivocally, that the 2009 48 Hour Film Project was the best filmmaking experience I've had yet.
I have participated with the same cast and crew every year and I believe that this is the secret to our success. From the skill of director/editor Dick Taylor who tirelessly guides the cast and crew to set up perfect shots, to the jaw-dropping skill of our SAG actors Will Shaw, Judy Mann and Whit Reichert, Brain Freeze Productions has been lucky enough to be graced with these skilled professionals.
What the rest of our crew (myself included) may lack in experience, we more than make up in enthusiasm. With long nights and relentless takes on the horizon, the entire cast and crew always seems to keep smiling and working.
This year we drove over 200 miles in getting to locations, back to the shoots headquarters and delivering sections of the film to our extremely talented composer Steve Neale whose ambitious creativity always brings our films to the next level and beyond.
I think part of Brain Freeze productions enjoyment comes in the fact that our cast and crew have become friends over the years. Working with the same people for six years creates a bond of trust and respect that greases the wheels of creativity and hardwork. Everyone knows their jobs and doesn't want to be the weak link.
Yet, there is another element that no one has discussed on this blog. The fact that we are in competition with such talented and creative filmmakers pushes us to keep trying to improve our filmmaking skills, also. The first year the 48 Hour Film Project came to St. Louis, there were around 24 teams who participated. We have for the last few years, been in the top 5-10 cities around the world with the largest participation and the quality of films has steadily grown with the blossoming numbers of teams experiencing two days of filmmaking. Keep in mind at these screenings, that not only should you be proud of the film you created last weekend, but also of the films the teams around you have made, for their participation has helped make you a better filmmaker.
And when the winning film is announced this year, instead experiencing a loss, try to take away a sense of accomplishment, for the winning film has your influence stamped upon it through your participation in this great weekend.
,
Thank you Doug Whyte for continuing to fan the flames of success that your tireless work has ignited. Thank you Brain Freeze Productions cast and crew, you've given me another memorable movie-making experience. And thank you, 48 Hour Film Project participants, your films are entertaining, and your ideas are wonderfully creative.
- Kent Tentschert, Brain Freeze Productions
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Only two years, but still counting!
Oh, and my personal award goes to Jonathan Weston. His performance made me weep.
If he doesn't win the St. Louis "Best Syllable" award, it will be a travesty.
- Trent Wohlschlaeger, Brain Freeze Productions
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Only two years, but still counting!
I have to echo the comments of Judy and Dick. This is only my second year (of forcing my way) on the team, but it has certainly been a wild ride!
The thing that struck me the most about this year was how it was so seamessly, effortlessly collaborative. I know everyone contributed fully, but not only can I not tell you what everyone else did, I can\\\'t even remember what I did! OK, I remember one line, but only because Will performed it better than I could have imagined. Good thing he had his copy of the Necronomicon handy.
Oh, and no children were harmed in the production of this movie. Unfortunately, after we wrapped the shoot, I backed over Socks, the dog. But it's OK, they are just going to change his name to "Sock"....
- Trent Wohlschlaeger, Brain Freeze Productions
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Amazing experience as always...
This was our fifth year participating in the 48 Hour Film Project, and quite possibly the smoothest and best so far!
You may recognize a few of our actors from our past movies, "Supply & Demand" and "Wiped," but we also had some new, and amazing talent helping us out this year.
... we even had a special effects director. Stay tuned. :D
Congrats to everyone this year! I love seeing what you all come up with.
- Mike Rohlfing, Anonymous Productions
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Another wild ride
Another wild ride with Team Brain freeze! This was the best yet, with our gorgeous locations, wonderfully creepy story, and the more-than-capable Dick Taylor at the helm. I have not had a more fulfilling experience in all my 48HR history.
Bravo!
- Judi Mann, Brain Freeze
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RE: You Know Dragon...
Dragon,
I can't believe I thought you could make up for any of the suffering I have gone through because of you.
The unfortunate thing is that I can't even say that I suffered because of you. None of the things you did were directly your fault, which gives me even more of a reason to never have you around. You're just a dookie magnet. And that dookie you attract must be racist, because it always lands on me. Hell. Who are we kidding...it aims for me. But, you always seem to be fine. It's me who has to deal with the backlash.
I've been seeing a psychiatrist to try and figure out what it is that keeps me from just blowing you off, but until we figure it out, I guess we're still boys. Maybe it's because I just like being the smartest guy in the room and you make that easier. Hmm..I should bring that up with Dr. Clark.
Anyway, so I hear that there's a movie about the whole 'mishap' showing at the Tivoli tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9:15. I guess I'll go. I'm planning on going to Blueberry Hill beforehand, so if you still want to try and start making up for yourself, maybe you can come buy me some buffalo fries.
Later dude,
Ash
- Ashton Brown, You Know Dragon
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one more thing...
Lest I forget, special thanks must be given to a member of my cast for engaging in their first same-sex kiss for our film. Thank you for your openness and bravery!
- Alex Lotz, Secondhand Cinema
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A fun, inspiring and rewarding collaboration – and a wonderful film to boot!
Even after film school, I wouldn't have expected I could have directed, shot, and edited a movie worth watching in a 48 Hour period, but our wonderful cast and crew were able to make it happen. The film we ended up with (which, strangely, is more watchable and thought-provoking than some films I had months to make) was truly a product of collaboration: I didn't know who to credit as the writer after the story grew from an exciting brainstorming session and madcap improvisation on set! It was a powerful and inspiring experience to see so many people – most of whom were utterly new to being on a film set – put their heart into a whole that greatly exceeds the sum of its parts. I always believed there was a place for everyone on a film set (and in our case, multiple places for those who contributed in multiple positions), and I hope everyone who helped will be as proud of the film as I am of our efforts. We ended up with a run time of 6:59 on a tape that was turned in with less than 5 minutes to the deadline, so I can't think of how we could have possibly pushed ourselves any further for such a rewarding and exceptional film. Thank you for an amazing experience and an amazing film, Secondhand Cinema (and 48 Hour Film Project)!
- Alex Lotz, Secondhand Cinema
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The GAP!
The Great American Pyramid of the Midwest is coming!
- Ashley Brown, Dogs and Cats Living Together
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Get Ready For A Futuristic Space-Jenkem Drama
We've been fortunate enough not to repeat any genres in 5 years of doing this monster. Sci-Fi was a unique challenge, and pull it off we did. Amazing performances, stellar HD cinematography, absolutely whiz editing, scoring, and post-production, and some fine, fine jenkem. Good job all involved.
We arrived at our first location, around which we'd more or less centered pretty crucial aspects of our script, at about 9:00AM on Saturday, only to be kicked out about two hours later, before any substantial footage could be shot, due to the blowing of a fuse which alerted suspect parties to our relatively guerilla operation. After you see our film (Screening Group C), ask me to see a picture of what our first location was SUPPOSED to look like. I think you'll be impressed, as I was, that these Pancake Productions scrappers made it happen like it did, and as calmly as they did.
Congratulations to all of the other teams. I'm not going to be able to see every single screening group in MMIX as I have the past 2-3 years, but I look forward eagerly to seeing what I can. Kudos to Saint Louis for being spectacular. I love you.
- Robert Severson, Pancake Productions
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Is the mic plugged in?
No tomatoes were harmed in this years film, but we managed to enjoy ourselves anyway. A great crew and actors always helps. We shot in one location, but had a 100+ shots on our list, so that kept us busy. I think we got them all. Hope everyone enjoys it, I know we are looking forward to seeing what everyone else put together. I think the quality of films overall in St. Louis has gotten better each year!
Viva La Revolucion!
- Dave Lang, Los Hermanos Politicos
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Oooops
Ah, the grandkids are actually nine and twelve. Now they really won't be speaking to me!
RT
- Richard Taylor, Brain Freeze Productions
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Six Years and Counting
This was our sixth year and most of the crew agreed it was our best as far as having a blast and enjoying the shoot. We ended up with some super locations and the weather cooperated - although it was pretty hot up in that barn loft on Saturday.
After drawing both Cop/Detective and Spy two times we got Fantasy this year and it gave us a chance to try something different for a change. The creative session went great and we came up with an idea for a script with input from everyone on the writing team. During editing Saturday night, no one could remember who came up with what, it was that much of a collaborative effort.
Kudos to our great cast and crew. Especially my granddaughters who put up with more than any eight and eleven-year-old should with Grandpa directing. The fact that they are still speaking to me is a miracle.
We're looking forward to the screenings this week. Good luck to everyone.
RT
- Richard Taylor, Brain Freeze Productions
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Ah, 48 hour filmmaking...
Here we are again. Our sixth time out. Always a party, and only a $130 cover charge...
This was a rough one, let me tell you.
Probably the defining moment was during post around 1:00 Sunday afternoon. I turn to the editor to say something, and the power goes out.
We sat looking at each other in the gloom for about five minutes and I finally said, "Hey, at least we're done with post now."
30 panic-filled minutes later, just when we are getting ready to tear apart his system and fly over to my house, the lights come back on.
Holy crap.
This entire project rode the knife-edge of disaster, but we luckily made the correct choices at each turn.
I'm pleased every year that the 88mm team brings their best to pull off the impossible.
I actually couldn't be happier!
- Chris Grega, 88mm productions
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You know Dragon...
Dear Ashton,
Dude, I know I've said it before, but I'm really sorry - really, really sorry. I mean, that guy should have been wearing a helmet, so I don't think it's entirely my fault, but I can see how you might feel that way. I know this is my only shot at talking to you man, so I got my sister to teach me how to blog. It's so easy! I mean, I know you know a lot about computers and all, and I was thinking that maybe we could start with an online store since things fell through last time.
Anyway, that's not really the point. The real point of this is that I'm sorry dude. I mean, if anybody knows Dragon, it's you, and you know this stuff just happens to me. You know I've always got your back man, and I've still never told anyone about the crabs! I just hope that we can get through this, for the sake of all the excellent times we've had in the past. Boards & Bongs forever man! Keep the dream alive!
Bro-fully yours,
Dragon
- Dragon, You Know Dragon
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Consolidation Capers
We've done lots of these time-crunch things --- some for festivals, some just on our own time for fun --- and everytime we've had one "big problem" that we had to solve. By noon on Sunday for this festival, we hadn't had ours yet. In fact, everything had gone so smoothly we were actually starting to relax a bit.
Until, of course...we looked at the goddamn timeline.
We had made a 14 minute film in 48 hours. One may think that's a great feat, but we were supposed to turn in a 7 minute film. The real challenge, in this case, was actually cutting our complex 14 minute movie in half. What you will see during the screening is actually somewhat of a trailer for the film we originally conceived.
Cutting a 14 minute film in half in the span of around 2 hours was incredibly difficult. We had to sacrifice plot, character motivation, and some wonderfully written dialog and awesome shots. Our film took some strange turns, plot-wise, when we viewed the final 7 minute product. For example, one character now appears to be a rapist and a pedophile, just because we had to trim some important parts out. Oops.
There was a bit of confusion as to whether or not we could have parts of our film running underneath our minute of credits. We counted on this way to cheat the system to have an extra minute of film. Turns out...there was some miscommunication and we had to cut out YET ANOTHER minute, when we finally thought we had butchered our 14 minute film enough.
But, we're proud of the finished product and all the things we've accomplished, because, well, there's only three of us.
We three of Do It Live! Productions conceived, birthed, and raised our entire film. Sometime it gets difficult to play multiple characters, set up the camera to film us acting while there's no one behind it, and basically just coordinate everything between the three of us.
But it's okay --- we're used to it! We do it all the time. If you're interested in seeing the final version, or some of the other stuff we've put together, you can visit www.AlexandraJensen.com or www.ScorpiusProductions.com.
We can't wait to see all the other films from the other teams! We're going to be at all the screenings this week. We had a wonderful time and hope that everyone else did as well!
~Alexandra Jensen and Jim Wolfe Jr. of Do It Live! Productions
- Jim Wolfe Jr. & Alexandra Jensen, Do It Live! Productions
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Attack of the Chiggers!
This would have been a more appropriate title for our horror film. Half of our crew discovered that pleasant surprise Sunday. It was only for one shot too, but we decided it was a shot well worth it!
The most exciting part was that we got to use a REALLY weird abandoned house.
All in all, had a blast once again!
- Kristen, The Truffle Shuffles
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So now I'm an expert?
Director: "Do you have a shirt and tie?"
Grip:"Yeah, why? For who?"
Director:"For you- you're our expert now."
Grip/Expert:"Oh."
So began my first ever acting gig. Well, to be fair, my second ever acting gig- during last year's 48HFP I was a waiter in one scene, which consisted of my arm appearing in frame and picking up a bill. It was a pretty solid arm performance (according to the crowds reaction), but I still considered myself more of a grip then an actor. Oh, and also one of the stunt coordinators and set designers, but not really an actor. This year I planned on doing a whole lot of heavy lifting, maybe some painting, and generally anything that would be needed of me, behind the camera.
I am not an actor.
I cannot remember my phone number half the time, much less any lines.
I'm camera shy when it's just a photograph, much less a movie camera.
And now, I'm apparently an Expert Zombologist. An Expert Zombologist with multiple lines of dialogue, a kissing scene, and a scene that involved riding another man like a horsey.
All because I own a shirt and tie.
I hate to sound like a hack, but this just sums up exactly what makes 48 Hour Film Project such a great time- the "fly by the seat of your pants", "leap before you look", "insert cliched expression about random/thrilling times here" attitude and energy that it forces people to take and direct into one 7 minute opus. It takes that oft dormant creative side and makes you forget everything else, providing an outlet that otherwise might not exist. It's a 2 day long adrenaline rush that ends with friendships, common experiences, and a mini-movie that didn't even exist as a thought before it was announced.
Sure I ate my lines on the first take, and pretty much every take after that, to some extent. Sure we found out with less then 3 scenes left to shoot that we needed to go back and redo most of the days work to get more coverage. Yeah, a few of us might have pulled muscles or gotten sunburned or even bled a little. The big thing is that we made something, something creative, and we had fun doing it. A group of people who all have day jobs about as far from Hollywood as you can get were, for one weekend in June, able to live their dreams as Filmmakers.
And that, coupled with owning a shirt and tie, is why I had no problem making an ass out of myself on camera.
- Cesare Venegoni, 88mm
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What a Ride!
That was one heck of a weekend! Despite the fact that being team leader on a project like this is tough (4 hours sleep out of 48hours plus) I had a great time. I think it may take me a while to recover physically from this hectic weekend though, but it was so worth it.
My team really brought their A-game to this weekend! I had the best filmmaking experience of my life with the talented group of people that came together to work on this movie. My people worked really well together, everyone shared ideas, worked hard, did the best that they could and we made a movie that I think represents the passion that was required to create it.
Watch for "From the Heart" and see what you think.
-- Darin Griffith, Director
Second Wind Studios
- Darin Griffith, Second Wind Studios
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2009 48HFP
Another whirlwind weekend with very little sleep, high tension, pressure, artistic expression, and giving it our all.
We filmed in a location completely infested and over-run by cockroaches, one of which flew into my mouth and I accidently swallowed during directing. We scrambled what felt like all over St. Louis again this year. We made a very simple story visually complex. And we got it in on time with minutes to spare.
I love the 48 Hour Film Project and I wish congratulations to all the teams this year! Don't forget to vote for "6931"!! ;-)
- Stephen Province, Bug-Juice Productions
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Good times
Another 48 Hour Film Project down, and another list of new experiences (film making and otherwise). We got to throw an actor off a dock into a lake, filming it from a pontoon boat that we were able to rent for just $25 plus the cost of gas. We blasted our photo of mom with a very large amount of fake blood from our homemade squib cannon. We attached a knife to a power drill. We strangled someone with a beer bong. All on very little sleep, and a diet of caffeine and junk food.
What more could you ask for? 48 Hour Film making KICKS ASS!
- Seth Treptow, Absent Ground
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Great Weekend
Another fun year of the 48 hour film festival. The whole crew had a blast shooting our Thriller/Suspense film.
This was our third year, so we got done early and were able to sleep while still getting out a film we were proud of.
The only negative was trouble downloading from Rumblefish, so we had to use something a little more generic.
St. Louis has a great thing going with the 48 hour film project due to the people running it and the talented people making their movies. I can't wait for the screening to see what everyone has accomplished.
- Warren Arnold, One Handsome Man
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