New To The 48? Get Started

Welcome to the 48HFP

Are you a director, actor, editor, shooter, or audio ninja just itching to practice your craft? Professionals, pre-professionals or hobbyists - this is what you have been waiting for.

The 48 Hour Film Project is an opportunity for filmmakers of all levels to practice your craft - to make a film in a weekend and have it screen before an audience at your local theater.

Participating Cities Filmmaking Weekends

How It Works

It sounds simple:  Make a film in 48 hours - 2 days - one weekend. Here’s the catch - you don’t know the genre of your film until right before the clock starts ticking!

First begin putting a team together and register for the 48HFP in your city.

Next after registering, you will receive a series of emails with information and tips for a successful event.  During the lead up to the Project, teams recruit their cast and crew, scout locations and pull their gear together - putting everything in place for the filmmaking weekend.


Friday Night Kickoff Orlando: Dates To Be Determined

The 48 Hour Film Project weekend starts on a Friday night with the Kickoff Event for your city. At the Kickoff:

  • Each team receives the genre for its film in a random drawing
  • Then the required elements are announced - a character, a prop and a line of dialogue - each of which must appear in all films

Then it is off to the races!!  Filmmakers have just 48 hours to write, shoot and edit their film.

Genre Drawings Required Elements

Film Weekend: 48 Hours of Non-Stop Action Orlando: Dates To Be Determined

Most teams schedule their weekend like this:

  • Friday Night: Writing the script, gathering costumes and props
  • Saturday: Production - this is the shoot
  • Sunday: Editing and Dropoff - it’s time to complete your film as the minutes tick down

Filmmaking Rules Frequently Asked Questions

Sunday Night Dropoff Orlando: Dates To Be Determined

At the Dropoff Event, teams submit their film along with the required paperwork.  But don’t be late!  One minute late is too late to be eligible for awards - but all films are screened.

Production Documents

Premiere Screening: Your Film on the Big Screen Orlando: Dates To Be Determined

The culmination of all your hard work is a screening of your film at a local theater.  All submitted films (both late and on-time) will be screened!

Filmmakers experience the thrill of seeing their creative work on the big screen in front of an audience.  An opportunity you don't want to miss!

Judging & Prizes After the 48

Ready to Get Started?

1. Join Our Email List
2. Put Your Team Together
3. Think of a Team Name

Find Us on Facebook

Don’t forget to join your city’s Facebook page to keep up with the latest news and events.

more info

Assembling Your Team

You only need a few key people on board to sign up your team. Where can you find other teammates? Friends & Family, Craig's List, Facebook, Twitter!


Networking Events

Your city's webpage will let you know about upcoming networking events - a great place to find teammates.

more info

SAG-AFTRA Team Members

SAG-AFTRA does allow its members to participate in 48 hour films, but this entails additional paperwork and distribution restrictions.


Local Musicians

Some local musicians, bands & composers may be willing to let you use their work in your film because it creates additional exposure for their talents.


Important Message: Copycat DisclaimerPrivacy Policy

Copyright © 2001-2023 48 Hour Film Project, Inc. All Rights Reserved