Element Assignment Character, Prop & Line Requirements

At the Kickoff Event we will announce a character, a prop and a line of dialogue just a few minutes before the Official Filmmaking Period begins.

These elements must be included in your film.

The elements will vary from city to city, but in each location ALL teams will have the same required elements. It's up to each team to decide how to integrate them into their own film. Teams compete for most creative use of these elements.

New To The 48?


Examples of Previous Characters

Oscar or Olivia Bradley, Health Inspector Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 2018

Earl or Ellen Frickle, Chair of a Board of Directors Saint Louis, Missouri 2008

Geoffery or Gigi Cook, Consultant San Francisco, California 2010

Matt or Marie Clifton, Gardener Milwaukee, Wisconsin 2007


Examples of Previous Props

knife, fork and spoon Richmond, Virginia 2017

something with the number 10 on it Portland, Oregon 2013


Examples of Previous Lines

"I love it. What do you call it?" Madison, Wisconsin 2018

She didn't have to be like that. San Jose, California 2013

"It is not your fault, but it is your problem." {note contraction of it is to it's is acceptable) Austin, Texas 2022

I'd love to know what goes on in there. Savannah, Georgia 2011

Required Line

The required line of dialogue must be heard or seen - it may be written. It may be in a foreign language; however if it is not clear that this is the required line, it should be translated.

Required Character

The required character does not have to be the star, but we must actually see him/her on the screen. Name tags, etc. are not necessary so long as the audience can infer who he/she is.

Required Prop

The required prop must be seen, and it should be used in your film in some way.

Adherence to Assignment

Did you know judges base part of their scores on a film’s adherence to assignment? This refers to the genre and required elements.

Elements in Credits Do Not Count

The required elements must appear in the story of your film. Use of the elements only in the end credits will NOT fulfill the requirement.

Important Message: Copycat DisclaimerPrivacy Policy

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