LOCAL SCENE
48 hours to write, shoot, edit a film
By Phil Villarreal
pvillarreal@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.11.2007
Teams make movies in short order this weekend as part of "The Tucson 48-Hour Film Shootout" — the Loft's third such event in two years.
Staving off sleep deprivation with filmmaking adrenaline, each squad gets a list of instructions and 48 hours to write, shoot and edit. A past competition, for instance, required the teams to use a pumpkin, the line 'I don't know, I'm not a dentist' and a character named Bob Johnson.
This time they're competing for a judge-awarded first prize of $500 and a $250 audience prize. The judge panel includes your humble writer.
Those who'd like to participate should check out the rules and entry forms at www.myspace.com/filmshootout. The entry fee is $50, which includes four T-shirts and four tickets to the screening and awards show at the Loft at 7 p.m. Oct. 30. General admission is $5.
Micah Roland, a 26-year-old Pima Community College student, spearheads the competition. He spoke to the Star in an e-mail interview.
Describe your involvement with the 48-hour film challenge.
"I originally participated and helped in a 48-hour film festival prior to moving to Tucson from Boise, Idaho. Upon (learning) there was not a 48-hour film fest here, I partnered with another local filmmaker, Raymond Thomas, and brought the idea to the Loft Cinema. Together we created the first 48- Hour Shootout in Tucson. I will be the host at the event."
What's your background as a filmmaker?
"I have been making films since I was in high school. I worked as a production manager and assistant director on an independent feature film that spent some time in the festival circuit. Recently, I have been working within the corporate arena and partnering with nonprofit organizations to create films to meet their needs."
What's the most appealing part of the event?
"The challenge and creativity that the festival breeds. Most films are planned, scripted, scheduled, et cetera, before they begin. In the 48-Hour Shootout you literally have no idea what your film is going to be about and are under the gun for time. That creates an environment as a filmmaker, actor or crew member that challenges you mentally and physically. Seeing what you can create in that situation is very appealing."
What's the crowd like at the screening?
"With a lot of money on the line for the top prizes, the crowd is very energetic. We had a packed house during the last 48-Hour Shootout."
How would you like to see the event evolve?
"I would like to see the festival continue to grow and present opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work and get rewarded for it. We are working on making each festival — every six months — bigger and better than the prior one. It gives the community a chance to see and appreciate the talent that is right here in Tucson."
What's your evaluation of the Tucson filmmaking community?
"With so much history in the filmmaking community, often you hear that right now, film is not doing so well in Tucson. While there may not be major features being made, the local filmmakers are thriving. The ease of making films from a technology standpoint and places like the Loft Cinema have really revived the community."
If you're involved in filmmaking and would like to be featured in a Q&A, write to pvillarreal@azstarnet.com.
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