INDEPENDENT NEWS

Imagination Costs Nothing

Published: Mon 31 Mar 2008 05:25 PM
For Immediate Release:
April 31, 2008.
Imagination Costs Nothing
The “V” 48HOURS: Furious Filmmaking is being called the greatest filmmaking competition in the world and it's back for more excitement and chaos in 2008.
The chance of fame and fortune, or at the very least one very memorable weekend, is an opportunity that sees many established filmmakers along with gung ho first-timers entering the fracas.
“V” 48HOURS organiser Ant Timpson calls the wildly successful annual event
“A cinematic boot-camp where the drill sergeant is a ticking clock” and that the event, now in its 6th year “is all about having fun with friends but the $100k in prizes is not a bad reason for entering either”.
Filmmakers have to create an entire short film from scratch in less than 48 hours. This year the shoot Weekend is on May 16-18 and registration finishes May 1. However with a prize pool worth over $100,000 it’s not surprising that spaces fill up very quickly.
Several past winners who have gone on to gold and glory, have a few words of advice for those willing to take the challenge. Last years Grand Champ Johnny Barker and the Lense Flare team, have not been sitting idly counting all their loot, the team have produced music videos, short films and are working on a documentary about Barker’s life as the Shortland Street serial killer. They offer the following pointers “Think simple, don’t think too grand, and keep it achievable. Downsize as much of every aspect as you can – i.e. small team, simple concept, and minimal locations. Bottom line – have a simple idea and have fun!”
The 2003 and 2005 Grand National Champs, Crash Zoom (creators of the upcoming sitcom The Jaquie Brown Diaries) say, “Make sure you don't ignore any of the crucial elements, a cohesive story, great actors and a good cameraman. Do as much prep as is legal beforehand”.
On the other hand the winners of 2006 The Downlow Concept (TV series and features in development), have laid the gauntlet down to this years competitors, “Film is for people who know what the **** they’re doing. Don’t waste our time with some story about a guy who can’t find something. I know he’s going to find it, and so does everybody else in the ****in’ theatre. It’s not a surprise”.
Over eight thousand cast and crew will participate this year with their short films shown in cinemas throughout New Zealand. The winning shorts from each city will finally compete against Peter Jackson's Wildcard picks during a two hour C4 Television special and one film will finally be crowned, Grand National Champ 2008.
This year Animation will be a force to be reckoned with, as the rules loosen up to allow more teams to have a go using all forms of animation. There are also special awards for Teens and all Girl teams.
Also this year a special warm-up competition is being launched for those who can’t wait for “V” 48HOURS to start. The “V” 48SECONDS is for all ages and sizes. Anyone with access to any old camera, including mobile phones can take part.
“V” 48HOURS: FURIOUS FILMMAKING
www.48hours.co.nz
Register immediately to avoid disappointment.
Hundreds of teams compete.
Hundreds of thousands watch.
But there can be only one winner.
WRITE. SHOOT. CUT. SURVIVE
ENDS

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