60 Hour Film Blitz

Imagine having a third eye made of plastic and metal that hundreds of other people could look through. Imagine that with this eye you could transform the ordinary sights and settings of daily life into a 3-minute cinematic story produced in less than 3 days.  No need to imagine because the 60 Hour Film Blitz makes these imaginations reality (without any invasive surgery, of course).

Founded in 2011, the Blitz Festival provides a platform for teams of up to 8 aspiring filmmakers and curious enthusiasts to write, direct, and edit a film creation in any genre that suits their fancy. Possibilities are truly endless, as Festival Director Phillip Mann describes: “[We] pretty much give people free reign,” to experiment with unbridled creativity.  Students are urged to choose their own groups, cast their own actors, and use their own cameras, disco balls, and fake blood as a means of challenging themselves and stretching their capacity. “We encourage spontaneity and improvisation,” says Mann, “if you put some red pants on a lamp to create a lighting effect, that’s great.”

Fortunately, future Tarantinos and Hitchcocks are not let loose without a little guidance and a goody bag. “We have a few cameras; we are also going to be supplying various equipment and little gadgets,” which Dr. John Trafton, CEO of the Festival, says will be provided on a first come first served basis. This includes rad accessories like a smoke machine, so demand will certainly be high.

Those who are wary of joining for lack of a crew need not fear.  Workshops have been organized to bring those in every strata of experience together and to facilitate team building. In the words of Mann “everyone, regardless of where they’ve come from, they have their own unique and mixed cultures of film; we’re creating a melting pot for all those ideas to come together.” The next, and final, workshop is on the 5th March and will focus on editing tips and techniques.

After a manic 60 hours of work, the films will be screened at the Buchanan Theatre, at 7:00pm on March 13^th.  This is a unique opportunity for the final product of almost 3 days of blood, sweat and tears to be met with the critique of professional judges, and the applause (hopefully) of hundreds of viewers. Keleigh Sapp, who is also directing the festival, described this climactic experience as incredible, leaving those involved with a sense that they “can only get better, can only learn and grow,” and that it is “a holistic way” to see what they are capable of.  Aside from the feel good factor of a job well done, filmmakers will also have the chance to compete for awards and there will be cash prizes for the most innovative and crowd pleasing entries.

Sign up outside the library from 9 to 5 on the 27^th and from 9 to 5 on the 28^th. Find your third eye and let the Blitz begin. For more information, visit the website.

Images courtesy of 60 Hour Film Blitz Festival