GL: What aspects of the event are first-time filmmakers most unprepared for?
SB: First time filmmakers will be more likely to have technical problems—poor audio, bad shots. Because first-timers don’t have the experience coming into the competition, they are more at a loss when a problem comes up.
GL: What are judges looking for from the films? What are some common mistakes to avoid?
SB: The story is the most critical part of the filmmaking process. If you have a great story and mediocre production values, you’re going to go further than the team with great production values and a mediocre story. The most common mistake that teams make is not editing enough. We have a maximum length of 7 minutes and most films are 6 minutes 59 seconds. A tighter film is usually a better one. The judges are looking for the best overall film—something that combines a strong story with strong production values.
GL: What happens to the movies when they're done? How can the general public see the films?
SB: All of the movies will be screened at the Village 8 Cinema here in Louisville on July 25 & 26th. Tickets will go on sale to the general public at the Village 8 box office. The audience members will then have the opportunity to vote on a number of audience awards.
Meanwhile, judges from the filmmaking community will pick “The Best of Louisville” film which will go on to compete against the other “Best of” city films for “Best of 2006.”
GL: Last question: Microfilmmaker Magazine focuses on the microbudget (under $30,000) filmmaking arena, and works from the contention that, given today's technology and community, the potential for such films are limitless. But I personally worry that if everybody's able to make their own cinematic experiences, the audience could eventually become an afterthought, even endangered as in other media... To wit, is all this democratization of the process good for filmmaking? And how is 48HR contributing to the situation?
SB: The democratization of the process is good for filmmaking. Before, you had to have $$$ or know someone in the business to get anywhere. Now most people can afford to make a film. While the downside is that you have more mediocre films, the upside is you have a whole bunch of awesome films that previously were not getting made. The 48HFP is giving more filmmakers more opportunities and giving them the chance to have their films seen.
GL: Great. Thanks for taking the time be interviewed.
To find your city, sign up to compete/volunteer, or answer any other questions, go to http://www.48hourfilm.com for details.
