Microfilmmaking is cemented in the conceit that anyone with the talent, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status, can still make a good movie. This philosophy also is the crux of the 48 Hour Film Project, a competition that dares filmmakers, from the aspiring to the established professionals, to conceive, shoot, and deliver a short film over the course of one weekend. What started six years ago as an artistic experiment in Washington D.C. has been an annual event in cities across the US and coming soon to the rest of the world.
Several cities are experiencing their first 48 Hour Film Project, including Louisville, Kentucky. I interviewed Sheila Berman, producer for Louisville’s inaugural foray into accelerated filmmaking, about how people can get involved, how cities can get involved, and how competitions like the 48HR are ultimately beneficial for microfilmmakers…
Greg Levrault: How long have you lived in Louisville? How long have you been interested in filmmaking? If you could claim credit for making any movie ever, what movie would it be?
Sheila Berman: I was born and raised in Louisville –but I actually just moved back to town in January after a ten year stint in Washington, DC. I’ve been interested in performance, theatre and the narrative for as long as I can remember. The majority of my personal experience has been on the production end of live theatre – so I’m somewhat new to this wonderful world of filmmaking.
Wow – that is a tough question, but I’d have to go with one of the classics – either “Gaslight” or Hitchcock’s “The Trouble with Harry” which, while not one of Hitchcock’s better known movies, is brilliant. It is odd and hysterically funny. I’m in awe of Hitchcock who had wonderful stories and character development, but also was a master at manipulating the audience through visual cues.
GL: In your words, how did 48HR start? How did you become part of 48HR? Have you ever competed in a 48HR competition?
SB: I wish I could say I was around at the beginning of 48HFP and took part in creating and shaping the project – but prior to this year my only role was as a 48HFP audience members. The first 48HFP took place in Washington, DC when Mark Ruppert, one of the founders of 48HFP, started this project. Mark was looking for a way to inspire other filmmakers to make films. All sorts of people dream about making a film “someday.” 48HFP helps jump start that dream - encouraging first timers and seasoned film professionals to just get out there and make it happen.
When I was living in DC I would go to the 48HFP screenings, but my work commitments made it impossible for me to participate as anything other than an audience member. When Mark Ruppert found out I was moving to Louisville (where I hoped to spend less time in the office) he asked if I would be interested in serving as local producer – and I jumped at the chance.
GL: This is Louisville's first year to participate. How long did it take for Louisville to become a host city? What factors made Louisville a good candidate to host a 48HR competition?
SB: 48HFP has expanded every year – and has always looked for cities which foster and support artistic work. Louisville is filled with wonderfully creative people and has a vibrant local filmmaking community. Filmmakers in Louisville heard about the project and invited 48HFP to come to town – it was just a matter of good timing on my part. Louisville is going to be a wonderful host city – filled with filmmakers and appreciative audience members.
GL: What criterion does a contestant have to meet in order to compete? Is experience necessary? Are professionals (y'know- movie stars) allowed to compete?
SB: We welcome anyone and everyone who would like to make a movie to participate – from seasoned film veterans to high school students who are just discovering the joy of the medium. Professionals are welcome to participate, and we will provide the necessary SAG (Screen Actors Guild) forms where necessary. Anyone under 18 must provide written permission from a parent or guardian in order to participate.
