If you see a bunch of people running around town this weekend singing and dancing, John Wayne style, you can bet they drew “Musical or Western” as their 48 Hour Film Project genre. If they’re holding something seemingly incongruous — a snow globe, say, or an electric fan — that might well be this year’s required prop.
More than 30,000 filmmakers in 55 cities from Portland to Paris participated in the 48-hour filmmaking experience last year, and even more are slated to compete this time around. Twenty-eight teams (including a few from Boston and New Hampshire) are scheduled to compete in Portland this year.
Each team is given 48 hours — no exceptions — to make a short film that’s no longer than seven minutes; winning films from each city will compete in an international Best 48 Hour Film of 2008 contest. At the Empire Dine and Dance kickoff on Friday night, Portland teams will be given one prop, character, and line of dialogue that must appear in each film. They will also choose their genres, such as Holiday Film, Spy Thriller, or Ghost Movie.
Then they’re off, to write, film, and edit a complete short subject over the course of two days. It can be a stressful endeavor. The first time that project veteran Josh Dolby did it, he came close to getting into a “huge, drag-’em-out fight” with his brother, he recalls. But over the years, he’s grown accustomed to the fast-paced craziness. This year, as he leads a team of about 15 actors and crew members, he doesn’t anticipate any brawls.
Completed films will be screened in two groups, at 7 and 9:30 pm, at the Cinemagic Westbrook on Thursday, August 21. There will be a Q&A with the filmmakers following the screening. For more information, go towww.48hourfilm.com/portland_maine.
