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The 24 Hour Film Challenge Returns
Let the brainstorming begin!
You can’t force creativity—at least according to pretty much any film on the artistic process, from The Lost Weekend to Shakespeare in Love (remember back when Gwyneth Paltrow only acted?). Unless you have a muse on call, 24 hours to write, shoot, and edit a short film sounds all but impossible. But if you noticed a flurry of filmmaking activity on April 9 it was because after a three-year hiatus, teams of filmmakers took to Toronto’s streets to compete in the 24 Hour Film Challenge.
The concept of a time-based film challenge isn’t unique to this city, but as far as festival producer Brian Chick knows Toronto is the only place which runs one consistently. In the mid-naughties, founder Mike Dawson came up with the idea of holding 24 and 48 hour film challenges throughout the year, with the goal of inspiring and helping burgeoning filmmakers. The challenge was not only a place where filmmakers could cut their chops but it also had practical benefits, as they walked away with a demo reel, a line on their resume, and possibly glory if they won.
Ironically, it was the film industry that put the challenge on hold as Dawson began working full time in Hollywood North, and could no longer manage the festival. And so the festival hit pause for three years, until Chick stepped in.
A previous 48 Hour Film Challenge winner (his film, The Lounge Singer, took home the triple crown of best picture, actor, and screenplay in 2007) Chick missed the challenge. His memories were fond enough that when he struck out on his own as a freelancer he contacted Dawson and asked if he could pick up the torch.
Though the concept is simple (teams are given a challenge pack, including a line of dialogue, a location, a prop, and theme which must be incorporated into the film) the process is hectic and grueling. But as participant Christine Bujis says, it’s a great way to learn about yourself as a filmmaker. Bujis, who participated in the 48 Hour Film challenge as a director of photography, decided to come back for more time-compressed fun, this time in the director’s chair: “[The challenge] really empowers you to not procrastinate,” she says. “If I ever catch myself doubting if I can get something done in a week, I think: look at what we did in a day.”
Still from Buijs team’s film, Queen of Clubs
Of course, a natural question is: What kind of product can really be churned out in such a short amount of time? Chick notes there is always an element of uncertainty, as in any creative process. Following his win in 2007 he participated the next year and describes his film as “just brutal.” A browse through the festival’s YouTube channel of previous entries reveals a mixed bag. But there is also an undeniable excitement in the films—an excitement that Chick misses. While he’s enjoying his new role as festival director, when we asked if he misses competing his response is an immediate “Absolutely.”
This year, two teams didn’t make it in on time and aren’t eligible to win (though in the spirit of the festival, all films will be screened). Chick says it “breaks his heart” when a team is late (one by a mere four minutes this year) but it’s not a challenge without some rules and regs.
It also wouldn’t be a challenge without a winner. Over the past week a panel of celebrity judges (not announced at publication time) have been deliberating; the winner will be announced at the gala screening on April 20 at at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. But after talking with both competitors and those who run the challenge, there is a sense that winning, while great, isn’t everything. When all is said and done, Chick says he “didn’t hear from anyone who didn’t have a good time.”
Photos courtesy of Christine Buijs.