Another 72 Hour Film Fest in the Books

This year's 72 Hour Film Fest was excellent. Not just in the participation, but the way that it was constructed, as a whole. Instead of a singular weekend in August for all of the teams to participate, we were given a choice of weekends.

I chose the final weekend, John picked the second and J.D picked the third. As a result, we were all able to help each other with our individual projects each weekend. Not only did this mean that we could all assist each other, like we normally do, but without a resource constrain.

John shot his on location at a cabin in the Cabwaylingo State Park. There were a bunch of people helping him out. It was a large production, which I am not used to, personally preferring a smaller cast and crew. That being said, it was a great time. I acted solely as DP, which was an interesting challenge, because I typically only shoot what I write. I definitely need to improve when it comes to shooting another's creative work, but I am excited to see how he cut the footage together. We are both waiting to watch each other's shorts for the screening on Friday, Sept. 5.

J.D worked on a bonkers animated short. He had recently become reacquainted with the animation software PIVOT, which he used as a younger man. Emily and myself provided voices for his short. We got to do funny little accents which was a nice change of pace. Since J.D is taking a pre-planned trip during the weekend of the screenings, he showed us his short on the final night of my shoot. It was goofy and dumb and funny. A very enjoyable watch. I can't wait to see how it plays in front of an audience.

When my weekend came around, we already had two completed shorts in the bag, so we were feeling pretty good. As always, John and J.D did an excellent job performing in my short, "At the Edge of A Distant Memory." I had a rough outline, without my typical lines of preparation, so after each night, a nervousness set in. I knew I had what I wanted, but was worried about how it would cut together. Ultimately, everything worked out pretty well. Exported and submitted around 6am on Sunday, which I think is the earliest I've ever gotten done.

Overall, this 72 Hour Film Fest was spectacular. I love the new format, and hope that it is a sustain. I'm looking forward to the screening, very much so. I have a little behind the scenes doc of all three of our projects slowly in the works. And I have some very exciting plans for the future. Another feature perhaps?