This past weekend, some of us Windsingers (and friends) got together and made a short film as part of CMAC’s 12-Hour Film Race. At the beginning of the 12 hours, we were supplied with a title and a line of dialogue, and sent off to make a film.
At 9 a.m., we were given our title, “Petals”, and our line of dialogue, “You’re probably too old for this.” With only 12 hours to concept, write, shoot, edit, and post-produce a film, we had to move fast.
We made the decision to purposely paint ourselves into a corner by making our entire film a single take, shot at dusk. That would give us maybe two chances to get it right… If we didn’t get it, we’d have nothing.
So, we started by coming up with the story of a groom and his best man going on an unexpected adventure. We spent the early part of the day getting set up for our evening shoot. Around 5 o’clock, we started our rehearsal runs.
Throughout our five practice runs, we had to correct camera problems, determine camera placement, and rewrite dialogue as we went. But on our second and final “for real” take, we finally got it right.
Then came the rush to get it edited and uploaded by 9 p.m. Working on two computers, we tackled both audio and color at the same time. We were able to finish the cut, slap on the credits, and upload the file with just minutes to spare.
All in all, we’re pretty proud of what we pulled off in just 12 hours. The tight deadline encouraged us to consider our limitations and think on the fly. It was a challenge, but also a good exercise in filmmaking.
Our film was shown with the other entries at CMAC’s screening event last night, and we took home second prize! We’ll be donating our $250 prize money to support hurricane relief. You can donate too right here.
Take a look and let us know what you think.
You can watch all the entries here.
And here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the whole shoot.
Thanks to CMAC for hosting the event, and especially to everyone who helped!
Credits
Director: Byron Watkins
Story by: Cody Fletcher, Byron Watkins, Kyle Gentz, Joel Forrest, Troy Ruff, Scott Coulter
Writers: Byron Watkins, Joel Forrest, Scott Davis, Nick Haas
Producer: Sara Bourbeau, Joel Forrest
Cast: Byron Watkins, Scott Davis, Nick Haas
Director of Photography: Kyle Gentz
Editor: Evan Schafer
Associate Producers: Bri Adams & Melissa Geston
Sound: Josiah Theisen
Sound Design: Scott Coulter, Evan Schafer
First AC: Troy Ruff
Camera Operator: Cody Fletcher, Evan Schafer
Gaffer: Cody Fletcher
