Film-makers prepare for frenzy challenge

FILM-MAKERS of all ages and abilities will next month put their creative skills to work as they race to create a short film in just 48 hours.

Hosted by the Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation, the inaugural 48-hour Film Frenzy will take place at several pre-approved locations across the region from October 11 to October 13.

Participants will range from professional to amateur film-makers, including high school and university students, with prizes across 10 award categories up for grabs.

Every film shot over the course of the weekend will be screened at Geelong’s Pivotonian Cinema, and the film voted best by the judging panel will also be shown in November at the North Bellarine Film Festival.

Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation executive director Belinda Lyle said the frenzy was the perfect way to continue the foundation’s work of supporting the region’s emerging artists and film-makers.

“It’s giving emerging artists a chance to create something and also to have their work put up on the big screen.

“It’s also a chance for mum and dads to get involved as well, because with a smartphone, everyone’s a film-maker and we’ve all got a story to tell.”

Films need to be between four and seven minutes in length and can cover any genre, with the judges on the lookout for submissions that display creativity and originality and reflect, in some form, “a Geelong story”.

In the lead up to the event, participants are encouraged to assemble a crew – which can consist of as many members as they wish – and to begin planning their film, including scoping locations, writing the script and casting their actors.

To keep the participating film-makers on their toes, The frenzy’s launch event on October 11 will reveal three surprise details that must be incorporated into each film – a key prop, a line of dialogue and a location.

Ms Lyle said the 48-hour Film Frenzy was inspired by a similar event held in Geelong in the early 2000s and testimonials from previous participants showed similar competitions could play a key role in launching a career in film.

One participant, she said, went on to study at a prestigious film school in New York and create visuals for celebrities such as Madonna and Ricky Martin.

Entries to the inaugural 48-hour Film Frenzy have been extended until October 9.

Approved filming locations, including Point Henry and the Geelong Botanic Gardens, can be found on the Geelong Waterfront Film’s social media pages.

A permit will not be required to film at any of these locations during the frenzy.

For more information, or to get involved, head to geelongwaterfrontfilm.com.au