Tell us about the 48 Hour Film Project.
The 48 Hour Film Project (48HFP) is the world’s largest time-based film making competition. It started 10 years ago in Washington DC, and since then the festival has grown. The 48HFP now takes place in over 100 cities around the world. I think it’s quite remarkable and inspiring that there are so many people all over the world willing to give up a weekend of sleep to go out there and make a film.

How does it work?
Teams of filmmakers have one weekend to create a short film (between three and seven minutes long). We give them elements they need to include in their film; a prop, a character, a line of dialogue and a genre. Teams get these “ingredients” on Friday night and 48 hours later they must return with a finished film! Genres range from comedy and mockumentary to period piece, sci-fi, and superhero. Lines of dialogue have included, “It was like that when I got here,” and, “Well that certainly changes things.” Props have included a pair of scissors, an ang bao and a pillow.

How should would-be contestants prepare themselves?
Teams should think about their work flow. It helps to have a team lined up with a diverse range of production talents including actors, editors, and camera people. We recommend that teams think about locations that they would like to/have access to shoot in before the competition kicks off. Test your equipment ahead of time; it’s not fun to realize on the Friday night of the competition weekend that your batteries are dead. I’d recommend having someone designated to make food and drink runs.

Tell us about a 48 Hour Film Project success story.
We take the 48 hour time limit very seriously. Teams can’t be considered for the competition and awards if they are even one minute late. During the 2009 competition we had one team reach the finish line two minutes late. It was majorly disappointing for the team, The Singapore Malay Film Society. The next year they got to the finish line with time to spare and ended up winning the whole event, taking home “The Best Film in Singapore” award. I think it’s a great success story and a testament to the team’s perseverance.

What are the qualities that stand out in a good entry?
At the risk of stating the obvious, the best films are written, shot and edited well. Often the best films are the shorter ones. With such a tight timeline it’s best to think about every line of dialogue and every shot. Keeping it short and simple often is the best strategy.

What’s in it for the winners?
Fame and glory in the world of 48-hour filmmakers. The winners also take home an Avid Media Composer 5 (editing software worth US$2,495). The winner of “Best Film” in Singapore goes on to compete at the annual Filmapalooza event in the US, where all of the winning films from the 100 participating cities are screened.

The 48 Hour Film Project takes place Apr 29-May 1. $120 ($140 after Apr 10). Visit www.48hourfilm.com/singapore to sign up.