Getting Started: How to make a 48 Hour Film
Probably the most asked question we get is also the most basic:
Step 1: Sign up for the newsletter
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Step 2: Make the commitment
If you're reading this right now, you're well on your way! The whole point of the 48 hour time limit was to force a deadline on filmmakers, so that the process wouldn't drag out forever. While making a film in two days isn't for the faint of heart - It's a lot of work, and likely not too much sleep! - I'm sure all of our filmmakers would agree that the experience is more than worth a few hours of lost sleep.
Step 3: Learn the rules
The rules for making one of our films are pretty simple:
- The film must be completed within 48 hours, from the first frame shot to the final edit. This means that all of production (shooting) and post-production (editing) must be completed in two consecutive days. Pre-production does not fall under the time limit - time spent writing, casting, rehearsing, etc. do not count against the 48 hour time limit.
- The film should not be more than eight minutes long. While we do accept longer films, they are held to a higher standard - they really have to earn it.
- The film should be all ages friendly - no hard R- or X-Rated material please.
- The film cannot contain copyrighted material - It cannot be based on copyrighted material or feature copyrighted images or music without the proper clearances.
- The film must be submitted by the festival deadline, with the proper forms and documentations.
Step 4: Research
There are a lot of resources available for beginning filmmakers - including many on this very site! A great place to start for nuts-and-bolts technical advice is John's article on the Basics of Filmmaking. After that, you may want to check out our Resources and Articles.
Step 5: Make your Film
Write a screenplay. Find actors to say your words. Point a camera at them. Edit the shots together in a way that makes sense. Voila! You've made a film!
Step 6: Submit your Film
Download and fill out all the appropriate forms:
Filmmaker release form
48 Hour Film Festival entry submission statement
Actor release form
Music rights clearance form
Send your Film (MiniDV format please) and all the forms to:
We have one screening per year, in September. The submission deadlines are generally the month before the screenings. If you look in the news column on your left, you can probably see the date for the next one. There is no submission fee for films.We receive far more submissions than we are able to screen, so we are unable to screen all the films submitted. Even if your film isn't chosen to screen, each film you make is a learning opportunity - your next film will be even better. And if your film is selected - hold on! Seeing your film in front of hundreds of people is exhilirating, terrifying, and inspiring!
Step 7: Come to the screening
Our screenings are a fantastic time to see other peoples films, talk to the other filmmakers, and network with people who share your passion for filmmaking!
That's pretty much it. Although it's a lot of work, making a 48 Hour film is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.
Go!