The blitz is back

Wednesday 22 February 2012

60 Hour Film Blitz

Budding Fife filmmakers will have the opportunity to have their films watched by industry professionals, including Edinburgh International Film Festival Director Chris Fujiwara, as part of the University of St Andrews’ 60 Hour Film Blitz challenge running from March 8 – March 11, 2012.

The 60 Hour Film Blitz, now in its second year, is part of the University’s 600th Anniversary celebrations and challenges people to pick up a camera and create a short 3-minute film, based in the town, in just 60 hours. The films submitted will then be showcased at a public screening in the Byre Theatre.

Registration is now open, with prizes totalling £240 awarded by the panel of judges across four categories: Best ‘Home Movie’ (film by someone with no prior filmmaking experience), Best ‘Indie’ Film (film by someone with limited previous experience), Best ‘Blockbuster’ (film by experienced filmmaker), plus an Audience Award voted for not by the judges but by the audience on the night.

Chris Fujiwara will be joined on the judging panel by Alice Black (Head of Film at Dundee Contemporary Arts), Marie Olesen (producer/co-owner of production company Autonomi), and Professor Robert Burgoyne (Chair of Film Studies, University of St Andrews).

Chris Fujiwara said:

“I’m happy to be one of the judges for the 60 Hour Film Blitz this year. It’s an exciting initiative that poses a very specific challenge to filmmakers at all levels. The three conditions – duration of the film, length of production, and location – are bound to stimulate some amazing work. I’m looking forward to seeing what the students and residents of St Andrews can come up with in two and a half days.”
Joshua Carter, Director of the Film Blitz, said:

“Everyone has their own individual experiences within St Andrews, be it as a student or as a permanent resident. I believe there is no better way to demonstrate what the town means to you than by expressing it visually, through a film, and sharing it with the rest of the community. The 60 Hour Film Blitz really is a wonderful celebration of St Andrews and I hope to make this year’s Festival the most creative and entertaining event to date.”

Anyone can enter, whether they have film-making experience or not and equipment will be provided. Entry costs £10 for a team of up to eight people, and this price also includes one ticket to the final screening on Sunday March 11, 2012.

Competitors who want to give themselves an edge can head along to free, pre-Blitz drop-in workshops on Tuesday February 28 (12-1 pm and 4-5 pm) and Saturday March 3 (1-3 pm and 6-8 pm). The workshops, run by Director of Operations Conor McKeown, will provide coaching on camera and editing techniques. They will be held in the TV Room, top floor of the Students’ Union, Market Street and equipment will be provided.

Local businesses are also invited to register as potential shooting locations, while budding actors and actresses can register their available in the Film Blitz online talent bank.

Notes to News Editors

Register at: http://onlineshop.st-andrews.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?compid=1&modid=2&prodid=238&deptid=28&catid=47

For further information go to: www.60hourfilmblitz.com

Tickets for the final screening are available from the Byre Theatre: www.byretheatre.com


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