Another year, another film made in 48 hours! Last year, it was Scroll (now online). This year, I directed/wrote Hot Dog Guy, which screened a week ago along with other amazing films and won Best Cinematography for Dylan Baillie. Thought I'd share a few things I learned or worked well this year:
First time making an actual film poster! So professional!
1. Auditions and actor bonding
I was more organized this year so I actually had time to hold auditions. I met so many awesome actors! My indecisiveness definately struck, but it was lovely to have options. Also, I think the auditions helped the actors I chose feel more familiar with the story.
Two of the actors would be playing a couple and I wanted them to feel comfortable with each other. I asked them to try the 36 Questions That Make You Fall In Love and create a dance move together (there would be dancing the next day). Their dancing was adorable and I like to think this helped.
Behind-the-scenes shot on Canon AE-1 with our fabulous hot dog cart and Brent Bruchanski (the hot dog guy himself, AKA Seth) and Johanna Reimer-Henteleff, awesome production/camera assistant
2. Being flexible with the script
I wrote the script ahead of time, but was mentally ready to make changes as needed. I'm really glad I did because there are several bits that are the cast and crews ideas. The 48 Hour Film Contest gives out 'keys' that all teams need to incorporate, usually a specific theme, shot, etc. Once we received those, we all brainstormed a few new ideas, and now I can't picture the film without them.
3. Cool locations/props - Ask and you shall receive
We filmed at Club 200 and outside my workplace with a hot dog cart, which also came in handy for catering. Both were necessary for the story and got me excited for the visuals. Club 200 was the first place I asked and I'm incredibly grateful they let us film there and were so hospitable!
It took me a bit longer to find a hot dog cart, scrolling through Kijiji and debating how much I was willing to spend. Eventually I found Dese Bunz Burgers and Dogs who agreed to let me rent the cart for a pretty low price and were very accommodating.
It may feel awkward to do the whole "you would be supporting local film and we'd be sure to thank you in the credits", but people will surprise you and the visuals were indeed awesome. Also, asking way in advance helps.
Behind-the-scenes shot on Canon AE-1 in Club 200 with Schuyler Hunt our awesome production/sound assistant
4. Good vibes team
It's taken me a while to meet people in the film industry, and longer to connect with people to create stuff with. With working on other's films and awkwardly attending events (plug for womxns film and video network), I know some awesome and talented people that I asked to be on my team! From listening as I try to explain my "vision" to helping pack equipment and snacks into my car, the cast/crew were wonderful. I look forward to helping them on their projects!
Behind-the-scenes shot on Canon AE-1 as our lovely editor Derek McMechan works some magic
5. Going with an idea that feels right
This is a tricky one but kept coming to mind. Hot Dog Guy is based on a real-life happenstance of mine. I ran it by several people as a film idea and they reacted fairly positively - more positively then people had reacted to past film ideas. Past films ideas started more as concepts rather than stories, so maybe that was part of it. Also, with this film I gave myself a few limitations: one place, one time, no narration. It's made me think about how I should approach film ideas in the future, especially longer short films maybe. I'd actually be really interested to hear how you think of film ideas if you wanna comment! It's a weird process.
The trailer below was for the Gimli screening of the 48H films and there’s a snippet of Hot Dog Guy! Or now you can watch Scroll, which received Top 5 and Best Sound last year. I also wrote a blog post about last years 48H. Thanks for reading!