What, When, Where, Who, Why and How!

What?

48HOURS is officially NZ's largest film competition! There is nothing quite like it.

It's a cinematic bootcamp but instead of drill sergeant screaming obscenities at you, it's the constant tick-tock of the countdown clock drilling into your mushy brain. 48HOURS is a serious challenge for both first time filmmakers through to experienced directors.

Simply put, filmmaking teams have just one weekend to make a short film.

Filmmakers don't know what genre (thriller/romance etc) they will be shooting until the start of the competition. All creativity: writing, shooting, editing and adding a musical soundtrack, must occur within the 48 hour window beginning Friday evening at 7pm and ending Sunday at 7pm. To add to the mayhem, they must also include some random elements.

In previous years they have included lines of dialogue, props and characters. In 2009 - who knows. A few days later, the completed films are all screened in heats to an eager audience. The best films are selected by judges to compete in the City finals. Then the City Finalists and Peter Jackson's Wildcards compete in a massive Grand Final on C4 offering fabulous prizes and glory. Well thats what happened in last year.. this year there maybe some changes!

WRITE. SHOOT. CUT. SURVIVE.

48HOURS is a filmmaking competition that just has to be experienced.

When?

The shoot weekend is currently scheduled for May 8th - 10th 2009. The competition is in its 7th year, having started in 2003 with just 44 teams taking part in Auckland. In 2008 over 600 teams took part right across New Zealand.

Where?

48HOURS takes place all around New Zealand - but we've even had some special international entries made by kiwis in the past! Check out your City Info details for more information. If you don't live in one of the listed cities, check out Out of Towners in the help file to see how you too can compete.

Who?

Who is 48HOURS for? The 48HOURS is for you! Every year hundreds of teams (over 600 in 2008) take part in the competition. Entry is open to anyone from first timers to professional film makers - spaces in some regions are limited so it's important that you register your team early as it's first in first serve. 48HOURS is run by the Filmhead Ant Timpson.

Why?

Make a short film in 48HOURS?! You'd have to be mad. Fortunately, temporary insanity is one thing this competition isn't lacking; we've been attracting movie maniacs since year one. Apart from being a bit loopy, other reasons to compete in 48HOURS include, getting to see your creation on the big screen with a enthusiastic audience, meeting fellow movie freaks and of course the chance to win fabulous prizes.

How?

How do you take part in 48HOURS? You either need to register your own team, or join another team. You can register here. You need to register before the end of April. if you want to learn more about what you will need to do to make a film in just 48HOURS read our First Timer Survival Guide and FAQs.