Every year our Five16 Film workshop takes on the 24-hour film challenge, and this year was no exception. Students were split into three teams. They drew a random film genre (from a lens case, of course) and were given one line of dialogue that they were required to work into their films: “They told us this would happen.” Equipped with cameras, lights, audio equipment, and a quickly approaching deadline, students then brainstormed, wrote, shot, and edited an entire short film in just 24 hours.
These behind-the-scenes shots are only a glimpse of the late-night problem solving, the halfway-through plan changes, and the magical moment when the director finally says, “That’s a wrap!” at 3 am. Not pictured: the empty energy drink cans, the students collapsed on the couches in the MEL basement, and the editors who look like they haven’t seen daylight in years. Don’t worry, they’re fine… Probably.
A challenge like this isn’t just about pulling an all-nighter with friends. It pushes students to think on their feet, rise to the challenge, and get out of their own way. Often in filmmaking, the hardest part is starting something. It’s easy to sit around waiting for the perfect idea, when sometimes the obvious one is right in front of you. Sometimes you just need a deadline that pushes you to take a risk and give it a try.
This challenge is a great reminder to stop waiting around for the perfect idea and just start making something!
