How It Works
1. Form your team
Teams consist of 2 - 6 people. Gather your actors, writers, directors, editors and other creatives. (groups of 6+ must request a ‘Team Size Exception’.
2. Kick-Off - Friday, October 16 at 7PM
Your team captain receives the information needed to begin the challenge and shares it with the team.
3. Make Your Film
You have exactly 48 hours to write, shoot, edit and submit your short film.
4. Submit by Sunday, October 18 at 6PM
5. Screening & Celebration
We'll come together to screen the completed films and celebrate everyone's work, creativity and ridiculous lack of sleep.
6. Awards & Prizes
We'll recognize outstanding filmmaking and celebrate the teams that rise to the challenge.
The Screening
Sunday, October 18 at 7PM
After 48 hours of writing, shooting, editing, problem-solving and probably questioning your life choices, we'll come together to watch what everyone created and celebrate together.
Bring your team. Bring your friends. Come celebrate the work.
Location: Hurley’s Saloon NYC, 232 W 48th St, Rooftop bar. Third floor.
All are welcome. RSVP required.
What's Included in the Challenge?
The only thing teams can decide ahead of time is your location.
At the Friday night kickoff, team captains will receive the challenge elements that must be incorporated into their films.
This will include: Genre, One prop, One line of dialogue, One costume piece.
From that moment, the clock is running.
Teams can either use professional equipment or simply use phones, natural light and acoustic sound. There are no technical rules.
What Does "48 Hours" Really Mean?
The clock starts Friday at 7pm. Your finished film must be submitted by Sunday at 6pm at the latest ready to present at 7pm
Everything - writing, filming, editing, finishing & delivery- happens within that 48-hour window.
48 Hour Film Festival
October 16 at 7PM to October 18 at 7PM
A short, intense weekend of filmmaking, collaboration and creativity. Gather a team, get your challenge, and make a film from scratch in just 48 hours.
Who Can Participate?
The 48 Hour Film Challenge is open to actors, filmmakers, writers, directors, editors and creatives of all experience levels.
You don't need to be a professional filmmaker. You just need a willingness to collaborate, create and make something happen in 48 hours.
Invite your friends, colleagues and collaborators to join your team.
At least one team member needs to have attended at least one class or workshop at Mark Evans Studio prior to the festival.
Maximum 14 teams can participate. Spots will be granted on a first come first served basis.
Films should be under seven minutes long.
Film Requirements
Recommended film length: 5 Minutes
Maximum film length: 7 Minutes
Films must be shot horizontally
Required challenge elements (prop, line, costume piece)
All footage must be shot during the 48 hours
No use of AI
No stock footage is permitted
Only use music you have the rights to use.
Submission file format: Info upon registration
Where/how to submit: Info upon registration
Additional Questions
All questions should be sent to Community@MarkEvansStudios.com
READY TO MAKE A MOVIE?
48 hours. One team. One film.
$25 per person | Teams of 4 - 6 | October 16 - 18