‘First ever’ 48-hour filmmaking event comes to Inverness this summer
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This summer, a landmark filmmaking event — the 48 Hour Film Project — is staging their first ever competition for Inverness.
Scheduled for July 2024, and proudly hosted by Eden Court, the event is expected to attract filmmakers from across Scotland - and around the world - to make a short film in the Highlands.
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Filmmakers will turn up to Eden Court on the evening of Friday July 19 evening for the “kickoff” event, where they will each draw a different pair of genres out of a hat.
They must make their film in one of their chosen genres, which could vary from romance, sci fi, buddy film, comedy, or even musical!
Then, a character, prop and line of dialogue will be announced that must be included in every film.
Filmmakers have 48 hours to write, shoot and edit their mini masterpieces, which must be between four and seven minutes long, before uploading it to the official website Sunday July 21 evening.
All films will be screened at Eden Court on Wednesday July 24 evening, followed by an Awards Party where winners will be announced in several categories.
The winning filmmaker will win a free trip to Filmapalooza, the international 48 Hour Film Festival, to be held in Seattle, Washington, USA in March 2025.
Films are judged by top industry professionals.
Previous winners have gone on to have entire BBC TV series produced (James Price, Dog Days) and have their films shown on STV (Neil Boyle, 1815). Even TV's new Rebus, Richard Rankin, once starred in a film as part of the project,
Registration is now open at 48hourfilm.com/inverness.
Supported by Screen Scotland, the 48 Hour Film Project has been running since 2008, having produced and screened over 1000 films now, but this is the first event in the Highlands.
The 48 Hour Film Project is produced by husband and wife Sam Goldblatt and Louise E. Knowles. Louise, from Aberdeenshire, is passionate about expanding filmmaking opportunities beyond the Central Belt.
Ms Knowles said, "We can’t wait to see what filmmakers from the Highlands and Islands have to offer. It’s so important for filmmakers from all over Scotland to be represented on screen, for their voices to be heard and their stories to be told in their own unique ways.
“We also hope that some of our previous 48 Hour Film Project participants from our Edinburgh and Glasgow competitions will feel encouraged to travel north to make a film in this one, to discover and be inspired by the rich landscapes and culture that Inverness and the Highlands and Islands have to share.
“Most importantly, we're thrilled to be able to bring the fun, craziness and excitement of the 48 Hour Film Project to a whole new group of filmmakers!"
Mr Goldblatt said, "Edinburgh, Glasgow, we see them a lot on the big screen. We're excited to see and hear the stories from Inverness, the Highlands & Islands.
“From Ullapool to Orkney, from Stornaway to Spean Bridge, we want to connect with anyone who has ever wanted to share their story on the big screen. Anyone can enter - no experience required."
The 48 Hour Film Project recently joined FILMLANDS at Eden Court to present Inverness Shorts Showcase, a night of short films from local filmmakers.
Nine films were screened, including three in Gaelic and one from a talented team of hearing impaired filmmakers.
Drew Tremlett, Engagement Producer in Film for Eden Court, said: "We are delighted to welcome the 48 Hour Film Project to Eden Court and to the Highlands and Islands region for the first time ever.
“We are already well aware of the breadth of the filmmaking talent present in the Highlands and the arrival of this international film making competition will provide an excellent opportunity for that talent to be seen by a wider audience.
“Many of the emerging filmmakers we already work with have been excitedly chatting about the project and are starting to form their teams ready for the launch on July 19.”
