168 Hour Film Competition Challenges Up and Coming Filmmakers

A Theme - A Verse - A Week

Burbank, CA (PRWEB) March 22, 2005 -- Call for entries for the 3rd annual 168 Hour Film Project (168), a competition where all films are created simultaneously during one week or 168 hours. Teams produce a 10-minute short film based on a theme and Bible verse. Challenging the beginner, the professional, and up and coming filmmakers, production begins April 19th with all teams completing their projects by April 26, 2005. Deadline for registration is April 8th.

All films are debuted in a two-day film festival May 13th - 14th, with winning projects awarded Saturday evening, May 14th. Winning teams and finalists will be congratulated in Variety and The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, May 16th.

Industry professionals participating in the 168 include: Ralph Winter, Producer of the X-MEN Films, Fantastic Four, Planet of the Apes; Gary Hall, VP of Post Production at Fox TV; and Luke Schelhaas, Writer & Co-Producer on the TV series, Smallville.

I love what the 168 Project is doing," says Ralph Winter. The festival is an inspiration and well run. I encourage filmmakers to take advantage of this opportunity."

The goal of 168 is provide an entrée into the film industry, encouraging aspiring filmmakers while fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and comradery. Winners from previous year's competition have gone on to win numerous awards and gain notoriety from their films produced for the competition.

Last year's competition was extremely successful with over 750 cast and crewmembers producing 53 films," says founder, John Ware. 168 not only challenges the most talented and creative, but it equips the beginner and gives them an opportunity to learn and grow and build relationships in the film industry."

Prior to production week, workshops, team building meetings, and casting calls are facilitated for producers, actors and anyone wanting to participate on a project. Entrance fee for the competition is only $120 per team and includes a producer's pak ($200 value) with workshop and festival tickets. Discounted group tickets are available.

Registration & Orientation - Tuesday March 22nd    7:30-9:30 pm. at 26 E. Providencia, Burbank To RSVP send email to: info@168project.com or call 818-557-8507. The orientation will include everything you need to know about how to succeed in the 168 competition: getting gear, assembling the cast and crew, working with a budget, how to scout and secure locations, details on music, etc. Early sign-ups have access to discounted equipment rental. Entry deadline is April 8th.

Event will also screen previous 168 winning films including: "Max" 2004 winner which went on to win multiple film festivals including: God in Film (NYC), Sabaoth (Italy), Damah (L.A. 2005) and is one of 12 films selected for the International Cinematographer's Guild Showcase.

Producer's Mixer - Wednesday, April 6th    7:00 - 10:00 pm at Lake Avenue Church (Lake and I-210, Pasadena)
Producers and crew network together to form teams. Event is open to all participants who want to be part of a team and obtain experience or credits in a produced film.

Production Workshop - Saturday April 9th    9:00 am - 3:00 pm $40 in advance ($55 at the door) Lake Avenue Church
Includes general and break-out sessions by industry professionals covering aspects of producing/production management, directing, writing, acting for camera, cinematography, sound design, and editing. With: Hudson Hickman, Senior VP of Television Production at MGM; Greg Michael, Second Unit Director of Van Helsing and The Scorpion King; Bobby Garabedian Director of Academy Award Nominated short film, Most; Korey Pollard, Wes Llewellyn, and more.

Assignment Night - Tuesday April 12th    6:00 - 9:00 pm Lake Avenue Church
Producers from each team randomly select a stone which corresponds to a verse from the Bible. Teams brainstorm together and begin their creative process.

Casting Call - Saturday April 16th 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Lake Avenue Church
Open casting call for actors who want to participate during production week. Producers will have access to hundreds of actors.

168 Hour Film Festival - Friday May 13th & Saturday May 14th    9:00 am - 11:00 pm Lake Avenue Church

168 Hour Film Project is a nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible. Sponsors include: Hollywood Studio Rentals, Plus8 Digital, Video Symphony, Dorrough Electronics, ARRI, Inc., Media Distributors, Executive Specialties, New1.tv, Media City Sales, ActionHouse, Godworks, and SST, Inc.

Discounted tickets and entrance fees can be purchased on the website.
For more information regarding 168 Hour Film Project, or to purchase festival tickets, buy the DVD of the winning films, download or view trailers go to www.168project.com.

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