While many Oregonians enjoy a laidback, peaceful summer weekend, groups of filmmakers, actors and producers have spent the past two days trying to produce short movies fit for the big screen.
For the past 11 years, the annual 48 Hour Film Project pushes film crews all over the world to hit a fast deadline for the best movie they can make in very little time. This weekend, 44 teams participated in the Portland event. OPB followed Number10 Productions over the weekend, who is racing the clock to create a thriller/suspense movie for Sunday's 7:30 p.m. deadline.
Director Aaron Toy plays a pot smoker who’s being pursued by an ex-FBI agent
Courtesy of Michael Orrantia
The 48 Hour Film Project begins rolling, when all 44 teams choose movie genres from a hat. Director Aaron Toy and Producer Spyros Kollias of Number10 Productions get thriller/suspense. After drawing genres, everyone finds out what prop, line and character they’re required to incorporate into their film.
Geneva Chin / OPB
Cinematographer Ryan Lane checks out his camera as the clock is ticking on the 48 Hour Film Project.
Geneva Chin / OPB
Cinematographer Ryan Lane, right, captures Actor Todd Tolces playing a bitter ex-federal agent.
Geneva Chin / OPB
Cinematographer Ryan Lane, left, and director Aaron Toy look at a shot in the camera.
Geneva Chin / OPB
To stop any pre-made productions from being submitted, the event organizers require particular characters, props and lines to make an appearance. This year, each film will feature a Cal or Cathy Coltrane, someone affected by the legalization of marijuana in Oregon, a bicycle part and at some point, a character who fittingly says, "We don't have time for this."
"The experience of facing all these physical, mental, and creative hurdles while you're creating art is thrilling-and sometimes devastating, or at least disappointing when things fall apart. Which can happen," said Rob Hatch, producer and founder of the Portland edition of the film project, in an email. "But that is nothing compared to the magic that is created when all the elements come together and you and your team create something really special."
After teams drop off their films Sunday night, you'll be able to catch the final productions at the Hollywood Theater starting Wednesday evening. A special screening of the best of the project will also be at the Hollywood in September.
"Nothing beats seeing your film on the silver screen at a real theatre with an audience, and I don't think anything ever will," said Hatch.