Team Flashpoint scores four "Best" prizes in
recent super speedy Chicago 48 Hour Film Project
Newbie filmmakers from Flashpoint Academy in their first year out pulled off one of the amazing feats of the year by taking top place in four categories from the Chicago 48 Film Project.
Its “URN Doctor, M.D” won for Best Actor, Editing, Cinematography and People’s Choice for Best Picture, it was announced July 12 at a screening at the Portage Theatre.
Team Flashpoint was one of 30 teams that competed during the Chicago event held during the weekend of June 20-22.
To compete in the 48 Hour Film Project, teams must write, shoot and edit a short film in just 48 hours. All teams are given the same character, prop, line of dialog and genre, and must finish their project 48 hours later.
This year’s elements were “Walter or Wilma Western Repair Person” (character), an urn or container with a deceased’s ashes (prop) and a line entitled “What’s the Password?” (dialog).
Team Flashpoint included students Bill Douglas, producer/team leader; Matt Arauz, director; Adam Darin, AD/lead actor; Kara Powell, lead actress; Steve Dadouche, DP; Ian Roelle, chief audio technician; Pat Sokley, assistant producer; Tony Schiavone and Ben Cline, editors; Josh Gort, gaffer, Scott Fedor, Austin Johnson, Chris Janonis, Mike Rolfsmeyer, graphics/PAs; Vlad Sava and Kyle Krause, additional camera support; Timothy Daniel, wardrobe/craft service/ PA.
Film Department chairman Peter Hawley he was thrilled that the students had an opportunity to participate in an challenging event like the 48 Hour Film Project.
“I could not be more proud of our Flashpoint students and the success of their film, Urn Doctor, MD,” he stated. “The team collaborated with students from across all Flashpoint disciplines and their teamwork was impressive.
“From a film standpoint I really appreciate their attention to detail, they did a phenomenal job, especially considering the strict time deadline.”
In 2007, some 30,000 filmmakers participated in the 48 Hour Film Project in 55 cities around the world. This year, 15 cities were added, the 48 Hour Film Project will tour 70 cities. The 48 Hour Film Project's mission is to advance filmmaking and promote filmmakers.
Flashpoint is located at 28 N. Clark; phone, 312/332/0707. See www.tfa.edu —Jerry Sullivan