‘Down to the Wire: 24 Hour Film Race’ returns for fifth year
For the fifth year, sleep-deprived filmmakers will push their physical and mental limits by participating in the “Down to the Wire: 24 Hour Film Race,” in which filmmakers have 24 hours to write, shoot and edit a short film of six minutes or less in duration.
The race is a joint collaboration between CreativeRush, an organization that regularly promotes and fosters creativity in Wichita, and the Tallgrass Film Association, which produces the annual Tallgrass Film Festival.
But it’s the brainchild of CreativeRush founder Kylie Brown, who attended film school in Michigan and participated in several film races in Grand Rapids, Chicago and Detroit.
When she returned to Wichita, she said, “I obviously drew on my own personal experiences when stirring around the dreamstorming machine, and knew that this was an idea that I had to help produce for Wichita.”
The race has grown into one of Wichita’s favorite film events, particularly the Top 10 Showcase, which screens the top 10 films chosen by Tallgrass programmers and staff members. In 2012, about 500 people attended the showcase. In 2015, more than 875 people attended.
Last year, 27 teams participated in the race, with about 260 total team members who had a vast range of ages and experience.
“One of the best parts is that it isn’t just filmmakers or industry people racing,” Brown said. “You’re thrown in with middle schoolers, retired people, artists, musicians, pros, amateurs, college kids and people who literally do not know how to operate a video camera. I love seeing our community build each other up despite it being a competition.”
Brown works closely with Tallgrass executive director Lela Meadow-Conner for the event.
“Without her hard work, encouragement and the wonderful volunteers at TFA, this would not have happened,” Brown said. “Honestly, I pitched this idea when I first met Lela for coffee and thought I would just be a volunteer taking tickets or something.”
Here’s a rundown and timeline on how the race works.
Friday
6-6:59 p.m. – Team registration at the Lux, 120 E. First St. The team’s producer must check in before 7 p.m. to receive a team number. All teams must fill out and sign a participation agreement.
Those registering as student teams must have at least half of the team be students (elementary, middle school, high school or college) and must provide valid ID.
Team registration is $150; student registration is $125. Participants can enter on their own or as a team of up to 15 people.
7 p.m. – Required producers meeting. Producers receive team packets with required documents (location and talent releases, etc.). Film submission details are also discussed (for example, each film must include a five-second title card, etc.).
Saturday
6:30 a.m. – Required directors meeting at the Lux. The secret required elements that must be included in the films are drawn (in the past, this has been a prop, a location or a theme). Filmmakers must creatively weave the required elements into their storyline.
7 a.m. – Race starts. Teams must create, edit and submit their six-minute short films within 24 hours.
Sunday
6-6:59 a.m. – Film submissions must be turned in at the Tallgrass Film Association office, 212 N. Market.
7 a.m. – First round of judging at Tallgrass office by a five-person jury (closed to the public).
6 p.m. – Doors open for Top 10 Showcase at the Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. Early bird online tickets are $10 by going to www.dttwfilmrace.com; $12 at the door.
7 p.m. – Top 10 Showcase begins. Guest VIP judges critique each film after it is shown and announce their choices for grand prize, second and third place and best student film. The grand prize includes a $2,000 filmmaking grant from Vimeo and more; a $500 cash prize goes to the best student film, which is sponsored by the Arts Council. Audience members vote on an audience choice award.
For more information, go to www.dttwfilmrace.com or www.tallgrassfilmfest.com.
Advice for filmmakers
CreativeRush and “Down to the Wire” founder Kylie Brown offers this advice for teams participating in the 24-hour film race.
▪ Our judges rely heavily on story and the creativity and cohesion of the required elements. Find a writer for your team or someone that understands/knows how to write for your team.
▪ Define roles ahead of time and get everyone on the same frequency. These film races can create unwanted personal festering since you’re dealing with people with no sleep and close quarters.
▪ We can tell when you have written your film beforehand (even though this is against the rules).
▪ Find someone to feed your team. Water and eating are important when you are awake for two days. Eating is good. Sugar and caffeine crashes are not.
▪ Even if you are done with your film early, make sure your producer has everything he/she needs to submit your team’s film. Disqualifications are real.
▪ Don’t take yourself or your team too seriously. Have fun.
This story was originally published June 16, 2016 at 3:14 PM with the headline "‘Down to the Wire: 24 Hour Film Race’ returns for fifth year."