Hosted by Ypsilanti’s Hyperion Coffee Co., the annual YPSI 24-Hour Film Shootout will be returning for another year of competitive filmmaking on Oct. 3-4.
According to their website, the YPSI 24-Hour Shootout was founded in 2012 for the purpose of supporting the independent filmmaking community in Southeast Michigan.
“It was a way to get to know the community of filmmakers,” said Director of the YPSI 24-Hour Shootout, Mark Ducker.
Starting at 10 a.m., a team of filmmakers will write, shoot and edit a short film with added “ingredients” provided in the 24-hour time frame. The film will then be sent in for judging. Those entered will have a chance to compete for $2,400 in cash prizes as well as an IPSY trophy. The judges will be independent and will looking for originality and creativity.
“It’s an opportunity to put the skills you developed to a test. Especially when it comes to working with others on a team,” said Ducker. “It can add to a portfolio that you got something done and that it looked good. This can promote talent.”
Nick Gikas, a 4th year electronic media and film studies major at Eastern Michigan University, participated in his 1st year at EMU in 2012.
“I usually don’t like being under pressure but I had fun. I helped with camera work and provided replica firearms and tactical gear that were used in many scenes of the film. I also had to replace one of the actors for a small role due to a last minute arrangement. While our film didn't get entered, it was still a lot of fun racing against the clock to create a short film. I might try it again someday.”
The event is open to all wishing to participate, however, filmmakers must be 18 years or older to register. Registration closes on Sept 30 at 11 p.m.
“It’s what you are able to do in 24 hours is what it’s all about. Filmmaking is a process of planning and the clock shapes how to plan,” said Ducker.
After the competition, the Ypsilanti community, film lovers and all alike are invited to attend the screening of the films on Friday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. in Towsley Auditorium at Washtenaw Community College. The winners of the film competition will be announced and the prizes will also be distributed.
Registration and more details about the event and screening can be found at www.ypsi24.com. You can also check out the 2014 short films on their Vimeo channel, YPSI 24.
