*Have a funny idea for youtube or funnyordie.com? 
*Great idea for comedy feature length movie?
*Don't have the equipment to do any of it?
These sorts of festivals are fantastic opportunities to
network and to get better at a craft that can only make you a more markable entity. Frederick, Maryland is my hometown, so direct all "Fredneck" jokes to my email instead
of the comment section. Check out the site (http://www.72fest.com/) or read press release:
Friday October 10th and Saturday October 11, 2008 marks the third annual “72 Film Fest”, a high energy no holds barred film competition that will test the artistic abilities and ingenuity of many Filmmaking Teams from Frederick and across the region.
During the 72 hour period between October 2nd and 5th filmmakers will be unleashed on the streets of Frederick to write, direct and edit a short film based on secret criteria revealed at the 72 Film Fest Launch Party October 2nd at the Cultural Arts Center. Teams can pre-register online, or if they’d prefer just show up and register at the Launch Party. Each film turned in on time will premiere along with a few surprises during the two night event the following weekend. Additionally, each film will be independently judged by a distinguished panel of Industry Professionals and following the Saturday screening, awards will be handed out to top films. “With recent advances in camera and editing technologies, along with increasing media distribution outlets such as You tube and Current TV, there has been a major revolution in the art of filmmaking. Now more than ever, producing and distributing high quality films is accessible to more individuals which explains why our Festival has enjoyed such meteoric success” says Co-Producer Salyer McLaughlin.
In past years, filmmakers chose from a wall of envelopes containing such themes as “Death and Reproduction”, “Devotion” and proverbs like “A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” and “The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.” Some Filmmakers even choose to take Challenges like “No Visual Edits” meaning the film must be produced in one complete take. “Our criteria is meant to challenge the filmmakers by guiding his/her creativity into making deeper more meaningful films” says festival co-founder, Jason Streff. He adds, “This year, we’re further pushing the cerebral limits of our filmmakers as the secret criteria will undoubtably be the most abstract yet. But don’t take my word for it.”
Prizes are still being determined but so far range from cash, actor headshots and dinners to local restaurants up to full editing software packages like Final Cut Studio (sponsored by Mac Business Solutions). “Each year we’ve seen the creativity and level of production increase. With many returning filmmakers already pre-registered (as well as brand new faces), we are very excited to see who’s going to push the envelope this year,” states fellow producer Clark Kline.
72 Film Fest was formed in 2006 when predecessor Frederick Festival of Film ceased. Not wanting the 72 Hour Competion to die, Filmmakers Clark Kline, Jason Streff and Salyer McLaughlin formed 72 Fest with the goal to: “bring under-screened and independent films to the people of Frederick, and to provide an outlet for the creative community by hosting challenges in the fields of filmmaking, theatre, writing and other arts.” Earlier this year 72 Fest introduced a new annual contest “72 Play Fest” which saw 10 competing teams writing, directing and performing a play within 72 Hours.
Saturday October 11th will be the main event where the highest judges entries will play with Friday Night’s programming decided by the number of teams registered. To see everything 72 Fest has to offer, you have to attend both days. But if you only can only make one night- Saturday Night is the Main Event. Doors open both nights at Weinberg Center at 6:30. The show begins at 7:30. The Award Ceremony follows the screening with all members of the audience able to participate in the coveted “Audience Favorite” Award. Tickets are $10 for one Day., $17 for both and can be purchased at the Weinberg Box Office or on their website http://www.weinbergcenter.org/.
This years festival is sponsored by Frederick Arts Council and Mac Business Solutions and Supported by Frederick Community College, Celebrate Frederick, Weinberg Center and many local businesses like Cafe Nola, Structures Salon, and Wonder Book.
For more information visit http://www.72fest.com/ or contact Clark Kline (240)344-4380, Jason Streff
(810)730-6771 or staff@72fest.com.
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