FReQuENtLy AsKeD QuEsTioNs
Q: What is the history of the Movie Making Marathon?
A: The original idea for the MMM came from Annie Fleishman (a junior at the time) who was inspired by the 24-Hour Plays in New York City. The event involves actors, directors and playwrights that create and perform a play in 24 hours. Since Annie had a major interest in film, she thought something similar involving film might be a great way to get students of all majors more involved in filmmaking at Duke. Screenwriting and Directing Professor Elisabeth Benfey and Graduate student Shannon Rowbury signed on to be Director and Co-Producer and began working to create the event in the summer of 2006. By the support of a student staff of 3 undergraduates, equipment from the DDI, and the generous help of our Sponsors, the MMM came to life in its first year in 2007.
Q: Who participates in the MMM?
A: The MMM is geared at the student who’s never made a film before as well as the one who knows they are bound for Hollywood. Last year, Duke undergraduate and graduate students of all backgrounds and majors participated in the event (screenwriting competition, marathon weekend, or both.) Between actors, crew, and writers, over 100 Duke students were a part of the 2007 MMM. This year, we hope to open up the unique filmmaking experience to even more students and communities in addition to Duke. For more info, check back for new announcements on our main page.
Q: Do I need any prior experience to write a script or be on a team?
A: Absolutely not! The MMM is a great opportunity to get involved with film whether you’re an expert or just a fan of movies! We’ve tried to design both the screenwriting competition and the marathon weekend as events that welcome first-time filmmakers from any background or major. Last year, the majority of participants had never made a film before and over their 24 hour experience, learned everything from how to breakdown a screenplay to how to use Final Cut Pro to edit a movie!
Q: What other things can I do besides write a script or be on a team? How can I get involved with acting in the films?
A: If you’re not into screenwriting or film production but would like to act in one of the MMM films this year, be sure to check out our actors page and get yourself on the casting call list. We’ll contact you with more information once we get closer to the marathon weekend and casting.
If you’re not an actor but would still like to be involved, come out and be a critic by attending the MMM Premiere on Sunday, March 23 at 6 pm in Griffith Film Theater on Duke’s West Campus. You’ll have the opportunity to vote on your favorite film for the Audience Award!
Q: How do I sign-up to be on a team for MMM 2008?
A: We’ll be posting information regarding sign-up toward the end of Fall Semester. Sign-up will take place at the beginning of Spring Semester 2008. The process will most likely differ from last year in order to open up the MMM to more students and incorporate suggestions we received from our 2007 participants.
Q: Why were there only 5 screenplays but 10 films? Will MMM2008 be the same way?
For 2007, the first year of the MMM, our goal was to create a fun competition-based learning experience about filmmaking. We chose to have two teams produce the same screenplay in order to show how much a film crew’s vision and execution add to a finished film. Be sure to check out the Writer’s Reactions to the two different versions of their scripts for insightful commentary on this experience.
We’re still in the process of finalizing the details of the short screenplay competition. We are interested in continuing our tradition of creating as many cinematic learning opportunities as possibile as well as incorporating suggestions from our 2007 writing and directing participants. Check back soon for announcements regarding the short screenplay competition for information on our process for 2008.
Q: What software and Duke resources do the teams use to create the MMM films?
A: Out of the ten teams last year, a majority used the latest version of FInal Cut Pro and a handful used iMovie to create their films. Duke resources aided the creation of the films. The teams received a training manual and workshop from OIT and edited their films at the Smith Arts Warehouse.
Q: Where can I get more information and announcements about the MMM?
A: You can sign-up for our listserv on lists.duke.edu by searching for “Movie Making Marathon” or “TheMMM.” You can also have yourself added to the listserv by emailing Annie Fleishman. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook group “The Movie Making Marathon” for facebook message announcements of upcoming dates and events.
ThE MoViE MaKiNG MaRAtHoN
THE 2ND ANNUAL 24 HOUR FILMMAKING CHALLENGE
MARCH 29-30, 2008 | DUKE UNIVERSITY
Copyright 2007. Webmaster
ThE MoViE MaKiNG MaRAtHoN2008
