48 Green Hour Challenge

Well, the crazy in me had happened not too long ago. During production shoots of my own involved with the school, I had decided, crazily, to take on the 48 Green Hours Challenge. Why did I decide to do so? To tell you the truth, I really have no clue. Especially since I had another production shoot to attend to on the first day, and then rehearsals with my own actors on the next. I… didn’t think this through, but really, deep down, I wanted to experience what 48 hours was. How to cope with it, deal with the restrictions, and complete something in that time frame. Collating a team in itself was a bit of a problem too, considering the callout was only a week BEFORE the 48 hours. Luckily, a few people had replied to jump on board at such short notice.

The night of the first day, I waited at Riverside Parramatta for the opening of the elements for this challenge (i.e., object, character, and dialogue that must be incorporated/included in the film). I met with a friend that night, finding the surprise that he is in this challenge with his own friends. We had a chat, despite us being in competition after all, but I didn’t mind. But may I be truthful to you? Our conversation unnerved me… just a bit. It’s not because we’re competitors. It was one question he posed that night, but I’m digressing…

Later, I was able to meet up with parts of my team and signed ourselves in, got our elements, and brainstormed through the night. It was this point in the 48 hours that was most crucial: what were we going to film? We made up our minds and went to a very late night. I spent half of my time on another production shoot the next day while everyone else filmed part of the film without me. Afterwards, I met up with them to continue the arduous journey of the 48 hours. The shooting lasted until 4 in the morning! Of which we ended up editing as much as we could while I had to work out rehearsals and pre-production meets for another production shoot happening the next week.

It was a close call. We were exporting our film as we drove to the Riverside to hand it in. Luckily, we made our entry, bid the coordinators and producers adieu and were on our merry way, previewing the work at my place afterwards.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we all dropped dead.

MY CONCLUSION

I will be honest and blunt with you. As Team Leader I wasn’t fervent and assertive enough to push ideas to generate for the 48 Green Hours. Honestly, the film we produced had no relation to the theme of ‘Green’ and ‘Water in the Landscape’ as we were sadly leading ourselves off the brief on that very first night. However, I will say that it was a job well done on everyone’s part. We planned, we filmed, and edited all in a span of two days. With very little sleep might I add.

The next time a challenge like this comes around, think twice. I am never going to multitask like that again. Ever. But I got a lot out of it. It was my first 48 Hour challenge, and from the mistakes that went with it, you learn to improve better for the next one. Just next time, I’m sticking to what guns I got. It’s helped me open my mind more to what there is. And now, I’ve got more ideas locked in my head, waiting for their chance to come to life.

For more info, go to 48 Green Hours.

I would personally like to thank Fairfield City Council for giving me the opportunity to enter into this 48 Green Hours challenge. I would also like to thank Nick Andrean, the photographer who was gracious to instil some knowledge about the Fairfield area on the day we had the photo shoot. I’ve learnt a lot more (and even know a few good locations to shoot some things now).

Thanks to those who participated in the 48 Green Hours and shared the experience with me: Laurent Boiteux, Thuy Ng, Jack Ng, Winnie Mann, and Chris Lewandowski. We did it.

Uploaded by the very well-organised Thuy Ng!