48 Hour Film Project: Dead Last from Cinematic Artists of Norman on Vimeo.

Doing anything in only 48 hours can be daunting, but writing, shooting and editing a seven-minute film in only 48 hours? Sheer stress.  But that is what a team of filmmakers did over the weekend of Aug. 19, 20 and 21.  Team CAN, assembled by the Cinematic Artists of Norman, participated in the project, managing to complete their assignment before the rest of the teams in the state.

This is the first year the 48 Hour Film Project held its international competition in Oklahoma City.  Eleven teams from across the Sooner state met Friday night to draw the genre of their film and to learn what prescribed prop, character and line of dialogue would be required in their film.  Once these were distributed to team leaders, the race was on.

The Cinematic Artists of Norman team drew horror for their genre.  With its talented group of filmmakers, the script was written by 10 p.m. and team members were able to rest for a full day of shooting on Saturday.

Principle photography began in Oklahoma City, using the red sculpture at Leadership Square for the opening sequence.  Team members traveled back to Norman, where they were based at Norman High School.  Norman High teacher Judith Blake served as locations manager, and the use of the facilities at the school made filming faster and more comfortable on a hot Saturday in August.

Produced by Robert Lane, written by Angela Startz and directed by Cait Brasel, Dead Last stars Marcie Price, Cait Brasel and Angela Startz are three actors at an audition.  David Bizzaro provided the voice of the director in the film.  Jonathan Stapleton served as cinematographer, Temple Tucker handled sound design and Cassandra Ketrick worked as continuity and team leader.

Once the raw footage was finished, the production team handed the film over to the editors, Stephen Jones and Kaylan Aksel-Paizis.  The pair worked overnight to provide a rough edit around noon on Sunday. Team members reviewed it and the film was turned into the 48 Hour Film Project office two hours ahead of schedule; the first film to be passed off to officials.  Special thanks go to Jack Patchell and Brent Shambaugh for their help with the project.

On Friday, Aug. 26, all of the short films were screened at the Kerr Auditorium in Oklahoma City.  Oklahoma City winners are being tabulated and next will be screened at Filmapalooza.  From there, winners may go on to screen at the Cannes Film Festival. We will definitely keep you informed if that happens! Look out for next years Team CAN and join up with us for the 48 Hour Film Project 2012!