SC Library to hold 48-day film project

Whether individuals have always dreamed of creating their own movie or they just think it could be a fun idea, patrons can enter the Saline County Library’s 48-Day Film Project that will run through the summer and end with a screening of the films July 25 at Herzfeld Library in Benton.

All participants must attend a mandatory meeting, which will also be the project kickoff party, at 6 p.m. Monday, at the library.

“The 48-Day Film Project is an all-ages short film competition,” said Jennifer Watson, youth services librarian.

Watson and User Experience Librarian Laura Austin are organizing the project and festival.

Watson works with teens at the library. Last year, the teens made a “Hunger Games” movie and she said they really enjoyed the process. She thought a film festival for the teens would be fun and discussed her idea with Austin.

“What if we did it during summer reading for everybody?” Austin said.

The two decided they wanted to get families involved. Watson said there were also some younger children who were interested in making films.

“We are not expecting masterpieces,” Watson said. “I want to see what you can do within the criteria.”

The films must be a maximum of 10 minutes in length, including both a title card and credits, according to the project rules. Projects must be submitted on a flash drive no later than 7:45 p.m. July 22, at Herzfeld Library. If a person does not have a flash drive, the library can loan them one.

Films received after the deadline will not be screened.

Each filmmaker or film team retains the rights to their own films. Filmmakers who would like to make their films available to the public can talk to a librarian about making it available.

They will need to complete forms to do so.

Austin said the library can put them on its Youtube channel.

Prior to the kickoff party, no work should be done toward the film. The only thing that can be done is getting a team in place.

Teams can be just one adult or as many participants as long as there is at least one member who is 18 years old or older to ensure safety. All members need to be formally recognized in the film credits.

“It is a great way to get involved with friends and family over the summer,” Austin said.

To ensure everyone can watch the films, all submissions must be G-rated.

“We want to show a family film fest,” Watson said.

There can be no offensive language, nudity, sexual content or excessive blood and gore. The rules recommend blood and violence happen off-screen.

While Austin said no topic is off limits, all films will be pre-screened to ensure they are appropriate. Watson said films can be disqualified for any reason.

“Keep it legal. Keep it safe,” Austin said.

The library will not provide film equipment, but participants can use the green and blue screens in the Makerspace, along with editing and other software on the library computers.

The library will have a laptop dedicated to the project participants can check out to use in the library. Participants can request it at the Ask Here Desk.

“Everything is available on a first-come, first-served basis and a limited basis,” Watson said.

The staff can direct participants to books and websites that might be helpful, but they cannot help with editing or other work on projects. Watson said it wouldn’t be fair to other participants.

Some librarians plan to enter films in the festival but will not be eligible to win prizes.

Watson and Austin are still working to determine judges and prizes. What awards will be given will depend on how many entries are submitted. Austin said at the least they will give a best-of-show prize.

This is the first year for the project, but Austin said she hopes to be able to do it again next year.

Both Austin and Watson encourage patrons to take part in the project and just have fun.

Anyone with questions can contact Austin or Watson at the library at 501-778-4776. Their email addresses are lauraa@salinecountylibrary.org and jenniferw@salinecountylibrary.org.

“Come to summer reading,” Austin said. “We have a lot going on. If this does not appeal to you, something will.”

Visit www.salinecountylibrary.org or stop by the library to register for the project.