Want to get some free training with deadlines as a writer? Try a 72-hour film challenge. These are competitions where your film squad gets a weekend to develop, write, shoot, and edit a short film and have it ready to submit for review Sunday night. Some groups are small so they go through the process end to end. Some are big enough to bring in some participants, where it be extra hands on set or in my case writers, to rotate with those that need a break or contribute creatively to the overall film, respectively. Having experience only a portion of the process, I am here to tell you it is not for the weak of heart.
A few Fridays ago, I was in the midst of my morning routine of dropping off my baby daughter and making my way to work when I received a call from one of my favorite people to hear from, Veronica Dang. Veronica (www.iveronicadang.com) is a busy actress, producer, director, and improv performer. I have known my friend since I cast her in one of my first short films way back in 2005. And though our treks in life have gone in different ways (she’s the more successful one in my view) she has always reached out to me to keep me in the game. She invited me to help her in last year’s weekend challenge and I was able to help as a PA. (By the way, that film is called Extinct and it won the competition! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8531598/)
“Hey V! What’s going on?”
“Hey Rob, I’m doing the 72-hour challenge again this year. Can you help?”
“Of course. Tell me how I can help.”
I always tried to find a way to say yes to her when she asks me for help or support in any of her projects. I knew this would interesting now that I have an 11-month-old and a set working/ daddy/ hubby schedule, so I was already spinning how I would be able to go down to the city after work (I live about an hour from New York City) and help with whatever I could on a set for an undetermined amount of time.
“No, we need help writing the story. The competition started last night. We got the theme and the premise. We just need a script and we need to get it done by noon the latest. Are you in?”
I checked my watch and it was 8:15. I was just about to enter the building to start my day and win commission sales. I had been writing but nothing really since I finished my master’s program a few months ago. And I had not written anything for film in a long time. I quickly said yes to her.
I was probably not prepared. My bread-winning job now was an obstacle. I had no idea how I was going to pull this off but I knew I was not going to miss this opportunity. I immediately remembered something very good friend of mine once said to me in passing: “Sometimes, you just have to be ready.”
I went into work and before I could lie to my boss about leaving early, he gave me the morning off because I could not have overtime that week. I quickly told him I understood, ran out to my car, and drove to a local supermarket parking lot. Pulled out my laptop that I always carry with me (I carry my laptop with me every day no matter what as a reminder to always write) and immediately started working on the script with Veronica on speakerphone to guide me through what she is looking for. By noon, I gave her what I had. I met my surprise deadline. And now, the rest was up to the production crew to get this film done. I wish I could have helped with the actual
Tomorrow at the Asian American Film Festival, The 15th Annual 72-