Several weeks ago JoBlo reported on an audacious contest being run by NBCUniversal and Ideas United. In celebration of the upcoming WWI drama 1917, which looks as though it's one continuous shot, the groups partnered to create the #1917OneShotChallenge. Contestants were tasked with creating a two minute, one-shot video, with the focus being on delivering an urgent message. Director Sam Mendes personally selected the winner out of pool of over 100 entries and that winner is (drum roll) Ohio-based filmmaker Conrad Faraj! You can check out his short "The Wedding Runner" below:
I have to say this was pretty impressive. Stealing the skateboard Marty McFly style and then randomly grabbing a red smoking flare made me laugh. Also the twist ending deserves 1000 chef's kisses.
Honestly, Hollywood needs to promote more contests like this. If you've ever had the inkling to make your own films, you're really out of excuses at this point. It's not 1983 anymore where your options were expensive camcorders and using two VCRs to edit. If you have a smartphone and access to digital editing software, your opportunities are limitless. Hell man Steven Soderbergh shot not one but TWO films using an iPhone and they turned out great.
1917 starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Colin Firth hits theaters Christmas Day.