The Action On The Side 48-Hour

Action On The Side presents The AOTS 48 Film Competition

The Action On The Side (AOTS) 48-hour Film Competition runs from 8pm Friday 5th July to 8pm Sunday 7th July 2024 (UK Time). 

Get your team together

There are no minimum or maximum limits to the number of members you can have on your team. 

Prepare 

Preparation is key. Organise your equipment, potential cast, crew, and locations. 

The random elements

Every team will be given a line of dialogue, a shot or technique, and a prop they must include in their film. Each team will be allocated a genre their film must be. These will be announced at the Kick-Off (7pm-8pm Friday 5th). 

The challenge

You have from 8pm Friday 5th to 8pm Sunday 7th July to write, shoot, edit and submit your short film. The film must be 5-7 minutes long (including credits). Submission will be through FilmFreeway.

The prize

As well as a premiere screening in a cinema, prizes are awarded for Best Screenplay, Best Performance, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Soundtrack, and a grand prize for BEST FILM! The top films will receive a trophy, laurels, and mentorship to help with distribution. 

Some FAQs 

How do you find out what the random elements are?

At the kick-off event

Friday 5th July, 7pm-8pm, (House of Transformation, Haggerston, London) and online), is where we will announce the random elements and allocate the genres. We'll also give you tips and tricks for your 48-hour weekend! And much more...

Can we take part if we're not in London?

You can! You can take part from anywhere in the world! We'll stream the kick-off to teams outside of London participating in the event and announce the genres and random elements on the AOTS 48 Group (details once you register).

What do we get by taking part?

The top submissions will screen in a cinema for the Awards Ceremony (August 4th, ActOne Cinema, Acton, London). 

and, not only will you get a screening, you can win an award, laurels, and support with distribution. Oh, and bragging rights!

What if I don't know other people to make a film with? 

We got you! If you can get to the Kick-Off Event, you can join a team on the day. You'll work with random filmmakers to get your film made by the deadline.

Great, what do we do now?

Register here.

Get your team together. 

Keep an eye on the AOTS 48 Group (details once you register)

Who do we contact with questions?

Please contact Action On The Side: hello@actionontheside.tv