Aspiring Utah Filmmakers Have
48 Hours to Realize Big Screen Dreams
Registration Now Open for 3rd Annual 48 Hour Film Project

Sandy, Utah (March 19, 2009) –Utah filmmakers with big screen dreams are invited to register for the 48 Hour Film Project starting immediately. The third annual event is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2009 at the Megaplex Theatre at Jordan Commons in Sandy. Teams of all skill levels will write, shoot and edit their films beginning at 7:00 p.m. on a Friday and deliver a finished movie by 7.00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2009.
Each team receives a popular film genre (Action, Western, Comedy, Romance, Horror, etc.), a character, a prop and a specific line of dialogue that they must work into their film. Each filmmaker is also responsible for putting together a cast and a crew that can work together as a team and obtain the necessary equipment, locations, wardrobe, or anything else needed to complete a movie in just 48 hours.
“There is nothing that compares to the excitement and adrenaline rush of this competition,” said Lance Youngberg, Utah 48 Hour Film Project organizer. “We are delighted to give aspiring local filmmakers the opportunity to have their work appear on the award-winning screens at Megaplex Theatres and broadcast on Comcast Channel One.”

48 Hour Film Project Event Schedule:

Thursday, March 19, 2009
Online Registration at www.48hourfilm.com/saltlakecity

Monday, April 20, 2009
Early Bird Registration Ends

Friday, May 15, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Kick off event at Megaplex Theatres at Jordan Commons (9400 S. State in Sandy)

Sunday, May 17, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Completed Films due at Megaplex Theatres at Jordan Commons

Monday, May 18, 2009
Film Judging

Wednesday, May 20, 2009-Thursday, May 21, 2009
Public Screenings of 48 Hour Film Projects at Megaplex Theatres at Jordan Commons

Saturday, May 23, 2009
Award Ceremony and Wrap Party

Utah filmmakers turn in completed films to the 48 Hour Film Project Headquarters at Megaplex Theatres at Jordan Commons in Sandy (9400 South State Street).
Screenings are open to the public on May 20th and 21st, with an awards ceremony and wrap party on May 23rd. Please visit www.48hourfilm.com/saltlakecity to register or for more information.

Utah awards include Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Graphics, Best Acting and many more. Utah's top winner will go on to participate in the international competition with winners from 77 cities in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Grand prize for the international competition include a Panasonic HD camera.

About the 48 Hour Film Project
The 48 Hour Film Project, sponsored by Panasonic, NAB, and Rumblefish, is the oldest and largest timed film competition in the world. In 2009, more than 75 cities will participate, with over 30,000 filmmakers expected. The 48 Hour Film Project’s mission is to advance filmmaking and promote filmmakers. The tight deadline of 48 hours puts the focus squarely on the filmmakers—emphasizing creativity and teamwork. While the time limit places an unusual restriction on the filmmakers, it is also liberating by putting an emphasis on “doing” instead of “talking.” The emphasis is also on building communities of local creative people, facilitating making new connections, showcasing skills, and celebrating what creativity and teamwork can accomplish in just one weekend. The 2009 tour begins in April and ends in October. For more information please visit either www.48hourfilm.com/saltlakecity or www.megaplextheatres.com.

About Megaplex Theatres
The Megaplex Theatres at Jordan Commons in Sandy, Gateway in Salt Lake City, Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, The Junction in Ogden and The District in South Jordan are among the most popular theatres in Utah. Founded by Larry H. Miller, the theatres are among the top-grossing movie theatres in the nation. In addition, the Megaplex Theatres feature regular and large format movie screens, MegaPass – dinner and a movie gift options, conference and auditorium rental and the industry-leading guest services team. Megaplex Theatres show times and other group information can be found on the web at www.megaplextheatres.com or by calling (801) 304-INFO (304-4636).

For More Information
Jeff Whipple
Megaplex Theatres
801.304.4567 Office
801.550.5316 Cell
jwhipple@MegaplexTheatres.com

To Schedule Interviews
Lance L. Youngberg
Utah 48 Hour Film Project Producer
Erin Empey
48 Hour Film Project
801.949.4483
orange@skrawga.com
www.48hourfilm.com