TIPS FROM THE TOP
Ever wondered what it takes to win TAKE48? Looking for some tips to help super-charge your TAKE48 film?
We asked previous winners of TAKE48 to share some of their tips and insights when it comes to making an epic film from scratch in just 48-hours.
Click through below to see what they said!
2025 WINNERS
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STORY IS KING
You can have the coolest shots, funniest jokes, or biggest action sequence in the world, but if nobody cares about your character, none of it matters. Your character’s journey should always come first. Everything else is just there to support it.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
You’ve only got a few minutes, so don’t try to squeeze in ten characters, three subplots, and a world-ending event. The smaller the scale, the more attention you can give to the things that actually matter.
ARRIVE LATE, LEAVE EARLY
Get into scenes as late as possible and get out as soon as you’ve got what you need. Cut to the good stuff and leave before the scene starts repeating itself.
HAVE FUN AND TRUST YOUR GUT
Have someone looking after the production (food, snacks and organisational things). It’s a great advantage not having to think about those things and instead put all your focus towards the story.
Shoutout to Kristoffer Lucia, Angus Rawson & Santiago Casta (@electricmilkstudio)! You can watch their winning film ‘ODEYSSEED’, below.
2024 WINNERS
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IT'S ALL ABOUT THE STORY
A good story and fulfilling ending is more valuable than any technical prowess or high production value. Lean into the theme and don’t be afraid to go crazy or weird, even if you have to break conventional rules. It will turn out to be a much more unique and interesting story.
And have fun with it! If you’re having fun, so will the audience.
STAY FLEXIBLE
It's good to have an idea locked in by the first night, but don't be afraid to pivot at the last second if it feels wrong.
PLAN WITH DAYLIGHT & WEATHER IN MIND
If your film has outdoor shots, prioritise these and plan your shoot around them, because they are most unpredictable due to weather.
You can control the lighting much easier on indoor locations, especially once the sun has gone down. Most of our indoor shots have been lit artificially to simulate daylight to allow for a consistent look when shooting regardless of the time of day.
MANAGE PRODUCTION LOGISTICS
Have someone looking after the production (food, snacks and organisational things). It’s a great advantage not having to think about those things and instead put all your focus towards the story.
HAVE YOUR EDITOR ON SET
As Director, being your own editor is a great advantage, because you are playing the film in your head as you shoot it. Knowing what shots are needed and what shots are missing allows you to be quick.
However, if you aren't editing yourself, have the editor included in the shoot as much as possible, to get a start on the edit as shots come in, or to advise on certain shots that will make the edit better.
Shoutout to Kerrod Cooper, Kevin Rickert, Jemma Ha, Dylan Esguerra & Matteo Panucci! You can watch their winning film ‘THE SEED OF WALTER MELON’, below.