In the Lower Level, Vistatech Center, not many know the office for the Film Club lives inside the Student Activities Office. Students who are dedicated to the art of film meet on a consistent basis to talk over films and upcoming projects. A group who collectively have found a love for film, acting and directing. Among the plethora of other talents this group has, they were invited to participate in Detroit’s 48 hour film challenge. This challenge brings together filmmakers who have to write, shoot and edit a short film over the span of 48hrs and include a given character, prop and line within their film.
The 48 hour Film Challenge is currently the largest film competition worldwide, offering the opportunity for many aspiring filmmakers to network and build their portfolios. The history behind 48 Film Challenge began with Mark Ruppert and Liz Langston in 2001 in Washington D.C. The 48 hour Film Challenge also known as Filmpalooza, is hosted across over 200 cities and 45 countries.
This year the group was challenged to bring to life a toothbrush, which was the required prop to include in their production. Julia Huff, excited to participate, immediately jumped on the chance to film. Given the prop along with the genre they are meant to follow, which for this film titled “End of the DAM World,” they were given the genre’s climate and mockumentary.
Huff contacted Kyle Anderson, a current Schoolcraft student and the writer for the film.
“I told him to go full satire,” said Huff. Huff continued that they pulled inspiration from NBC’s hit show “Parks and Recreation.” Using the show’s satire humor in their film, Anderson began writing, during which it was decided to have the Daniels brothers save their friend who is a beaver named Berry. This led to Huff using the play on words for the title of the film.
Huff’s background is expansive and she was the Director and Line Producer for the film..
“I made three short films and recently graduated from MPI, [Motion Picture Institute] located in Troy, Michigan.” Huff is currently involved in several films and shows that must be kept under wraps until production is completed. Among her directing skills, Huff is also an actress, photographer and many others. She can be found on Instagram, @itsjuleshuff.
Huff then had to find several others to help in the production along with the actors to participate in the film. One contact was Ayven Hunt, a former Schoolcraft student who has continued his academic career at University of Michigan. Hunt used his background in film to create the original soundtrack for “End of the DAM World.”
Huff’s next step was finding actors, through connections she was introduced to Evan Allen, a current Schoolcraft student. He was invited to play the part of a twin brother named Vito Daniels. Allen’s passion for acting blossomed ever since he played a skunk for the Royal Oak Stage Crafters when he was eight years old. He decided then he would continue to pursue his passion for acting.
During the filming for “End of the DAM World” Allen found the biggest challenge he faced was there was quite a bit of improvisation.
“There were points in the scenes I felt I was doing nothing, many of the scenes were slapstick,” said Allen.
Trying to figure out what to do with himself at points, he would think what would be the best thing to do. Allen picking his nose wiping it on his twin brother Tito, played by Jamal Jackson was an example of such acts.
“Many people tell me I am funny but I like serious roles more,”said Allen.
Allen further explains that this was his first comedic role; he tends to be drawn to dramas.
After 48 hours of work, from scripting through post production,“End of the DAM World” was completed and as a result of the crew’s hard work, the team was nominated for several awards and eventually two winnings.
The team won Best Use of Prop and Audience Choice Awards, and the film earned it with its hilarious scenes and great cinematography.
The film was exactly what was promised, filled with improv humor and slapstick humor. To view the film go to Julia Huff’s youtube channel, @JuliaHuffFilms.
