Oakland University students and faculty were able to take place in a special challenge over homecoming weekend as the OU Cinema Studies program held its first-ever Golden Grizzly 24-Hour Film Challenge.

Students, alumni and faculty members were given the task of creating a short film lasting anywhere from 90 seconds to three minutes in only 24 hours. Some non OU members also participated.

No previous filmmaking or video production experience was required as production equipment and technical assistance were provided for the teams. The challenge started on Friday afternoon with completed short films due Saturday afternoon.

The participants were split into eight teams of three or four members. Requirements stipulated that teams had to include two props given to them at the check-in, two classic film quotes out of a selection (“There’s no place like home” and “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn,” for example) and use a popular OU landmark in their film.

The challenge had participants working well into the night Friday and into Saturday morning, trying to figure out the most clever ways to make their films.

“Our goal in creating the challenge was to develop an event that would be of interest to both Cinema Studies students and the broader OU community of students and alumni,” said Kyle Edwards, OU professor and Program Director of OU Cinema Studies. “The challenge enables students to showcase their creative talents and collaborate with their peers in a fun atmosphere.”

After completing the films Saturday afternoon, an awards ceremony was held at North Foundation Hall where students could watch each others’ films and win awards. These included:

• Best Cinematography
• Best Story
• Best Performance
• Audience Award
• Most School Spirit
• Best Use of Required Prop
• Best Use of Required Location

OU Cinema Studies student Amber Stankoff was part of the group that won Best Film, Best Cinematography and the Audience Award for a film called “Saints and Sinners.” She said that the challenge has helped her prepare for her future Cinema Studies classes.

“I’ve learned how to work with the camera and use different shot types and camera angles to create meaning in the shots and the film as a whole,” Stankoff said. “This event has reinforced my love for filmmaking and my desire to make films.”

The OU Cinema Studies program hopes to make this an annual homecoming event due to its positive response from the OU community.