48hr Puppet Film Project 2021

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO MAKE A PUPPET FILM IN 48hrs! 

Here is how the 48hr Puppet Film Project works: At 6:00pm PT/9:00pm ET we randomly draw a theme, item and action. Using those prompts, participants then have 48hrs to build, film, edit, export, and upload your puppet short! 

You are welcome to work in teams or by yourself (though please be COVID-19 safe), can use pre-made puppets (though it's much cooler if you make them), and are encouraged to think outside the box! 

A full list of rules will be sent out before the event, but here are the basics...

- The film can be no longer than 4 minutes (though try challenging yourself to 2min or 3min film)! 

- It does not need to be kid friendly.

- The 3 prompts must be used. 

- All types of puppetry and storytelling styles are welcome! 

The judges will view rate, and comment on each of the films. The final tally will determine the top three winners, runners up, and other specific awards. For the top films and runners up, the prizes include... 

1st Place Best Film: $250 and a Handmade Puppet Dreams 2-Disc DVD Set

2nd Place Best FIlm: $150 and a Handmade Puppet Dreams 2-Disc DVD Set

3rd Place Best FIlm: $100 and a Handmade Puppet Dreams 2-Disc DVD Set

Runners Up: A Handmade Puppet Dreams 2-Disc DVD Set

Additional awards will include Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Action, Best Use of Item, Best Use of Puppetry, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound Design. 

A final screening of the films, along with awards and judge comments, will be streamed on April 24th, 2021. In the case of too many films for just one night, we will move the final screening to April 25th, 2021 to allow for additional film screenings on the 24th. 

The final screening will be followed by a online "wrap party" where filmmakers can share stories, compliments, and maybe even a few horror stories! 

The 48hr Puppet Film Project is an annual event produced by Alex U. Griffin through the LA Guild of Puppetry. For the past two years, it has also been sponsored by Heather Henson and the Handmade Puppet Dreams film series.