Can you plan, shoot and edit a film in 48 hours?

Exeter residents might spot some unusual happenings in the city on the second weekend of November, as hoards of determined and sleep-deprived teams race to make a film from scratch in a single weekend.

A test of team skills and creativity against the clock, Exeter’s annual 48 Hour Film Challenge attracts dozens of participating teams every year, from experienced filmmakers to thrill seekers who have never used a camera before.

Laura Pearson travelled from Cardiff to take part in the challenge last year. ‘It’s a lot harder than you think... a film brief is given to you on Friday evening so there is no opportunity to plan what you’re going to do in advance. Definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had, great fun and an amazing sense of achievement’.

Anyone can take part by signing their team up at twoshortnights.com. It is free to take part, teams just need to register before the deadline of Wed 9 Nov. The challenge itself takes place on the weekend of Fri 11 to Sun 13 Nov.

Films successfully made within the 48 hours will have the chance to be premiered at a public screening at Exeter’s Two Short Nights Film Festival in December and are eligible for two festival awards.

One of only a handful of places in the UK to offer such an experience, Exeter’s 48 Hour Film Challenge is run by city-centre arts venue and creative hub Exeter Phoenix, and is now entering its 9th year.