Film Race

Sat., Aug. 25, noon-midnight

by Kelly White

contest/film

Put the popcorn down and back away from the Sundance Channel. It's time to pick up a video camera. You've made enough short films on YouTube to have a go at the Philadelphia Film Race 2007. Given 12 hours, amateur filmmakers will create their own short films that, while not likely Oscar-worthy, could land them thousands in cash and prizes, like the $2,500 first-place check or top-notch filmmaking software. First, assemble your crew and sign up before the Aug. 23 deadline. You'll have from noon to midnight on Saturday to wrap up your masterpiece, sign release forms for cast, music and locations used in the movie, and drop off the final cut at Kelliann's Bar & Grill in Fairmount. Get ready to make a ton of cuts; films are to be no longer than four minutes in length. Screenings will be held Aug. 30 at the Bridge movie theater, where your cinematic fate will then be decided. Winning teams from each city move on to compete against one another throughout the country, but don't be afraid to dream big. You could have the biggest sleeper hit since Chocolate Rain.

Sat., Aug. 25, noon-midnight. All the info you need is at www.filmracing.com.