1. PLAN AHEAD!

Being as though you are reading this hints & tips section, you're off to a good start. As you have just 48-hours in which to make your movie, you are going to need help from your friends and work colleagues. You need to ensure that you will have a camcorder ready, a crew, a way to edit your film and produce a final cut. Consider all of the obstacles you will face and overcome them BEFORE the start of the event.

2. GET A CREW

Ask around at work or between your mates as to whether any of them would like to help you for the 48-Hour Movie Challenge. Have a list of people (who may also double up as actors) who you can call on the day to come and help you out. You may not need to use everyone who wants to participate, but at least you'll know when you collect your film title/genre etc you have a crew waiting for your call.

3. GET A CAMCORDER

If you already own a camcorder (of the accepted formats - preferably miniDV) then you are already sorted. However, if you don't own one go out and buy one. If you can't afford one - rent one! For a 48-hour period, because it will be held at the weekend rentals are usually much cheaper so you could get a good quality camcorder for around £40-£60 or a top quality version for £100-£150. And failing all this, ask around as I'm sure someone you know will have a camcorder that you could borrow

If you have never used a camcorder before, I thoroughly recommend that PRIOR to the event, you get hold of one to practice with. You need to learn a little bit about the picture settings in order to get the most out of the camcorder. You don't want to waste time during the event wondering which knob does what (and I'm not referring to your crew members).

4. LEARN TO EDIT

Okay you've got your camcorder sorted, but how are you going to edit your footage down to a 5-minute masterpiece? You need editing software and you need to learn how to use it!

For this type of event, I can honestly say that Pinnacle Studio is by far the easiest and quickest solution to work with. Not only that, it's dirt cheap too. A full version of the software will cost you only £50/£60ish which for editing software is really good value.

The software automatically detects scenes within your footage so you can drag and drop into a film timeline. Then it is really easy to adjust to length of each shot, add effects, add a soundtrack, add titles and then output back to miniDV or DVD. It does it all!

Check out www.pinnaclesys.com

For those who want a more professional touch with the editing, you might want to check out Adobe Premiere, Avid Pro and for Mac users, Final Cut. But beware, they cost a packet!

5. SET OUT A TIME-FRAME

Once you have your film title etc. the pressure is on. You may think you have 48-hours to film some stuff but do you really?

If you think about it, if you want a hell's chance of completing your project on time you need to finish all filming by the end of the first day. The editing process (which is where your film will come alive if you do it properly) will take a good 12-18 hours to complete. Let's face it - most of the footage you shoot will be rushed tripe. However, successful editing will disguise this which is why you must allow extra time for it.

Also, don't forget you will need some sleep which gives you even less time to make your film.

Here is a recommended outline for the 48-hours:

Hour 1-2 - Write a script, doesn't have to be word for word. Outline your idea, decide what you are going to film, how you are going to do it and who is going to be doing what.

Hour 2-6 - Shoot your film! If you need food send someone to get it for you. You have no time to waste.

Hour 6-7 - Rest whilst reviewing everything you have filmed so far. So important you do this half way through or else you may not have noticed any potentially fatal problems to your project.

Hour 7-12 - Continue filming.

Hour 12-13 - Rest and review footage.

Hour 13-15 - Import all footage into your computer for editing later

Hour 15-24 - Eat. Sleep. Rest. Do naughty things with your partner. Do something to relax yourself. Tomorrow will be a long day!

Hour 24-36 - Edit. This will take ages. Remember your project must be exactly 5-minutes long including any credits you add. During this period you may need to do "pick-up shots" (stuff you didn't film originally but need now) so ensure you keep the camcorder handy.

Hour 36-40 - Sound Editing. Some people suggest that sound is 90% of the movie-going experience. Sound is crucial that's for sure. If you want to make your project LOOK professional it needs to SOUND professional. You may need to buy quality music and sound effects. Check out www.sounddogs.com for high quality sound files. Sound effects start from around £2 (prices are in $ on the website)

Hour 40-41 - Transfer your 5-minute masterpiece to one of the accepted formats (miniDV, Hi-8, DVD or Sony HDV 1080i) preferably miniDV. Ensure you put it onto a blank tape, leave a few seconds "black" at the beginning and then record. Label your tape with your team name and number, contact phone and film title. Then repeat the labeling for your entry envelope.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: CHECK YOUR FINISHED PROJECT WILL PLAY! If you don't check your tape or DVD and it fails to play (or messes up half-way through) when we check it, your team will forfeit. So check, check, check, check, check.

Hour 41-47 - Sleep!

Hour 47-48 - Get your ass down to the cinema to hand your film in. If you are late, you will forfeit.

6. DON'T GIVE UP - EVER!

No matter how bad the project is looking. No matter how moody you may have got. Keep going. Remember if your project is that bad it may just fall into the "it's so bad it's good" category so people may enjoy it anyway - if only for the wrong reasons. This event is meant to be fun and exciting so don't take it too seriously.