BackStage | A Short Film Mockumentary
This short film followed a small band as they performed at one of their concerts, capturing the energy, atmosphere, and raw emotion of live music. The idea came together unexpectedly when a group of friends invited me to help with a film project, after the competition had already begun. While most teams had the advantage of starting Friday afternoon, we didn’t begin until Saturday, giving us significantly less time to plan and execute our vision.
Despite the tight timeframe and lack of a script, the process was entirely improvisational. Every line of dialogue, every camera movement, and every shot was created on the fly, relying on instinct and collaboration. What started as a spontaneous project quickly turned into something special, and to our surprise and excitement, the film won First Place at my college’s 48-hour short film competition in Spring 2022. It was a rewarding reminder that creativity and teamwork can thrive, even under pressure.
The Figures
During my first semester of college, I participated in a 48-hour film challenge, resulting in a short film that followed a couple venturing into the woods amid an alien invasion. The film combined elements of suspense and sci-fi, capturing the eerie tension of isolation and the unknown. Despite the limited time and resources, we managed to tell a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end—something that felt like a major accomplishment for a major first project.
The experience was far more challenging than I anticipated. Shooting late into the night in near-freezing temperatures tested both my endurance and commitment. There was little room for error, and every decision—from camera angles to dialogue—had to be made quickly. Although the film didn’t win any awards, it was a valuable introduction to the fast-paced world of video production and taught me the importance of teamwork, improvisation, and staying calm under pressure.