The Elite

This short film was made for the 24 Hour Shootout Cheyenne Film Festival, in October of 2012. After we all were given the brief that Friday night, we sat down to eat and brainstorm ideas for the storyline. At the restaurant, Ryan walked in with his wife to eat and happen to sit across from us. So, I recruited him. Even though he didn't have any prior acting experience, I thought he would be perfect for the character. It took a little bit of convincing from his wife but he was cleared to do it. We had him meet us in a couple hours as we collected props, costume, location, etc., then we spent about 3 hours filming and that was it. In the Shootout Film Festival, we are not allowed to do any post editing so everything has to be done in the camera with the exception of sound/music that can be added in later. But, it all still has to be in within 24 hours of given the brief. So, without going back in to clip, cut, add transitions, rearranging the order etc., shooting in chronological order can be a challenge to get precise. BUT, it was so much fun to make. The film brought in 4 individual awards; Best Cinematography, Best Music; Best In Camera Editing; and Best Sound Design. Good job Mystic Key Productions.