Youth Winner

First Place

Second Place

Third Place

Are you up for the challenge?

The CMAC 72-Hour Film Race is a creative challenge open to everyone in the Fresno area. Participants will have to think on their feet to produce a short film in under 72 hours. From the thrill of brainstorming under pressure to the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life on screen, the Film Race is an adrenaline rush like no other. It’s more than just a competition, it’s a chance to push your creative limits and collaborate with like-minded creators. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or a seasoned pro, this is a platform to showcase your skills. Get ready for 72 hours of pure filmmaking frenzy!

How it works

  1. Kickoff
    The race starts at Noon on Saturday, July 13th at CMAC. A member of each team must be present to pick up their packet which includes your film’s title and a theme, action, or prop that must be incorporated. We suggest arriving 15-30 minutes early.
  2. The Race
    Teams will race against the clock to script, shoot, and edit a 3 to 5 minute film over the next 72 hours.
  3. Deadline
    Films must be submitted online via Dropbox or in-person at CMAC by Noon on Tuesday, July 16th to qualify for judging.
  4. Judging
    Films will be evaluated for creativity and technical skill, not how fast they are completed.
  5. Screening
    Time permitting, all films will be screened at a free public event on Friday, August 2, at CMAC and prize winners will be announced.

Prizes

  • Gold Glitz
  • $500 cash
  • Silver Shimmer
  • $250 cash
  • Bronze Brillance
  • $100 cash
  • Youth Wonder
  • $250 gift card to Horn Photo

Prizes will be awarded to the team leader. Team leaders of all ages are eligible to win the Gold, Silver or Bronze prizes. Only teams with a director age 18 or under are eligible to win the Youth prize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sponsors

Support

Want to support this and future Film Races? Donate today and be a part of a community that uplifts stories from local filmmakers!

Donate Today!

Questions?

General information:

Ben Cruz
Production Specialist
Ben@cmac.tv

Front Desk
559.266.2622
Info@cmac.tv

Marketing information:

Maricela Hernandez
Marketing & Development Coordinator
Marketing@cmac.tv

Timeline

  • June 14

    Announcement

    Get your team ready and mentally prepare for the straight 72 hours of filmmaking!

  • July 13

    Race Begins

    Packets for each team will be handed out at Noon sharp and must be picked up by 1pm at the latest.

  • July 16

    Deadline

    Submit your film online via Dropbox or in-person at CMAC by Noon, no exceptions.

  • August 2

    Screening

    Grab your popcorn as we watch all the films and announce the winners on Friday, August 2nd at 6:30pm at CMAC.

FAQs

It’s your chance to stop talking and start filming! The premise? Filmmaking teams have just 72 hours to make a short film. All writing, shooting, and editing must occur in the 72 hour window beginning Saturday, July 13, at noon. The completed films are screened to a public audience.

Free.99 (There’s no entry fee, it’s free.)

That’s up to you. Stories of all genres are welcome. However, each team will be given their film’s title and theme, action, or prop which must be incorporated. You’ll receive a packet containing your team’s special elements at Noon on July 13th at CMAC.

Films must be a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes long. This includes any opening or closing credits and team logos, but not the required CMAC Film Race 2024 title card.

The films will be scored by a judging panel of CMAC staff and board members. The judges will use the following criteria: 30% Story (Writing, Originality, Character, and Plot Development); 25% How The Story Is Told (Directing, Editing, and Cinematography); 25% Production Value (Technical Ability Including Picture, Sound and Lighting); and 20% Acting.

The ONLY work that can take place PRIOR to the kick-off at 12pm on July 13th is (1) the organizing of cast members and crew members; (2) the securing of equipment; (3) the scouting and securing of locations; (4) coming up with story ideas. Just keep in mind that you will need to incorporate the title and a theme, prop or action that we choose for you and provide on July 13th.

The race is open to all filmmakers, pro and novice alike. All team members (crew and cast) must be volunteers. To register, you only need the name of the “team leader”. You do not need to have your complete team or cast & crew before you register.

You can be a team of 1! Or ask your friends or family if they want to help. You can also join our CMAC Discord group and see if anyone is looking for team members.

Yes, we encourage you to use your own camera and other video equipment. You can even shoot your film with your phone! If you need equipment or an editing computer, a limited amount will be available for CMAC members to reserve on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, however, CMAC equipment can only be used by CMAC members. This includes any portable field equipment and editing computers. Equipment reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Reserve early!  One camera is allowed per team.

No. All production and creative work relating to your film must take place ONLY during the 72-hour period. This includes, but is not limited to, script writing, shooting, editing, sound design, animation, and special effects. No work may commence until the kick-off date. Pre-recorded music and sound effects may be used as long as you have rights to said material. CMAC reserves the right to determine whether any production work has taken place at any time other than within the required time frame.

Stock video footage of people or other performers is not allowed. You may use stock footage if it is part of a rendered post-production effect. You may also use stock footage if it is displayed on a practical TV or monitor that is recorded in-camera.

Yes. However, you may not use animation created before the race begins. Using existing 3D objects is permissible, provided that you have copyright permissions. Only animation created during the 72 hour period is allowed. You may use visual effects that involve any of the allowed elements that you have rights to: still photographs, footage shot during the 72 hours, or footage rendered during the 72 hours.

No. You must have permission or ownership of all music and materials in your film. CMAC reserves the right to request proof of permission.

No. Due to the number of teams involved and the short time frame, you can not record inside CMAC’s media center.

Completed films should be uploaded to CMAC’s Dropbox account (a link will be provided to all registered teams) or delivered in person at CMAC on a hard drive or flash drive by noon on Tuesday, July 16.

All films submitted within the time period and meeting all the rules will be screened at a special event on Friday, August 2 at 6:30 pm, location to be announced. The films will also air on CMAC’s Public Channel at a later date.

Prizes will be awarded in the form of a check made out to the team leader. The Youth prize will be a gift card that can be spent at Horn Photo.  Taxes on prizes awarded in the contest, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winner and CMAC shall bear no liability.

Past Editions

Check out all the amazing past submissions in these playlists from our 12-hour Film Race in 2017, and 60-hour Film Race in 2018.