Everywhere Science hosts first Davis Flash Film Challenge

Article by Stefani Vicente

Cinematographer Craig Musburger from Everywhere Science came to Davis High on Jan. 28 to introduce the very first Davis Flash Film Challenge.

“Flim is one of the most powerful mediums we have for expressing and education,” Musburger said. He hopes to give “filmmakers a new outlet to explore and practice this art form.”

All ages are more than able to participate. Currently, the oldest participant is 66 years old, and the youngest seven years old.

Everywhere Science is offering workshops to those who want the extra help throughout February. On Feb. 2, there will be an open consultation, including a writing and planning guide.  

On Feb. 9, participants can receive storyboarding and film preparation assistance. Later throughout the month, Everywhere Science offers help in filming on Feb. 16, and editing and mixing up audios on Feb. 23.

The workshops are also a way to keep participants on track to have progressed to each step by each date.

The challenge is simply to create a short video under seven minutes of any genre. It could be a romance, a comedy or even a commercial as long as the work is original.

“Seven short minutes is a hard filmmaking challenge,” Musburger said, as each work needs a beginning, middle and end with an end credits scene. 

The prompt for the film challenge was given out later that evening. In the film, there must be an art piece shown from the program of Art In Public Places, and the film must at some point mention the name of that art piece.

The reason behind the prompt stems from “the desire to celebrate Davis,” Musburger said. Everywhere Science is looking for more participants so they can host this event on a regular basis. 

Senior Eduwiges Valadez plans to take part in the event. “It sounds very intriguing, I’ve always had (an) interest in story making. Using this format helps develop an idea of a story to the screen,” Valadez said.

In order to sign up, contact craig@everywhere-science.org to receive updates about the challenge. More information about the event can be found at www.everywhere-science.org/davis-flash-film-challenge.