Much has been written recently about the dramatic downturn in film and television production in Vancouver. The Crazy 8s film challenge has managed to temporarily reverse that trend by setting six filmmaking teams loose in the city with eight days (plus the necessary resources) to take their short films from take one to the final cut.
During a lull, you can get so dejected from things not happening and people not understanding the business, confesses Sean Tyson, an actor whos amassed almost 50 credits on locally-shot productions. Its really nice to be occupied with something creative.
In Tysons case, hes used this opportunity to make his first foray behind the camera. It definitely was an intensive course. he says of his baptism by fire. I looked at this whole event like going back to school without having to pay the outrageous tuition fees and spend four years in a program.
Despite its tight turnaround, Tysons Stewing is an ambitious action-comedy in which kicking ass proves the ideal way to mend a broken heart. When else would I get a chance to shoot an action film in downtown Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»without incurring huge amounts of cost? he suggests. The support that the city gave us because of the Crazy 8s moniker allowed us to really try for something.
The Crazy 8s gala screening is February 23 at The Centre in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»for Performing Arts. Details and tickets at .
Check out the six winning Crazy8s films below, then head over to our and enter your picks for that awards show. You could win a $50 gift certification to the Donnelley Group public houses. The 85th Academy Awards airs Sunday, Feb. 24 at 4pm PST.
BRAINDAMAGE
Writer/Director: Matt Leaf
A science fiction short with a dark sarcastic edge, Braindamage imagines a future where our minds are no longer our own.
IN THE DEEP
Writers: Orsy Szabó & Nimisha Mukerji
Director: Nimisha Mukerji
Jodis mother passed away from cancer, and since then, her father has pretty well stopped living as well. With shattering news of her own to share, Jodi is determined they both make the most of the time left to them.
MANSTRUATION
Writers: Christopher Lee and Ryan Haneman
Director: Ryan Haneman
A quirk of evolution has caused men to begin having periods, and Peter cannot believe his misfortune. An unapologetic role-reversal comedy.
STEWING
Writer: Patrick Currie
Director: Sean Tyson
Dannys over Jake, but that doesnt mean that Jakes over Danny. A dark comedy revenge action movie about kicking ass, letting go and moving on.
UNDER THE BRIDGE OF FEAR
Writer/Director: Mackenzie Gray
In this homage to film noir thrillers, hard-boiled private eye Hamilton Drake is hired to chase down the rat whos blackmailing rich dame Georgia Thurlow and her sultry movie star companion, Carrall Cordova.
WHEN I SAW YOU
Writer/Director: Jane Hancock
In a world of missed opportunities, mixed signals and the fear of appearing vulnerable, will anyone be bold enough to start the conversation?
