Ready, set, ACTION! Seventh annual FilmFrenzy is this weekend

As part of the event, filmmakers have 50 hours to write, shoot, edit and submit a short film. Participants are provided with a “CurveBall” or challenge at the beginning of the event, which could include incorporating a line of dialogue, a task or a specific location in Renton.

By Tracey Compton • October 3, 2014 2:06 pm

The seventh annual Renton FilmFrenzy starts today and filmmakers are scurrying around Renton making movies.

The 50-hour filmmaking competition is Oct. 3 to 5 and 13 filmmaking teams are expected to compete for $1,700 in cash prizes and the Curvee Award.

As part of the event, filmmakers have 50 hours to write, shoot, edit and submit a short film.  Participants are provided with a “CurveBall”  or challenge at the beginning of the event, which could include incorporating a line of dialogue, a task or a specific location in Renton.

There are two divisions: the Student Division and Open Division.

Films can be up to four minutes in length and must be shot completely in Renton. All genres of film are welcome, although films must be appropriate for all audiences.

New this year, there will be special guest judges from the Los Angeles film community. The winning films from Crash Cinema competitions around Washington will be screened at Renton’s Carco Theatre on Friday, Oct. 10, from 7 to 10 p.m. Directors have been invited and the screening is free and open to the public. Nine films from Washington Multicultural Film Festivals will also be screened. It’s called Renton BestFest.

“The Renton BestFest is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate top Washington filmmakers,” commented Ben Andrews, Renton Municipal Arts Commission member, BestFest organizer and member of reelRenton.

The FilmFrenzy Screening will be 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at the IKEA Performing Arts Center. The audience will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite film and a special FilmFrenzy Screening Curvee Award will be awarded at the gala.

The Curvee Awards and NW Film Honors are 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Renton Pavilion Events Center. The event will honor regional filmmakers for their contribution to Washington Film. Food and dancing are planned for the free event that’s open to all ages, but attendance is limited.

The FilmFrenzy film-winning best picture will also be screened at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) as a part of SIFF’s week-long program in Renton in 2015.

“The film scene in Renton is hot and these two efforts are just a part of a month-long series of terrific film events in Renton,” Andrews said.