2% - Behind the Scenes Photos

RUN N Gun 2024 Short Film Competition

A Weekend of Creativity and Collaboration

A few weeks ago, the annual Run N Gun short film competition took place in the vibrant 'Hollywood North' city of Vancouver. For anyone who isn't familiar with the Run N Gun competition, here are the Coles Notes.

What is Run N Gun?

Run N Gun is a high-octane, 48-hour film competition that challenges filmmakers from all over the Lower Mainland to assemble teams of talented actors and crew to create a short film in just one weekend. Although you assemble your team ahead of time, the competition kicks off on Friday at 7 pm, when participants receive a set of mystery prompts. These prompts must be incorporated into the films to level the playing field and ensure no one starts writing and filming early. From that moment, the clock starts ticking, and teams have precisely 48 hours to write, shoot, edit, and submit their films.

Joining the Orange Floor Team

This year, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Orange Floor team, led by Jenn Rogan, a renowned producer of Super Monsters. The excitement and anticipation were palpable as we gathered on that Friday evening, ready to dive into the creative whirlwind that is Run N Gun.

Friday: The Kickoff

As the clock struck 7 pm on Friday, the team of writers eagerly awaited the release of the always hilarious and challenging prompts. This year, teams had to incorporate a hat, an 'alternate universe' component, and a particular phrase, with a bonus prompt of a line in another language. The brainstorming session then began. I joined the Zoom meeting at 9 pm to plan out Saturday's schedule. The atmosphere was electric with a mix of nerves and excitement. Ideas had already been flowing from the writing team as they worked to develop a unique and compelling story that would fit within the constraints of the competition.

Saturday: The Marathon Begins

Saturday was a blur of activity. My day began early—really early—with a 4:30 am call time at a bar downtown. With Jenn's leadership, the crew worked to ensure every detail was covered. Everyone brought their A-game, from the actors delivering stellar performances to the crew working tirelessly behind the scenes. It had been a while since I was last on set, in fact, it was BC, BEFORE COVID. While the crew was setting up, I was looking around and listening to how the shots were going to be set up, so that I could look to position myself in the right spots. The one thing that a Unit Still Photographer needs to do is to be everywhere and nowhere. You have to be in the right place to get the shot you need while staying out of the way of the crew and out of the shot. You don't want to be that guy who ruins a take for being in frame. Over the years having shot weddings and events, I learned pretty quickly how to stay out of the way and still get the shot I need. This is all part of the excitement of shooting this sort of thing.

Teamwork and Dedication

What stood out the most was the dedication and passion of every team member. Despite the pressure and the ticking clock, there was an unwavering commitment to producing the best film possible. The camaraderie and mutual support kept us going through the long hours and inevitable challenges.

Joining the Orange Floor team led by Jenn Rogan was a privilege. Her expertise and leadership were invaluable (and I would jump at the chance to work with Jenn or anyone else on the team again). Run N Gun is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of the vibrant and dynamic film community in Vancouver.

If you ever get the chance to participate, don't hesitate. It's an intense, exhilarating, and incredibly rewarding experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a renewed love for the art of filmmaking.