OCALA, FL (352Today.com) – Marion County student filmmakers will spend Sept. 23-27 racing the clock, working with industry mentors, and premiering original short films at the Marion Theatre during the 4th Annual Ocala Film Derby.
The week opens with team meetings and hands-on workshops. The centerpiece is Derby Day on Friday, Sept. 25, when student teams take over downtown Ocala and must write, shoot, and finish an original short film in about eight hours under real-world production conditions.
After Derby Day, students will experience the Ocala Film Derby College & Career Expo with a Film Parent Panel. The goal is to connect students with the opportunities to continue their education or pursue careers in the television, film, and digital media industries.
David Guest of Forest High School calls the opportunity invaluable. “The Ocala Film Derby has provided an invaluable opportunity for students, teachers, and local industry professionals to collaborate on a creative experiment, allowing them to apply their passionate skills to produce a unique project.”
Travis Bennett of South Marion High School said the format is a real-world test that has strengthened his program. “The Ocala Film Derby is a real-world experience that students can learn from. They work with a team that they have never met before to create a film to a prompt in just eight hours. The rigor of this competition has changed my program for the better!”
The week ends Sunday, Sept. 27, with a public screening, awards and a scholarship ceremony at the Marion Theatre. Organizers say this year’s scholarship total is the largest in the event’s history; the amount will be announced during the ceremony.
The film screening, awards, and scholarship ceremony is open to the public from 2-5 p.m. General admission is $10 at the Marion Theatre. For more information, visit the Ocala Film Derby website.