Over the next few weeks leading up the 10th anniversary of the 24 Hour Video Race, we will be looking back at the ten best movies made by race participants as chosen by the race organizers. Today, at number ten, is “Three Lefts Make A Right,” by the Lake Highlands High School team “Lake Cinamatique.” After the video, there’s a brief interview with Joel Rosenzweig, the Richardson teacher who headed up the filmmaking team.
To view all the videos in the countdown, go here.
FrontRow: Where are you now? Is filmmaker still part of your life?
Joel Rosenzqeig: I am just the teacher, the real conquest is that of my student filmmakers and the continuing success of our club, Lake Cinematique, which, of course, will run again — and again expects to do well. I am still teaching High School at Lake Highlands, still using feature films as a teaching technique and still sponsoring the Lake Cinematique filmmakers club.
FR: How did the idea for your movie emerge during the 24 hours you spent making it?
JR: My film background is as an episodic television director, so, my team compartmentalizes. The director and writers meet right after the start and brain storm, the director gets some rest, the writers turn in a “polished” five page script at 6:30AM. Copies made, director and crew show up at 7 a.m., locations found. 8 a.m. actors audition and by 9:30 a.m. the first location is wrapped and we’re off. Noon: editors and music coordinator/composer start getting footage. By 6 p.m., the script is complete and we’re panicked until we cross the finish line to do a professional edit, with titles and original score. “3 Lefts Make a Right” arrived at 11:59.3 with Amp (the director) jumping out of a moving car and sprinting to the finish line.
FR: What was the most frustrating part about filmmaking under the race’s conditions/ What were the most freeing aspects?
JR: If you make a mistake there really is no time to do it over.
FR: Why did you originally enter the race – how did you put together your team?
JR: I was approached by a group of students nine years ago. They said they wanted to learn and win. I said “okay.” Every year since, some returning, some new, and fond memories of those who have moved on to USC, Chapman, Burnt Orange, AFI.
FR: Looking back at your movie, do you have any reaction to it/thoughts/things you would do differently?
JR: Better lighting, better sound, better graphics. However, it is perfect, just as it is.
FR: Has the race had any lasting impact on how you view movies/moviemaking?
JR: No, just a reaffirmation that the next generation of filmmakers has an appreciation of the art and will continue to grow.
