Moab Reel Roulette Showcases Local Filmmaking Talent

Moab, Utah – The Historic Star Theater in Moab, Utah, became a hub of creativity on November 11th as the “Moab Reel Roulette” event unfolded, bringing together local filmmakers and enthusiasts for an exciting night of cinematic exploration.

Organized by Brian Higgins of Filmulate, presented by the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission, and sponsored by the Red Cliffs Lodge, the event offered filmmakers a unique challenge. Participants had the opportunity to spin a digital wheel to determine the genre for their short film, adding an element of unpredictability and creativity to the competition.

Brian Higgins, a prominent figure in the local film scene, took the time to engage with aspiring filmmakers, offering guidance on various aspects of the production process. From questions about screenplay writing to technical inquiries about exporting films from mobile devices, Higgins provided valuable insights, contributing to the educational aspect of the event.

The highlight of the evening was the award ceremony, where several deserving filmmakers received recognition for their outstanding contributions. Prizes, including a Blackmagic pocket cinema camera package, were distributed, with cash awards amounting to $1000.

The competition, which opened for registration on October 1st, attracted a diverse array of filmmaking teams. For a registration fee of $50, teams had the opportunity to create short films under 10 minutes. The resulting films were not only a testament to the participants’ creative abilities but also a reflection of the vibrant filmmaking community in Moab.

The event, free to attend and open to the public, drew over 200 attendees, underscoring the local community’s enthusiasm for independent cinema. Warren Workman, in a conversation with Bega Metzner, shed light on the significance of such filmmaking competitions. Metzner emphasized the events’ role in bringing the community together in a creative and enjoyable way, fostering collaboration and support for local talent.

“For me, it’s about recognizing the industry” said Metzner. “[Participants] can start from the ground up and make something. They get better each time if they choose to do it again, if they don’t. It was a fun one time deal. ”

Attendees shared their perspectives on the event, expressing joy in witnessing amateur filmmakers showcase their work on the big screen. Bega Metzner highlighted the importance of recognizing the film industry and providing a platform for amateurs to discover and hone their creative potential.

“A lot of times that movie just sits on a disk somewhere ” said Metzner ” But for this competition, it’s about seeing these movies on at a theatrical size premiere. Everybody gets to watch their movie live on the big screen.”

The event also served as a platform for emerging filmmakers to share their unique experiences. Stories of filmmakers filming while on crutches, enduring freezing lake temperatures for a single take, and collaborating on spontaneous ideas showcased the challenges and triumphs of the filmmaking process.

Local filmmaking teams, including ‘Wayward Dirtbags,’ ‘Creative Power Studios,’ and ‘Waisted Potential Productions,’ added to the diversity of the competition, presenting films that ranged from adventurous to humorous.

One filmmaker had physical limitations but didn’t let him stop telling his story. The filmmaker of ‘Best Intentions’ said “I did the whole film hand-held and on my crutches leaning against the wall, holding a script with one hand and a camera in the other.

The filmmaking team ‘Wayward Dirtbags’ reflected that “The lake was 15 degrees when I went in. We had two cameras going and it was one take because when I came out, I had claw hands.”

Creative Power Studios and Sovereign Creations from Ogden said “We wanted to do the MOAB thing because we wanted to get a vacation from Ogden. One of our actors [almost] froze to death.

The filmmaking team ‘Waisted Potential Productions’ commented “We love mockumentaries and we thought we had to pick something Moab-esk, such as ‘climbing’ and then knitting got in there. We had filmed it last weekend and very happy with it.”

As the Moab Reel Roulette event concluded, it left a lasting impression on the local filmmaking community, reinforcing Moab’s position as a dynamic hub for creative expression and collaboration in the world of independent cinema.