48 Hour Film Project Kicks Off This Summer

In 2001, the Guzzo brothers - Paul, the journalist, and Pete, the one with the film specialization degree - made their debut on public access TV.

The New Jersey natives shot short films around town with friends, and finally had a platform to show them off.

"They were awful," says Paul, laughing. "We thought we were making groundbreaking stuff, but it gave us an outlet to learn the skill."

Fast forward to four years ago, when Paul and a group of friends pulled the category "mockumentary" out of a hat during the 48 Hour Film Project.

"I wrote it in 15 minutes," Paul says, "and I still say it's the best thing I ever wrote."

Viewers agreed. Shot near Seminole Heights, the movie - about an interview with a "real life superhero," as Paul says - won the audience prize.

The 48 Hour Film Project, which operates in cities around the world, was founded in Washington D.C. in 2001, said Kyle Gilliland, spokesman for Rage Media, a public relations and marketing firm promoting the project. The project first came to Tampa in 2001, Gilliland said.

Last year's local winner in the "best film" category was 'F' by a group named Klingon Tears. The movie was screened at Muvico Centro Ybor last summer, said Gilliland.

The project, which features filmmakers of all experience levels, is headed to Tampa Bay on July 26-28 with a kickoff in the South Tampa area. The competition pits local filmmakers against each other to see who can put together the best short film in  just two days.

This year, teams are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, and early bird registration is $140. A meet and greet is scheduled for June 20 on Harbour Island.

Locally, freelance writer Paul and his brother Pete have made a name for themselves creating documentaries and feature films, from Charlie Wall to short films on about mixed martial arts fighters.

Paul, a South Tampa resident, isn't sure if he'll compete in July. But like last year, he said, a few friends might successfully sucker him into it.

"It's rare to have time to make a film," he said. "To have a designated weekend to do it is great."