We at MessageMakers are so proud of Big Foot Films (partly composed of MessageMakers employees) for its performance at the 2011 48 Hour Film Project: Detroit. We found out last night that their film, "Maybe Tomorrow," won Best Dark Comedy, Best Director (Tim Whalen), the Audience Choice Award for Screening Group A, and won first place overall of the 61 short film entries.

What is the 48 Hour Film Project?

Now in its eleventh year, the 48 Hour Film Project is the ultimate filmmaking challenge. Making a film isn't so hard, is it? Here's the catch—you've got to do it all (and we mean all) in just 48 hours! To make things interesting and to keep everyone honest, there's a random drawing just prior to the start of each competition, where each film team will select a genre for its film. In addition, we will announce a character, prop and line of dialogue that must appear in each film. You are responsible for putting together your own cast and crew, and getting equipment and anything else you need to make a film/video. Because we guarantee a screening to all teams that submit an on-time film, we limit the number of teams that participate in each city.

Big Foot was required to include the line "When did that happen?", apples as a prop, and the character Dave Pelleton (as president of anything) within the genre of dark comedy.

Films were handed in July 24, and teams have been waiting since to discover the outcome of the competition.

"This was our first time doing the Detroit 48; however, it wasn't our first 48 hour contest," notes director Tim Whalen. "This was by far the largest group we have ever worked with and it was PACKED with talent. From doing previous films, everyone wanted to be involved ... so we figured if there was a time to incorporate everyone, this was it!"

Editor Adam Cate explains that "The stakes were higher and we wanted to make sure we surrounded ourselves with even more creative and talented people.

"It's a good thing, too. We almost lost our lead during one of our attempted suicide scenes. He accidentally cuffed BOTH his hands behind his back with a plastic bag duct taped around his head—but he was eventually saved by a member of our medical team."

Other firsts for the Big Foot team included a two-person writing team and needing to shoot pick-ups on Sunday.

Editor Rick Weaver notes that "I think the overwhelming positive support and feedback has been amazing. It's nice to see that people enjoy what we've accomplished and keep looking forward to the next thing that Big Foot Films comes up with. It keeps it exciting for us knowing that other people enjoy watching what we do as much as we enjoy making it."

Adam Cate agrees. "Because Maybe Tomorrow is a dark comedy, we were a little worried it might not appeal to everyone, but so for we've heard nothing but rave reviews."

Rick Weaver also notes that "We couldn't have accomplished this without everyone who has pitched in. Whether it's acting, organization, places to stay, location scouting, etc., everyone has played a big role. Big Foot Films has come a long way since we started with Mitch Rosenberg, and the number of people who want to be involved in any aspect of our work has really made it possible for us to be so creative and successful. We've found something we all love to be a part of and I think that shows in the quality of work we turn out. I'm extremely honored to be able to work with such creative, hardworking friends."

Because of its filmmaking success at the 48 Hour Film Project: Detroit, the Big Foot Films team has qualified for the 48 Go Green competition, from which the 5 finalist films will be viewed at the Cannes International Film Festival next year.

Congrats, Big Foot Films!