To win the Olympus Showdown film competition takes a mix of creativity, talent and organization, as the contest gives filmmakers only 72 hours to put together their submission. For the group that won the competition, which includes two area locals, all of those things came together.
Ryan and Sharai Tapp both grew up in Kimberley, and have lived in Cranbrook as well. Ryan currently lives in Nelson, while Sharai lives in Whistler. Both had instrumental parts in the three day production of the film, "Katch Up," said their father Randy Tapp.
"Both my kids were involved in the film that won," Tapp said. "It's really a big event and remarkable that they got to that level."
The team was awarded a $10,000 prize for their efforts.
Sharai stars in the five minute film as the genie. She is starting out on a career in acting.
The whole competition took place last week.
Ryan was brought on for his musical talents. He took a music program in Nelson and has worked on a number of film soundtracks. During the competition, he worked under a tight deadline to develop the films score, with only 12 hours by the time the film was ready for him to jump in.
"They are given 72 hours from scratch," he said. "They do as much as possible to keep it a level playing field."
The contest includes some well-funded filmmakers from abroad that come to compete and included 48 teams in total.
The teams pay an entry fee, then the organizers tell them the rules and the clock starts ticking down the 72 hours, in which they have to complete the production, from filming to final edit. They then screen the films for the judges, who choose the finalists. After the awards are given out, there are three nights of public screenings in Whistler.
"I'm pretty proud of them," he said.
To watch the short film go to vimeo.com/64159024.