ArtD artists in the Post-Gazette

Anyone who has ever visited a film set is often struck by the snail's pace and how "hurry up and wait" is the movie mantra.

That won't be the case this weekend when nearly three dozen Pittsburgh teams participate in the 48 Hour Film Project. They will meet tonight at Cattivo in Lawrenceville to receive a genre, character, prop and line of dialogue they must incorporate in the four- to seven-minute short they have to write, cast, shoot, edit and deliver by 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Kahmeela Adams, returning with Nina Gibbs as a producer of the Pittsburgh leg of the competition, said some new teams and faces are expected this year. An early meet-and-greet produced buzz and excitement, along with the feeling that people "are looking to have a good time and prove to themselves what they can do."

Ms. Adams has been sending e-mails to registrants with hints on how to prepare themselves mentally, particularly when it comes to getting to know members of their team.

"The most important thing is to stick to assigned roles ... It can get to be a bit overwhelming when you have five or six people trying to write one script in a short amount of time."

Sometimes, the snafu can be machine-made, not man-made.

"Computer problems, that's usually the big thing. We had a team that brought in a laptop and equipment while they were trying to convert the film on disc," Ms. Adams recalled of a troupe that missed the deadline and was unable to qualify for prizes other than those voted by the audience.

Three sets of films will be screened for the public Aug. 18 and 19, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave. (admission is $8 or $6 with valid student ID for each round, or $20 or $15 for students for all three).

Judges will be actors David Conrad and Jonathan Adams and Dreaming Ant owner Dean Brandt.

A dozen contenders will be shown at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Kelly-Strayhorn with winners announced that night. Admission, again $8 or $6.

Makers of the top Pittsburgh film will receive a $100 cash prize, trophy and moviemaking software along with the chance to compete at Filmapalooza, the project's annual awards.

Last-minute teams can register today but must arrive by 6 p.m. and pay $155. Go to www.48hourfilm.com/pittsburgh for more information.