4 minute read
JUST A MINUTE: Local Filmmakers on Fast Track
April 2023. CinemaCon red carpet. Expand, the 60 second Coca-Cola spot, premiered at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace. GETTY IMAGES
BY HOLLY COOK
Budding filmmakers Bella Hall, age 20, and Gracie Hall, 21, have more industry experience than some filmmakers gain in a lifetime. The sisters recently won a short film contest sponsored by Coca-Cola with a 60-second short film, now playing nationwide in AMC, Cinemark Cineplex, and Landmark Cinemas before first-run movies like Barbie and Oppenheimer.
Born and raised in Boise, the Hall sisters had a natural inclination towards filmmaking. As young girls, the skits Bella and Gracie created for their parents quickly developed into video skits, which evolved into filmmaking for an audience. By age 12 or 13, the sisters were competing in i48, an Idaho short film competition, completed start-to-finish in 48 hours.
“Having i48 as our intro to filmmaking was really helpful for us in a lot of ways because we are used to fast turnarounds,” Bella explained.
The duo nurtured their passion for filmmaking throughout high school, applying to compete in the All-American High School Film Festival, held in New York City. In 2021, the pair headed across the country, obtaining permits to film at historic landmarks like Grand Central Terminal and Central Park. During the three-day shoot, Bella and Gracie relied upon their ability to work quickly, completing a film and meeting inspiring filmmakers from all over the world.
After graduating high school, the decision about what to study in college was an easy one for Bella and Gracie. Both majored in Film and Television Arts at Boise State University, where they heard about the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films Program. The competition allowed five finalists to write, film, and produce a short film on an $18,000 budget. Bella and Gracie were selected as finalists out of more than 600 entrants across North America. The Hall sisters quickly assembled a crew of over 55 people, including many current BSU film students and recent graduates. For the next nine months, they worked diligently on the film, with Gracie acting as writer and producer and Bella directing.
The film was shot locally at Cinemark Majestic Cinemas in Meridian, where the crew worked overnight on back-to-back, twelve-hour shoots.
“One of the most exciting things about the experience was navigating the moving parts, between logistical processes and the approval process of working with a global brand,” said Gracie. “It let us keep our fingers on the pulse of how fast-paced that kind of collaboration is.” The inspiring sibling duo believes others can achieve similar success. “It really is about believing in yourself, your passion, and your vision. You are your number one cheerleader. If you believe it, you can,” said Gracie.
Winning the Coca-Cola competition gave the Hall sisters lasting confidence in their abilities. While they both find inspiration in writers and directors like Greta Gerwig, the sisters’ unique bond shines through when they speak about each other and the work they produce together. “There’s this innate trust in working together that feels really natural and wonderful. It’s like a built-in friendship,” said Gracie, about working with her sister Bella.
Now college graduates, the next project for the Hall sisters is already underway. Bella and Gracie are working on their first feature-like film, a fantastical comedy they plan to take on the film festival circuit.
The inspiring sibling duo believes others can achieve similar success. “It really is about believing in yourself, your passion, and your vision. You are your number one cheerleader. If you believe it, you can,” said Gracie.
