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Bay Village’s commitment to the arts, a legacy championed by local families, recently took a modern turn as a hometown filmmaking team raced against the clock for one of the world’s most intense creative competitions: the 48 Hour Film Project (48HFP).
Lee McLaughlin, the Executive Producer and Team Leader for his crew, Screamworks, led his team through the whirlwind weekend of the 48HFP’s 2025 special genre challenge. For McLaughlin, Bay Village is more than just a filming location it’s home, and a place with deep creative roots. His commitment to the arts mirrors that of his grandmother, Sally Price, who co founded BAYarts (formerly known as Baycrafters).
The 48 Hour Film Project is an electrifying global event where filmmaking teams are challenged to write, shoot, edit, and score a short film in just one weekend. As Lee McLaughlin explains, the process is an “insanely wild ride and 100% worth it.”
The competition began at 7 p.m. on Friday, when the team received four required elements: their film’s genre, a specific character, a line of dialogue, and a prop that must be included in the movie. They then had exactly 48 hours to complete all creative work from the initial script to the final edit before the Sunday evening deadline at 7 p.m.
Screamworks, the team ready to embrace the chaos, operates as a combined entity under both the McLaughlins’ production company, BAMM Productions, and Jake Cole Films. Lee and his twin brother Ryan McLaughlin, who are equal partners in BAMM Productions, founded the company in 2023 along with Billy Butcher and Patrick Antone (whose last name initials form the company name).
For this project, Lee McLaughlin once again partnered with award winning Director Jake Cole, the owner of Jake Cole Films, with whom he has worked on all his 48HFP endeavors. Cole is coming off an incredible run of accolades, with his feature length film Dont Shoot The Piano Man currently streaming on TUBI after being selected for multiple film festivals.
Flying up from Dallas, Texas, to serve as the Director of Photography was Joseph Koporc. Joe’s keen eye and passion for filmmaking are shown in his remarkable work, ensuring the film has a polished, professional look despite the breakneck schedule.
A talented cast was secured for the project. The team welcomed the distinctive presence of Cleveland’s own “Snack Daddy,” Stefan Johnson, who brings his experience as a celebrated voice over artist, actor, and viral social media personality to the screen.
The full cast features a mix of veteran and rising performers, including: David Nichols II (credits include the films Moon Point, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, My Brother’s Keeper, and the series Being Erica and Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye) • Jessica Buck (past film roles include A Scarf for Joey, 407 Conflict, A Night’s Worth and A Paralyzing Redemption) • Chad Critelli (credits include the cult horror films Cracula and T Rexorcist, and recipient of the Best Supporting Actor award at Horror Hotel) • Celine Kowall (credits include SNATCHED) • Terri Norling • Shakayla Rainey (credits include SNATCHED and My Curse) • Allison Cirner (credits include SNATCHED and My Curse) • Matthew Barnhart (credits include Dont Shoot The Piano Man and the TV series Mayor of Kingstown) • Anna Dutilly
The McLaughlins were happy to showcase the unique charm of Bay Village, a critical part of the production process that must be secured days to weeks before the 48 hour clock starts ticking.
“Lee really wanted to highlight Bay Village in hopes future high budgeted films shoot here” said Brad Blankenship Production Manager.
The team was lucky enough to secure two beautiful and distinct locations in the city. The dramatic setting of Huntington Beach provided one backdrop, while the crucial main set was provided by Mike and Joann Petrillo’s lovely Bay Diner. The charming diner proved to be a perfect setting for the team’s Paranormal film, which imagines the space as a location for purgatory.
To keep the crew fueled during their nonstop creative sprint, the team enjoyed donuts from Fragapane bakeries and coffee from Mojo’s.
The resulting film, titled “WANT,” is now ready for its big screen debut. The team invites the community to see their hometown on film and witness the fruits of their 48 hour creative labor.
Premiere Screening: Film: “WANT” • Location: Capitol Theater • Date: October 22nd (Group B) @ 9 pm • Hope to see you there!
About the 48 Hour Film Project: The 48 Hour Film Project is the oldest and largest timed filmmaking competition in the world. Its mission is to advance filmmaking and promote filmmakers. The 48HFP is held in over 100 cities around the globe each year, offering local filmmakers a chance to test their creative limits and see their work on the big screen. The top film of the local competition earns a spot in the international Filmapalooza festival, where it will screen against winners from around the globe, with the grand prize being a chance to screen at the Cannes Film Festival. The winners of this 2025 challenge will move on to compete at Filmapalooza 2026. This year it will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, a beautiful city next to Spain.
For more information on the competition, visit the official website: www.48hourfilm.com
