The A TALE OF TRIUMPHANT POZNAŃ mastershot film workshop, dedicated to the Greater Poland Uprising, was a unique interdisciplinary project celebrating both the art of filmmaking and the 100th anniversary of the victorious uprising. Over the course of three intensive days, we produced a 100-second, single-take film about events from 100 years ago—and we are likely the first in Poland to create a historical mastershot. Read how our workshop and film production turned into a success story.
The first day was focused on production planning, assigning responsibilities and roles, and finalizing key aspects related to casting and logistics. On the second day, participants and organizers prepared the set at the Pusto studio in Poznań. The filmmaking machine was set in motion—there was no turning back! Actors, extras, and background performers rehearsed their roles while the technical team prepared the scene: lighting, sound, cameras, filming equipment, set design elements, props, and costumes. We rehearsed movements on set and quickly realized that the strict 100-second time limit would be a real challenge. Why exactly 100 seconds? Because exactly 100 years had passed since the outbreak of the Uprising, and we wanted to honor this anniversary in a symbolic way.
On the third day, everything was ready on set. That day brought the most difficult task—filming the actual scenes. Rehearsals continued up to the final moment, fine-tuning the details that, while not visible on screen, are essential for a mastershot to work. Finally, we began recording the final takes. Hours of fully focused work—every participant knew their task by heart, but the director was relentless, repeating after every take: “That was great, everyone! Let’s do one more!”
How many takes did it take? Exactly 19. That’s how many were needed to create a 100-second film telling the story of the victorious Greater Poland Uprising.
Over the last three years, we’ve completed more than a dozen single-take films during our workshops, but this one—focused on the Uprising—was the most demanding production-wise. In addition to the usual mastershot challenges of time and space, we added a strict 100-second limit. Another challenge was the historical context. Our participants helped collect props and costumes, and historical reenactors supported the authenticity.
The A TALE OF TRIUMPHANT POZNAŃ film and its behind-the-scenes “Making Of” were brought to life through the engagement of Poznań residents who contributed their time, creativity, and energy. The Intermedia Department of the University of the Arts in Poznań also supported us, and thanks to the amazing reenactors from Ławica Air Station, we had authentic portrayals of both insurgents and Prussian soldiers on set.
We extend heartfelt thanks to all participants and supporting institutions for their engagement and help in making this project a reality. The workshops and the film were a collective achievement by the people of Poznań and the Greater Poland region. One could say that the same values of grassroots collaboration that underpinned the success of the Greater Poland Uprising also fueled the success of our mastershot.
CLICK TO WATCH THE FILM: A TALE OF TRIUMPHANT POZNAŃ
We sincerely thank all participants, our patron, and partners for their support and involvement:
– The City of Poznań for funding the project
– The Intermedia Department at the University of the Arts in Poznań
– The Wielkopolska Museum of Independence
– The Historical Reenactment Group Ławica Air Station
– Win-Mar
– Poznań Film Commission
– Studio STA
– Cam-L
– Staszek Mąderek
– Atelier Kulisy
– Studio Pusto
– Red Ghost
– Fresh Studio
A TALE OF TRIUMPHANT POZNAŃ. Film Workshops for the Production of a Mastershot Dedicated to the Greater Poland Uprising
is co-financed by the budget of the City of Poznań.
The project was held under the Honorary Patronage of the Marshal of the Greater Poland Voivodeship and the Mayor of the City of Poznań.
#poznanwspiera
PATRON: City of Poznań
Technology Partner: WinMar
Content Partners: University of the Arts in Poznań, Wielkopolska Museum of Independence
Partners: Studio STA, Poznań Film Commission, Red Ghost, Cam-L Studio, FreeFly Systems