If the last few days of icy weather forced you to stay inside and get a little closer to someone special, you're already warmed up to take part in Makeout! The baby of Director / Producer Ryan Hughes, 22, Makeout! is a "mass-participatory art project" which invites 250 lip-locked people to become the undulating background for a short film. Who are the 250 people? Anyone with a partner, a free afternoon, and a love for shameless public displays of affection.

I caught up with Ryan Hughes earlier on in this week to ask a few questions about the project.

Could you explain in a few words what Makeout! is all about?

RH: Makeout! is about engaging a large number of people in a piece of art. It's meant to be a personal and group experience. Taking art off the walls, out of galleries, and engaging people with an idea and its application.

What was your inspiration for the project? What is the film's premise?

RH: The project idea came to me in class one day...it was a concept that I wanted to see through, and felt only could succeed as a mass-participatory art event...both a film and experience for its participants. The film itself is centred around a main character...a close up on him, with a slow motion zoom out to reveal all the chaos.

What's been the biggest challenge about Makeout! so far?

RH: Logistics. Pre-production and promotion have been very difficult, but are worth it. This type of project is only possible with a strong and committed team, supported by willing and enthusiastic participants...We were surprised by how many have come on board. This project is a collaborative effort.

The filming of the event runs from 1 - 5 - Are people going to be making out for the full four hours?

RH: Couples won't be making out for the full 4 hrs. This amount of time is necessary to properly stage the event, including registering all participants, set up, and shooting. Participants have to come for the full time if they would like to be a part of Makeout!, as it would cause complications with logistics otherwise.

What do you hope people will get out of watching the final product?

RH: The film is short and meant to really intrigue the viewer. Its something that you don't see everyday, and the reaction that I'd like each viewer to have is, "I want to see it again."

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The final film will be submitted to a few festivals, including a humble little film festival that happens in Toronto every September.

At the time of the writing of this post 212 people were already signed up, so there's still a little space left. The event is happening tomorrow, March 3, from 1 - 5 at the new Ryerson Business Building at 55 Dundas Street West. For more details check out the website for the event.

Image from ryanhughes.ca