Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Teach Kids How to Make Movies
By Shelley Frost
[http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shelley_Frost]
Math teachers are important, knowledgeable people. But in most middle schools, math classes along with science, english and history, are not always the most popular among students. Imagine being the teacher for a class titled "Movie Making 101." Your movie making class would most likely have a waiting list of kids wanting to sign up!
Today's kids are well schooled in high tech toys and gadgets, especially computers, cell phones and video games. As a 'movie making for kids' teacher, you can provide them with the perfect platform where their technical skills can shine. And since movie making builds self esteem, is team oriented and highly creative, even the most technically immersed students will be able to express themselves with a movie script kids can make.
If you would like to teach movie making for kids through a class you hold through your recreation department, after school program, girl scout troop, or in your own elementary school classroom, here are several tips to help you become a Movie Director.
1. Class One: Get to know your "cast" - what their skills and talents are. Find out who is familiar with video cameras, video editing, acting, make-up, costumes. If anyone has special talents such as singing, playing an instrument, note that these can be incorporated into your movie. By observing and learning about your students, you can cast your movie more successfully.
Teach them movie making basics such as the importance of being quiet on the set (so no background noise is heard while filming). When acting in a scene, don't look at the camera - look at the person to whom you are speaking. Don't worry if you goof up a line - that's why we have "bloopers" at the end of our movie!
2. Class Two: Announce the movie script that you will produce. Tell them the story of the movie as if you are a storyteller. Be animated by acting out the movie as you describe it. Announce who is playing which role. Pass out the scripts and do a "read-through" where the cast reads the entire script out loud. Do some rehearsals of complicated scenes. Assign students which props and costumes they will need to bring to the movie set. Lastly, scout your movie locations - where each scene will be shot.
3. Class Three: Shooting Day! Inventory all the props and costumes making sure you have everything you need. Assign one student to be the Script Supervisor. This person must glue them self next to you, so you can feed each line to each actor. If you are not the camera operator, make sure this person is well versed in camera operation. You want to make sure they know where the REC button is located!
Apply make-up, decorate the sets, put on costumes, open the script, turn on the camera, and you are ready to shoot your first scene.
4. The next two to three classes will all be shooting days similar to Class Three.
5. Movie Premier: Once the movie is edited with all the special effects, credits, and music, you are ready to roll the red carpet for the big premier event. Hold the premier at your local library, the school auditorium or even one of the cast members home. Make sure that wherever the premier takes place, that the audio system is acceptable. Once the audience is assembled with their popcorn and drinks, give a short speech introducing your cast and giving a short overview of the movie. After the premier, let the cast take questions from the audience.
Kids may remember their math and science teachers, but having the DVD's of their very own movie they will be sure to never forget their experience with you as their Movie Director.
If you would like more tips and resources for kids on how to make movies, visit http://www.makeamoviestudios.com for free downloads, plus movie scripts for kids and training materials such as workbooks and DVD's.
Shelley Frost is a movie director for kids, author, drama teacher and videographer. Her company, Make-A-Movie Studios has had more than 1000 children star in her movies. Shelley has written dozens of movie scripts kids can produce, all of which have been produced into movies. Her movie scripts and resources for new movie directors can be found at http://www.makeamoviestudios.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelley_Frost http://EzineArticles.com/?Teach-Kids-How-to-Make-Movies&id=1781250
[http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shelley_Frost]
Math teachers are important, knowledgeable people. But in most middle schools, math classes along with science, english and history, are not always the most popular among students. Imagine being the teacher for a class titled "Movie Making 101." Your movie making class would most likely have a waiting list of kids wanting to sign up!
Today's kids are well schooled in high tech toys and gadgets, especially computers, cell phones and video games. As a 'movie making for kids' teacher, you can provide them with the perfect platform where their technical skills can shine. And since movie making builds self esteem, is team oriented and highly creative, even the most technically immersed students will be able to express themselves with a movie script kids can make.
If you would like to teach movie making for kids through a class you hold through your recreation department, after school program, girl scout troop, or in your own elementary school classroom, here are several tips to help you become a Movie Director.
1. Class One: Get to know your "cast" - what their skills and talents are. Find out who is familiar with video cameras, video editing, acting, make-up, costumes. If anyone has special talents such as singing, playing an instrument, note that these can be incorporated into your movie. By observing and learning about your students, you can cast your movie more successfully.
Teach them movie making basics such as the importance of being quiet on the set (so no background noise is heard while filming). When acting in a scene, don't look at the camera - look at the person to whom you are speaking. Don't worry if you goof up a line - that's why we have "bloopers" at the end of our movie!
2. Class Two: Announce the movie script that you will produce. Tell them the story of the movie as if you are a storyteller. Be animated by acting out the movie as you describe it. Announce who is playing which role. Pass out the scripts and do a "read-through" where the cast reads the entire script out loud. Do some rehearsals of complicated scenes. Assign students which props and costumes they will need to bring to the movie set. Lastly, scout your movie locations - where each scene will be shot.
3. Class Three: Shooting Day! Inventory all the props and costumes making sure you have everything you need. Assign one student to be the Script Supervisor. This person must glue them self next to you, so you can feed each line to each actor. If you are not the camera operator, make sure this person is well versed in camera operation. You want to make sure they know where the REC button is located!
Apply make-up, decorate the sets, put on costumes, open the script, turn on the camera, and you are ready to shoot your first scene.
4. The next two to three classes will all be shooting days similar to Class Three.
5. Movie Premier: Once the movie is edited with all the special effects, credits, and music, you are ready to roll the red carpet for the big premier event. Hold the premier at your local library, the school auditorium or even one of the cast members home. Make sure that wherever the premier takes place, that the audio system is acceptable. Once the audience is assembled with their popcorn and drinks, give a short speech introducing your cast and giving a short overview of the movie. After the premier, let the cast take questions from the audience.
Kids may remember their math and science teachers, but having the DVD's of their very own movie they will be sure to never forget their experience with you as their Movie Director.
If you would like more tips and resources for kids on how to make movies, visit http://www.makeamoviestudios.com for free downloads, plus movie scripts for kids and training materials such as workbooks and DVD's.
Shelley Frost is a movie director for kids, author, drama teacher and videographer. Her company, Make-A-Movie Studios has had more than 1000 children star in her movies. Shelley has written dozens of movie scripts kids can produce, all of which have been produced into movies. Her movie scripts and resources for new movie directors can be found at http://www.makeamoviestudios.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelley_Frost http://EzineArticles.com/?Teach-Kids-How-to-Make-Movies&id=1781250
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Make-A-Movie Video Production
Since 2001, besides Make-A-Movie parties and workshops, Shelley has been a video producer. She has filmed dozens of school plays, graduations, non-profit organization videos, profile videos for people celebrating birthdays, Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvah's. And now with the recent ruling by the US Supreme Court, she is able to offer Victim Impact Evidence videos. For more information please visit Make-A-Movie Video Production.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Make Money Making Movies - With Kids!
Unless you're Steven Spielberg, a movie business opportunity may seem near impossible to achieve. But what if your actors and audiences are those who prefer "G" rated films with funny characters, mysterious but satisfying story lines and lots of wild costumes and props? If you own a video camera, a computer with video editing software, love to shop at thrift stores and garage sales, then you too can have a video based business and become a Steven Spielberg for kids who love acting.
Sure, Halle Berry and Nicole Kidman probably won't respond to your offer of a movie role. But the kids in your neighborhood may end up competing with each other for the lead role in your film, especially if the movie script for kids has an exciting story line.
If you want to become a Movie Director for kids plus get paid to make movies with them, here are four tips to help you call "Quiet on the set... Action!"
1. Check with your local city parks and recreation department. They are always looking for new classes and workshops to offer the residents in their city. See if they would like to include a movie making workshop for kids as one of their programs.
2. Both private and public schools often look for after school programs their students can participate in. If you are available in the afternoons, contact these schools and offer to teach a movie making workshop for kids.
3. You can offer short movie making experiences for children as an activity at kids birthday parties and events. Advertise in local parenting magazines and websites this unique, one-of-a-kind activity children will never forget - especially true since you will be providing them with finished DVD's of their movie less than a week later.
4. If you are a classroom teacher, Girl Scout Troop Leader, home-school provider or after school care teacher, you can create a movie making activity and become a Movie Director to the children in your program. Parents can donate the blank DVD's, costumes, props, and maybe even the technical equipment, so you can concentrate on running the movie set.
Halloween with it's costumes and make-up fun only comes once a year. But movie making provides children with a chance to wear costumes, apply make-up and transform into exciting characters without pumpkins and trick-or-treating.
If you would like more tips and resources for kids on how to make movies, visit www.makeamoviestudios.com for free downloads, plus movie scripts for kids and training materials such as workbooks and DVD's.
Shelley Frost is a movie director for kids, author, drama teacher and videographer. Contact her at shelley@makeamoviestudios.com or visit her website at www.makeamoviestudios.com
Sure, Halle Berry and Nicole Kidman probably won't respond to your offer of a movie role. But the kids in your neighborhood may end up competing with each other for the lead role in your film, especially if the movie script for kids has an exciting story line.
If you want to become a Movie Director for kids plus get paid to make movies with them, here are four tips to help you call "Quiet on the set... Action!"
1. Check with your local city parks and recreation department. They are always looking for new classes and workshops to offer the residents in their city. See if they would like to include a movie making workshop for kids as one of their programs.
2. Both private and public schools often look for after school programs their students can participate in. If you are available in the afternoons, contact these schools and offer to teach a movie making workshop for kids.
3. You can offer short movie making experiences for children as an activity at kids birthday parties and events. Advertise in local parenting magazines and websites this unique, one-of-a-kind activity children will never forget - especially true since you will be providing them with finished DVD's of their movie less than a week later.
4. If you are a classroom teacher, Girl Scout Troop Leader, home-school provider or after school care teacher, you can create a movie making activity and become a Movie Director to the children in your program. Parents can donate the blank DVD's, costumes, props, and maybe even the technical equipment, so you can concentrate on running the movie set.
Halloween with it's costumes and make-up fun only comes once a year. But movie making provides children with a chance to wear costumes, apply make-up and transform into exciting characters without pumpkins and trick-or-treating.
If you would like more tips and resources for kids on how to make movies, visit www.makeamoviestudios.com for free downloads, plus movie scripts for kids and training materials such as workbooks and DVD's.
Shelley Frost is a movie director for kids, author, drama teacher and videographer. Contact her at shelley@makeamoviestudios.com or visit her website at www.makeamoviestudios.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
Six Year Old Stars in Movie
A few weekends ago my assistant Christina and I drove 45 minutes to Pleasanton, California to do a Make-A-Movie birthday party for a six year old girl. That is teetering on the "a bit too young" side of filmmaking, however, the little girls mother, assured me that her daughter would shine on camera.
At the party, the guests began to arrive. Each one was littler and younger than the next. It soon became clear to Christina and I that our movie cast was the youngest group of youngsters we'd ever filmed!! And we began to worry. Would they be able to say their lines clearly? Would they understand how to "act" with fellow "actors?" As the giggling, running, and wrestling increased, so did my anxiety.
We called the "cast" into our cast meeting, where I gently told them the story of the movie we were about to film. Just like storytelling in a classroom, the children were entranced, probably wondering where the picture book was so I could show them the pictures! Next, we did make-up. They were loving this part of the activity, so my hopes rose.
Then we assembled in the kitchen to shoot the first scene. Once I had "quiet on the set" (which was no easy task because all 20 parents decided to stay to watch!) I gave the first little girl her line. And she pulled it off spectacularly. When the birthday girl's cue arrived, she pranced into the frame like a natural. Next she rattled off her lines, in a loud, clear voice, full of expression and emotion. I couldn't believe it!
But knowing 6 year-olds, I knew their attention span was limited. So we quickly ran through the lines, then moved onto the free-for-all singing contest scene. That's when everyone started joining in the fun, laughing, singing, dancing.
As I wrapped up the movie shoot, sure enough all 20 girls, were done paying attention. They were off running, screaming, and wrestling. Did I mention that they were all wearing princess costumes? Yep, princesses wrestling in the middle of the living room. It was time for this movie director to head to the edit room. Cut, it's a wrap!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Make-A-Movie Workshop for Kids
Have you ever wanted to star in a movie? Now you can! We'll choose our script, cast our characters, plan our costumes, make-up and props. Then we'll rehearse action sequences and dialogue. Next comes "Quiet on the set... ACTION!" When the movie is shot, the director will say "That's a wrap!." Invite your friends and family to the Red Carpet Premier, enjoy some popcorn and see yourself on the big screen.
Instructor: Shelley Frost, SCCT Drama Teacher
Twin Pines Park, Belmont, CA
5 Classes, kids 6 - 12 yrs
T & Th 3:30 - 5:00
10/2 - 10/16
$100 residents; $120 non- residents
$25 lab fee
Belmont Parks & Recreation Dept.: 650/595-7441
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Free Movie Making Guide for Kids
I just finished writing a new guide that I'm giving away for free to anyone with kids interested in making movies.
Summertime is a great time for kids to get creative. Making a movie with the neighborhood children can be a great team building activity. They need to have their cast meetings; decide who will play which characters; scrounge through garages and basements for the perfect props; scout the entire neighborhood for the best locations; shoot the movie scene by scene; then edit the footage into an exciting feature film!
Best of all will be the movie premier. Announce the event with flyers, posters, e-mails, etc. Imagine the entire neighborhood gathering together on a warm summer evening to watch the movie premier on an outdoor screen. What could be more fun?
Visit Make-A-Movie Studios for movie scripts and the FREE Movie Making Guide.
Make-A-Movie Merchandise
For all you kids out there who've made movies with Make-A-Movie, now you can wear your movies on your sleeve (or head!) Visit our new store at Cafepress.com where you can buy t-shirts, sweatshirts, baseball hats and more. All with our Make-A-Movie logo. Then the world will know you've made movies with Make-A-Movie!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Make-A-Movie Kits
My wonderful neighbor Cathleen, runs a print shop. As we speak, she is creating gorgeous packaging for the Make-a-Movie Kits. As soon as the packaging is ready, I'll post a photo.
For anyone unaware, Make-a-Movie Kits include everything you need to make a movie in your home with your kids (minus the video camera and video editing software!) What is special about these kits are the fantastic movie scripts/screenplays.
Over the years, I've written these scripts, mostly with the help of casts of kids. All of the scripts have been produced into movies. Some of them several times!!
The kits are available right now by visiting www.makeamoviestudios.com.
For anyone unaware, Make-a-Movie Kits include everything you need to make a movie in your home with your kids (minus the video camera and video editing software!) What is special about these kits are the fantastic movie scripts/screenplays.
Over the years, I've written these scripts, mostly with the help of casts of kids. All of the scripts have been produced into movies. Some of them several times!!
The kits are available right now by visiting www.makeamoviestudios.com.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
From Screen to Stage
Tomorrow afternoon we'll continue play reheasals for "The Princess & the Pickle Pie" and "A Spy in Mozambula." What!! Wait a minute!! Aren't those movie scripts, not play scripts?!
Yes, they are movie scripts, having been produced as movies countless times, with different casts (party guests) and locations (homes of the birthday girl or boy). But because I also teach drama classes, I am always in need of play scripts. Over the years, I have found too many play scripts with too many talking animals with too few lines.
So, since the movie scripts from Make-A-Movie Studios are written to make each role significant, I decided to rewrite these two scripts into stage scripts.
In our last class we casted the two plays, and did a read-through. So, tomorrow we'll actually get on stage and begin blocking the scenes. It will be quite a transformation bringing these scripts to life on stage verses on screen. But the 19 actors in my class (8 - 11 year olds), are filled with enthusiasm, energy and a desire to please their audience.
Will these two "plays" be flops or a blockbusters? I'll let you know...
Yes, they are movie scripts, having been produced as movies countless times, with different casts (party guests) and locations (homes of the birthday girl or boy). But because I also teach drama classes, I am always in need of play scripts. Over the years, I have found too many play scripts with too many talking animals with too few lines.
So, since the movie scripts from Make-A-Movie Studios are written to make each role significant, I decided to rewrite these two scripts into stage scripts.
In our last class we casted the two plays, and did a read-through. So, tomorrow we'll actually get on stage and begin blocking the scenes. It will be quite a transformation bringing these scripts to life on stage verses on screen. But the 19 actors in my class (8 - 11 year olds), are filled with enthusiasm, energy and a desire to please their audience.
Will these two "plays" be flops or a blockbusters? I'll let you know...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Shy Kids Do Great Making Movies
The first day of each of my Make-A-Movie Workshops or Theater Games classes, I am always on the lookout for my "shy" kids. These are the children whose parents wisely signed them up for an acting class knowing full well the discomfort their child may or may not feel during the class meetings.
Shy kids do great in Make-A-Movie classes. This is because they perform, character create and pretend play without an audience or a spotlight. Plus, there are no lines to memorize or scripts to follow. The Director follows a script of course, but the actors need not worry about words on a page being burned into their memories!
And the night our movie premiers, and all the parents and friends are in the audience, the "shy" child is no longer a "shy" child. They are larger than life, transformed into a character fighting to save the world... or in the case of "The Fowl Phobia" the life of a chicken!
Happy Movie Making!!
Shy kids do great in Make-A-Movie classes. This is because they perform, character create and pretend play without an audience or a spotlight. Plus, there are no lines to memorize or scripts to follow. The Director follows a script of course, but the actors need not worry about words on a page being burned into their memories!
And the night our movie premiers, and all the parents and friends are in the audience, the "shy" child is no longer a "shy" child. They are larger than life, transformed into a character fighting to save the world... or in the case of "The Fowl Phobia" the life of a chicken!
Happy Movie Making!!
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