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Kids can make their own movies
There are some things that children just love—superheroes, eating ice cream, building a tree house—but one activity that has recently captured kids’ attention thanks to decreases in cost and advances in technology, is making movies. What kid doesn’t want to shoot the next big dinosaur or action flick?
And now, all the difficulty that originally came with filming movies is nearly extinct. Gone are the days of painstakingly splicing film strips or matching up audio tracks. Now almost everything can be done on one simple device—just film, edit and share.
This guide will help kids begin creating movie masterpieces.
Supplies
- iPhone or other Smartphone with a video camera
- Vibop app (free) or other kids’ recording app
- Paper
- Pencil
- You may also want:
- Markers
- Construction Paper
- Scissors
- String
- Glue
- Costumes
- Cardboard boxes
The script
A script will help you plan out the story you are trying to tell and what you want each actor in your movie to say. Start by listing all of the characters that will appear in your movie, then write out your story, and finally share your script with any friends that will be helping you act out the scenes.
Setup
After going over the script with your friends (pets included if they will be making an appearance) it’s time to create your set and costumes. Don’t be afraid to get creative. All sorts of items could be used including paper cutouts, blankets, cardboard boxes, a playhouse, chairs—use your imagination.
Action
After everyone is dressed in costume and the set is created, start filming. Don’t get upset if something doesn’t work out exactly the way you planned—just roll with it. (Sometimes these end up being the best scenes in a movie.)
Not sure how to start filming your movie? Ask for your parent’s help downloading the new free iPhone app, Vibop. Once installed, simply open the app and click “Create” and then “Shoot.” Once you are finished filming, just click “Use.”
Add effects
Pick any effects you’d like to add to your movie. There is a variety to choose from including everything from “horror flick” to “comic book.”
Joe Barry is the digital editor of Central Penn Parent Magazine. He invites readers to follow his blog online at www.centralpennparent.com/Cup-of-Joe/
Get your movie featured online
Once you have your movie just the way you want it, get your parents’ permission to upload your video online at www.centralpennparent.com/submityourmovie or send it to us at editor@journalpub.com. We will select one lucky film to be featured on the Central Penn Parent homepage. View our sample videos at http://www.centralpennparent.com/kidsvids
