This collection of resources provides guidance and advice for teachers working with students who want to explore film techniques and create short films.
In the following resources you will find practical guidance on how to teach your students the basics of filmmaking with simple easy-to-follow exercises. You can follow the lessons in order, or mix and match depending on the parts of the filmmaking process your students are most interested in learning more about.
Through these lesson plans, you will help your students discover things like how to collaborate together as a filmmaking team, what the different shots are for, and how to use them. As you work through the activities, your students will build the confidence to test out different kinds of filmmaking techniques and further develop their skills.
Mini Movie Making Resources
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1. Preparing your equipment
Make sure your camera, microphone, and lights are ready to go so nothing stops you from filming your masterpiece!
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2. The Script
A script is like a story map for your movie; looking at examples helps you understand how to write great dialogue and action.
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3. Pre-production
This is the planning stage where you gather your team, pick actors, and decide where and when to film.
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4. Location Scouting
Finding the perfect place to film your scenes, whether it’s your backyard, a park, or a spooky attic!
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5. Learn your equipment
Get to know how your camera and sound gear work so you can capture the best shots possible.
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6. Shot sizes
Choosing how close or far the camera is from your subject, like zooming in for a close-up or pulling back for a wide shot.
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7. 180 degree rule
A special rule that helps make sure characters don’t suddenly look like they’ve swapped places when the camera moves.
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8. Shot sequence
Putting different shots together in a way that tells a smooth and exciting story.
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9. Camera angles
Choosing how high, low, or tilted the camera is to make scenes look more interesting and dramatic.
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10. Camera movement
Moving the camera around to follow the action and make your scenes feel more alive!
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11. Storyboards
Drawing out your scenes like a comic strip to plan what the movie will look like before filming.
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12. Shot lists
Making a checklist of all the different shots you need so you don’t forget anything on filming day!
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13. Rehearsal
Practicing with your actors so they know their lines and moves before the camera starts rolling.
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14. Shooting your movie
Lights, camera, action! This is where you bring your story to life by filming all your scenes.