Make a Movie - Start to Finish | Film School for Kids
For all the mini Spielbergs and Gerwigs! Join this fun course where you'll learn everything there is to know to make a movie from writing to video editing. So grab your tablet and let's make some magic happen on the big screen!
Dana Leon, M.Ed | Reading Intervention
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(51)
What's included
9 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
Learners should show up each week with the previous week's work completed. If you need extra support with any of these lessons, I will provide a discount code to my related one-time classes, feedback on submitted work, and/or links to additional informational videos.Assessment
Assessment will occur regularly through activities embedded within lessons, on homework and on the final short-film project. There will also be informal check-ins where I assess the status of the class and determine if everyone is ready to move on. I will use these check ins to inform partnerships.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Beginner - Intermediate Level
🎬 Lights, camera, action! In this self-paced class, we'll explore the exciting world of filmmaking and make our very own short film! You'll learn about the different phases of movie-making and get hands-on experience with the tools and techniques. C O U R S E B R E A K D O W N PRE-PRODUCTION: Planning the movie. Lesson 1: Intro to Movie Magic Lesson 2: Intro to Screenwriting Lesson 3: Understanding Camera Shots and Angles Lesson 4: Creating Storyboards Lesson 5: Planning Your Production PRODUCTION: Filming the movie. Lesson 6: Composing Your Shots Lesson 7: Experimenting with Lighting POST-PRODUCTION: Editing the movie. Lesson 8: Video Editing: Sequencing Your Film Lesson 9: Finishing Touches I demonstrate using iMovie, but the basic editing techniques taught in this course can be used with any video editing app. ⭐️⭐️ See the Syllabus tab below for a more detailed look at each lesson. ⭐️⭐️ NOTE: If your child will need additional help writing a screenplay, please let me know I can provide a "mad libs" style script for them. Are you looking for a class that's tailored to neurodiverse learners? As a certified special education teacher, I have the tools to create classes that are supportive and engaging. So if you're ready to learn in a way that works best for you, let's get started! 🎥 Get ready to roll camera, and let's make a movie!
Learning Goals
Learners will develop basic skills with all aspects of the filmmaking process.
This course also fulfills several state standards, please reach out if you will need these.
Syllabus
4 Units
9 Lessons
over 5 WeeksUnit 1: Overview
Lesson 1:
Intro to Movie Magic
• Learn all about the movie-making process
• Choose a movie genre and purpose for your movie. 1 assignment
Unit 2: Pre-Production
Lesson 2:
Intro to Screenwriting
• Learn all about the screenplay format.
• Analyze the difference between scripts and story formats.
• Compare and contrast the screenplay and movie versions.
• Write the screenplay for your movie. 1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Understanding Camera Shots and Angles
• Observe the use of camera shots and angles in your favorite movies and shows.
• Understand when to use different shots and camera angles. 1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Creating Storyboards
• Use what you know about camera shots and angles to plan out the visual look of your movie. 1 assignment
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class was designed with learners with special learning needs in mind. I've chunked the movie making process to make it more accessible. I also offer additional accommodations and modifications, as needed.
Parental Guidance
Depending on their story ideas, learners may need help with creating props, sets, acting, and filming. Nothing elaborate is necessary but I also try to avoid squashing creativity with practicality. I've have students make movies with their dolls when they couldn't get actors together in time.
I prefer to teach editing in iMovie because it is one of the most simple free video editors that doesn't require users to have an account. However, Adobe Premiere Rush is a great alternative for anyone working on a phone or tablet that isn't an apple device.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined December, 2021
4.9
51reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
New York Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
New York Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Master's Degree in Special Education from Manhattanville University
Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a second assistant director and production assistant on a couple of independent films. I wrote and directed my own short film in my studies at a summer film program at USC. Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$20
weekly or $100 for all content9 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 78 learners
Choose your start date
Ages: 8-12
