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ADVENTURES

daily activities

NEXT DAY

Movie-Making Magic

Lights, Camera, Action!

Just as live-action movies are made using cameras, filmmakers sometimes use virtual cameras to “film” their movies, with lenses that act like the real thing. Today, we're experimenting with different camera settings, shot selections, movements, and angles...all to make our own movies.

DAY 4

what you’ll need

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FOR PARENTS

Ask About Today

Can you tell me about camera angles and movements? How do different angles and shots help tell a story on film?

Dinner Discussion

Have your child share the storyboard or the short film they've created. Ask them to talk about their inspiration and about the challenges they faced while making it.

Skip the Ads

Unfortunately, online videos often start with short advertisements. Remind your campers to click the "Skip" button as soon as they can to move ahead to the video.

explore

30-45 minutes

Here's everything you need to know about cameras to become a filmmaker. (Okay, kinda.)

01

Cameras 101

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Get started by learning the basics of modern movie cameras.

Remember: Online videos often start with advertisements. (Annoying, we agree!) Click the "Skip" button as soon as you can to move ahead to the video.

02

Virtual Cameras?

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We admit it: We didn't know there was such a thing as a "virtual camera." Did you? Find out about physical and virtual cameras in this quick recap.

03

Storytelling Through the Lens

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Find out how filmmakers use cameras—including different shots, angles, and movements—to help tell their stories.

04

It's All About the Angle

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The use of camera angles is a sneaky way filmmakers can enhance the intensity and emotion in their movies. Learn about 12 camera angles you can use in your own movie.

05

Camera Angles, Explained

Check out examples of different camera angles and how they are used in filmmaking in this article from FutureLearn.

06

Move It, Camera

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Sometimes filmmakers physically move and rotate the camera, too. Here are 8 kinds of camera movements you can use to tell your cinematic story.

create

30-45 minutes

Remember storyboards from day 1 of this week? They're graphic organizers that plan the narrative for your movie—like a comic book for your film.

01

Create Your Storyboard

Storyboards are a powerful way to visually present information. The different boxes highlight the beginning, middle, and end of your story. Filmmakers use storyboards to be intentional about which camera movements and angles to use for each scene. Create your own virtual storyboard with this simulator.

If you get stuck, take a peek at this cheat sheet of different camera shots and angles for ideas.

02

Make Your Movie!

Using the camera on your phone, film your movie based on the storyboard you created today. Try to use different camera angles and movements for dramatic effect. Once you're done filming, use your filmmaking app to edit your film and add sound effects or music.

move

10-15 minutes

01

An Action Movie Workout

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Leap into the world of Black Panther in this action movie-inspired workout. Feeling good? Go through it again!

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