Stage 1: Pre-production
1 Pick a book you like and read it. I chose “The Great Kapok Tree” by Lynne Cherry. The librarian can help find a book that ties to the curriculum.
2 Discuss that you are going to turn the book into a movie and review the stages and terms of filmmaking using these worksheets.
3 Create a timeline so your film is ready for the festival! Hang it in your room and check off the steps you complete.
4 There may be a play online based on the book you read. If not, write out a story skeleton; a list of what happens in the beginning, middle and end to your characters. Draw a simple storyboard to illustrate the scenes in your story. A storyboard is like a comic strip. This worksheet might help. You can write detailed dialogue now or wait until later. Once you have your story and characters in mind you can get to work on your set.
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5 Start building your set pieces, costumes and props. We built a Great Kapok Tree, sloths, monkeys, snakes, frogs and butterflies using free supplies from Materials for the Arts.
6 Write the dialogue for each scene using pencil and paper, keyboard or voice typing. Or, create detailed scene descriptions that allow students to improvise dialogue. Students do not need to memorize lines. Lines can be prompted during filming and edited out later.
Stage 2: Production
7 Use a smartphone, tablet or camera to film. Use as many takes (or re-do’s) as you need. You can always edit out the bad takes. Use a cheap tripod or selfie stick to increase the production quality. You must have signed consent forms to films students.
Stage 3: Post-production
8 Use a free app to edit film. Upper elementary, middle and high school students can learn basic editing skills. It enhances computer literacy and broadens opportunities for leisure pursuits.
9 Submit your film to the festival, coordinate a field trip to attend the event with your students and send home student-made invitations for parents to join.
