Tips for Producing a Homemade Blockbuster

Filmmaking is a fun, educational activity that’s becoming more accessible to the average individual as technology advances. Help your children explore their creative sides by producing your very own family blockbuster using the steps below. In addition to having fun, your kids will practice important academic and life skills like writing and collaborating with others.

1. Brainstorm
Determine what kind of movie you want to make. Will it be fictional? Based on a true story? A documentary about your family vacation? The possibilities are endless, so put your heads together and see what you can create.

2. Write the Script
Start by focusing on major concepts like the characters, setting, plot, and point of view. Once the broad concepts are established, dig into the details of the dialogue.

3. Create a Storyboard
Designed to help you visualize the scenes you’ll film, a storyboard is a series of illustrations that represent the sequence of events in your script. They don’t have to be award-winning works of art, just sketches to help you envision the filming process.

4. Assign Roles
Whether it’s on screen or behind the scenes, make sure everyone in the family has a role. To help everyone understand the different elements of film making, consider taking turns fulfilling on and off-camera duties. If you need more actors than you have in the house, invite neighbors, family, and friends to audition for a part.

5. Gather Props & Equipment
Costumes and props add elements of imagination and professionalism to your work. Though acquiring the items might sound expensive, it doesn’t have to be. Garage sales and thrift stores are great places to look for affordable accessories.

Once your wardrobe and prop departments are complete, all that’s left to do is get your hands on a smart phone. That’s the beauty of making your own film in this day and age – it’s easy! Point and shoot cameras and DSLRs with video capability will certainly do the job well, too, but there’s no need to go out and buy extra equipment for the project if you have a recorder that will suffice.

6. Film & Edit
Before you start filming, take some time to learn and practice the basic rules of photography composition. Many of them apply to both still photography and videography, and are sure to add an artistic touch to your finished film.

Once you’ve shot all the footage you’ll need, find an inexpensive video editing software and complete your masterpiece. There are several free or cheap options available for mobile and desktop technology. During the editing process, allow each child to spend some time experimenting with features like transitions, subtitles and credits, and adding music alongside the footage.

7. Host a Premiere Night
Once your blockbuster is finished, invite family and friends over for its debut. Kick back, relax, and celebrate your hard work with popcorn and a soda.