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The Film It! Challenge

Write, shoot, and edit your own movie

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Film It! Challenge

Who can participate?

The Film It! Challenge is open to all D65 students and Evanston residents starting 5th – 8th Grades in the Fall of 2025. Registration is required. Click the button below to register.

Register

What are the requirements to submit my mini-movie ?

Your mini-movie must meet the following requirements:

Include at least FIVE core filmmaking elements from the list below. You must include at least one element from each category: Pre-production, Filming, and Post-production.

Your movie must be 2 – 3 minutes in length.

You can and are encouraged to include more filmmaking elements. Some elements are critical to a movie and others are optional. Feel free to mix and match elements. The more filmmaking elements you include the more prize tokens you can earn. We have tutorials you can watch for each filmmaking element below.

Filmmaking Elements

Pre-Production

  • Write a script/outline
  • Create a storyboard/shot list
  • Create props
  • Create costumes
  • Design and/or decorate your set or location

Filming

  • Lighting techniques
  • Change perspectives/sse different types of shots/camera angles
  • Conduct an interview
  • Create Animation (Drawn, Stop-Motion, etc.)
  • Screen capture video on your device
  • Choreograph a dance or action scene
  • Block your actors’ movements
  • Use and place microphones for good sound quality

Post-Production

  • Edit Your footage together
  • Add a title screen
  • Add credits
  • Use a green screen
  • Add a graphic overlay
  • Time manipulation
  • Add other special effects
  • Add voiceover
  • Add background music
  • Add sound effects
  • Scene transitions
  • Add captions
  • Use filters or color coding
  • Clean up audio

Do I need any special equipment?

This challenge can be completed using an iPad or phone camera. You can use your camera to record video or take images and then use iMovie or other apps and tools to edit all your content. All of our tutorials use the iPad iMovie app or readily available household materials.

We will be checking out iPads and other equipment to registered participants who need one. All you need to do is let us know you need an iPad when you complete the registration form. You can then check one out from either the Main Library or the Robert Crown Library Branch beginning Monday, June 9, 2025.

You are also free to use any video recording equipment and video editing software available to you.

When is my mini-movie due?

The challenge begins on Monday, June 9, 2025. You have five weeks to plan, shoot, and edit your mini-movie. You must submit your final project before 8:00 pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

How do I submit my mini-movie?

Click the link below and follow the submission instructions.

Submit Your Movie

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