The Film It! Challenge

Write, shoot, and edit your own movie

Film It! Challenge

Who can participate?

The Film It! Challenge is open to all D65 students and Evanston residents starting grades 5th – 8th in the summer of 2022. 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 the five core filmmaking elements:
    • Script or Storyboard
    • Include two or more camera angles
    • Voiceover/captions
    • Scene Transition
    • Add background  music or sound effects (underscore)
  • It must be 30-90 seconds 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

  • Create Props
  • Create Costumes
  • Location/Set

Production

  • Lighting Techniques
  • Perspective Change
  • Camera Angles
  • Conduct an Interview
  • Stop-Motion Animation
  • Screen Capture Video
  • Choreography
  • Blocking
  • Mic Placement
  • Sound Quality
  • Using a Mic

Post-Production

  • Editing
  • Add a Title Screen
  • Add Credits
  • Green Screen
  • Graphic Overlay
  • Time Manipulation
  • Add Voiceover
  • Add Background Music
  • Add Sound Effects
  • Scene Transitions
  • Captions
  • Filters or Color Coding
  • Cleaning Up Audio

Do I need any special equipment?

This challenge can be completed using just your D65 iPad. You can use your camera to record video or take images and then use iMovie 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 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 Saturday, June 12, 2022.

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 Saturday, June 11, 2022. You have six weeks to plan, shoot, and edit your mini-movie. You must submit your final project before 8:00 pm on Saturday, July 23, 2022.

How do I submit my mini-movie?

Click the link below and follow the submission instructions.

Submit Your Movie