UWSSLEC LibGuides: Movie Workshop for Elementary Students: Film Editing/Production

What is Film Editing & Production?

Producing
From the Film Connection Film Institute
Editing
From the Film Connection Film Institute

Glossary

Child-friendly definitions of terms are included in the following editing and production links.

Film Editing
View this easy-to-read list to learn and better understand words that are specific to film editing.
Film Jargon
View this easy-to-read list to learn and better understand words that are specific to film making.

Movie Production

The links provided will help guide you through the process of producing a movie. Whether using a PC or a Mac, there is a movie-making option for you!

Tell a Story with Windows Live Movie Maker
A very clear, step-by-step process on how to make a movie with Windows Live Movie Maker is presented in this easy-to-follow video.
How to use FlipShare to make a movie
Watch and listen to this You Tube presentation to learn how to use the Flip Share software (and Flip video camera) to make a movie.
Getting Started with iMovie
Apple provides a basic introduction to get started with movie-making in iMovie. Additional step-by-step video clips are accessible from this website.
KidsVid Movie Production
Visit this instructional website to learn how to make and edit a movie.

Video Editing

Learn how to edit movies, and explore the process used when the movie, "Charlotte's Web" was produced!

Editing Video with Windows Movie Maker
This video provides a short tutorial on how to edit and create video using Windows Movie Maker.
Adding Photos in iMovie
The short video from Apple guides viewers through the process of adding photos to use in production of an iMovie.
The Editing of Charlotte's Web
Shooting the initial film for 75 days and ending up with 1 1/2 million feet of film, the editors of Charlotte's Web provide amazing facts about the filming, editing, and post-production processes of the movie, Charlotte's Web.
The Editor's Job
This children's website explains the role of a film editor. Every step and the roles necessary for film making are included in this website.
BBC One-Minute Movies
Explains how to edit movies.

Media

The following video provides 3 basic tips on shooting film. Learn the importance of a tripod and shooting well-planned shots using the 6 main shots. Also learn about the Rule of Thirds. Finally, enjoy some of the video-maker's bloopers!

Books

The following books provide great information for children interested in making their own movies. Each book is written especially for children. The newest books are listed first.

Kids' Guide to Movie Making by Shelley Frost
ISBN: 9781456525064
Publication Date: 2011
For children who love acting, film making, and the performing arts, KIDS GUIDE TO MOVIE MAKING is a middle grade, nonfiction activity book that provides them with the how-to's they need to make compelling movies with strong characters and stories audiences will enjoy. With KIDS GUIDE TO MOVIE MAKING, children will have the opportunity to learn how to be a Movie Director on their own movie set with easy to understand guidelines and descriptions. Throughout the book are HOT TIPS! that will give the reader special insights geared to making their movie production problem free. The final pages are filled with helpful movie making materials such as sample scripts, shooting schedules, storyboard layout and more. (from Amazon.com)
Tricky Video: The Complete Guide to Making Movie Magic (Klutz) by The Editors of Klutz & John Cassidy
ISBN: 9781591746232
Publication Date: 2009
Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Klutz
Tricky Video is a clever collection of easy-to-achieve video tricks, gags, and gimmicks you can do with your home video camera. Turns out you don't need to go high tech to be a master moviemaker. This book comes with a Hollywood-style slate (or clapper) to mark the start of every scene. Simple step-by-step sequences show young directors how to make people disappear, how to stage a painless fight scene, and more — in short, how to be a video genius.
Comes With: Hollywood-style slate (from Amazon.com)
Received rave reviews from teachers who have used this book!
Lights, Camera, Action! Making Movies and TV From the Inside Out by Lisa O'Brien
ISBN: 9781897066898
Publication Date: 2007
Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up
There really is no business like show business. This engaging book takes young readers behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood into the dizzying world of agents, casting directors, “big picture” producers, and bustling production teams. Vibrant illustrations and a conversational tone provide a captivating cross-section of the film, television, and stage industries. Along the way, “Popcorn Quizzes” test movie mavens’ show biz trivia, “Director’s Notes” offer cues to budding Barrymores, and “Screen Speak” glossaries decipher industry lingo. A note to parents and list of resources provide further information. (From Amazon.com)
Attack of the Killer Video Book by Mark Shulman, Hazlitt Krog, & Martha Newbigging
ISBN: 9781550378405
Publication Date: 2004
Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up
A fun and funny guide to making great videos.

Anyone can make a video (we've all seen other people's home movies, ugh!). But can anyone make great videos? Of course! Say hello to Attack of the Killer Video Book.

Hilarious yet instructive text provides kids with a thorough overview of all the tricks of the movie-making trade. From coming up with great ideas, to organizing a video shoot, to finally piecing it all together, Attack of the Killer Video Book walks readers through every stage of video production. (from Amazon.com)
Eyewitness: Film by Richard Platt
ISBN: 9780789455871
Publication Date: 2000
Platt presents double-page treatments of 28 subjects, including shadow puppets, moving images, cameras, film, motion pictures, stars, studios, make up, props, special effects, animation, sound, etc. The multiple visuals are eye-catching, impressive, and accurate. Film is a browser's paradise; however, students who want to explore the subject beyond this instant gratification should turn to Anderson's Make Your Own Animated Movies and Videotapes (Little, 1991), Schwartz's Making Movies (Lerner, 1989), Meyer's Magic in the Dark (Facts on File, 1985), or Clise's Special Effects (Viking, 1987; o.p.). --Judie Porter, Media Services Center, Portsmouth School Dept . , RI
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. (from School Library Journal)
Make Your Own Animated Movies and Videotapes by Yvonne Andersen
ISBN: 9780316039413
Publication Date: 1991
Age Level: 10 and up
The author writes about the techniques of making flat and three-dimensional animation as well as exploring special effects, computer animation, editing and sound tracks. She discusses equipment and materials and suggests where to buy them and how much they are likely to cost. (Amazon.com)
Making Movies (Silver Screen Series) by Perry Schwartz
ISBN: 9780822516354
Publication Date: 1989
Age Level: 10 and up | Series: Silver Screen Series
Describes what happens during the production of a motion picture and the jobs of all the people involved. (from Amazon.com) Recommended by School Library Journal.

Meet the Experts

Check with your local television stations and/or universities to inquire about potential speakers from the editing and/or production fields.

Film Wisconsin
Click on the link to access contact information for Film Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Public Television
Tess Gallum, UW Milwaukee Professor
Department of Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies

Who Are Some Famous Movie Editors & Producers?

Learn about these famous editors and producers, and discover their hit films!

Walt Disney, Producer
Learn about Walt Disney, and view a list of movies for which he was famous.
Kathleen Kennedy
Learn about Producer, Kathleen Kennedy, famous for movies such as Jurassic Park, The Indian in the Cupboard, Balto, The Flintstones, and more! View a list of movies she produced and is presently producing.
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is a controversial movie producer who has won multiple awards. Learn about Spielberg through his biography trivial information provided.
Tom Hanks
Star actor in the movie, Forrest Gump, learn about Hanks as he transformed from an actor into a producer.

Student Productions

Once your movie production is complete, please go to the Student Showcase page, and place a link to your movie in the Media box on that page. A brief description of your production would be appreciated.

Movie Workshop for Elementary Students: Film Editing/Production