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Parents' Guide to

Film It

By Polly Conway, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Stellar place for young filmmakers to learn about the craft.

Website https://www.acmi.net.au/education/online-learning/film-it/
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A Lot or a Little?

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

IMovieTeacher
IMovieTeacher Adult
November 13, 2021
age 10+

Age advice

I think that this movie maker is not for kids because I think they would not fully understand the setting, controls, and the picture that is being displayed on their screen at all, that is why I recommend this for ten-year-olds and up. I think this was a very fun thing to do and I really enjoyed but I would say it is not supposed to be used for the fun of toddlers. I'm sure they would enjoy something like T.V. or a family game. Also please take this into great understanding that I am a customer from Kansas and I love seeing websites for engaging business, and educational uses. As a current teacher, I truly love this site! Thank you, IMovieTeacher, Sarah.
See all 1 parent review

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What’s It About?

GENERATOR is a well-rounded website that gives kids the tools to make and share their own short films online while learning all about the craft of filmmaking. Through inspirational videos, step-by-step process guides, and the outstanding Storyboard Generator, where kids can create and save a detailed storyboard, kids will get a full understanding of what it takes to make a movie.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Generator is one of the coolest and most detailed free filmmaking resources around. It's really comprehensive and takes into account not only the technical aspects of filmmaking but also deeper themes -- you know, the reasons people make movies in the first place. This balance makes Generator a stellar place for young filmmakers to learn about the craft. You can hear Australian animator Adam Elliot talking about empathy and the outsider in his stop-motion film Mary and Max or get schooled on exactly how to plan a film shoot step-by-step. Kids can spend hours in the hands-on Storyboard Generator tool, tinkering with camera angles and getting familar with the same process Spielberg and Coppola use to create their masterpieces.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Ask kids about their favorite movie. Did it make them cry? Laugh? Talk about what filmmakers do to evoke emotions in an audience.

  • Older kids might like to see what an actual screenplay looks like; many are available to peruse online, including classics such as The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.

Website Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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