This document outlines a 9-week unit plan for having students create an original movie. In week 1, students are introduced to moviemaking basics and watch video examples. In week 2, they select a song to use as inspiration for their story. Weeks 3-6 involve planning, filming, and rehearsing their movie in small groups. Week 7 focuses on final filming and editing. Week 8 is for final edits and assembling the full movie. The unit culminates in a movie premiere party in week 9. Resources like sample videos and song suggestions are provided.

1. OK-Here We Go
With Movie Making!
An interdisciplinary unit created by Dr. Karen Kraeger

2. So, what was the inspiration for this unit?

3. Unit Plan:
From “Let’s make a movie”
to “Premiere Party”
Everything you’ll need to help your students successfully create an original movie

4. Overview
Timeline: About 9 weekly 60-90 minute work sessions
Technology Needs: at least one recording device (phone, tablet,
or digital camera) and at least one device with Movie Software
(tablet, laptop, or computer)
Collaboration with teachers in PE, Art, and/or Music is helpful

5. Week 1: Getting the
Kids Hooked!
Start off with a bang to amp up enthusiasm and get all
your students engaged!
• Show OK Go:
“Writing’s On The
Wall” video
• Students share ”3
Cool Things” from
the video
• Introduce the unit

6. Week 1-Part2:
Movie Basics
 Introduce Moviemaking Basics
 Types of Movies
 Parts of the Movie Making Process
 Storyboarding
 Discuss Story, Theme, and Tone
 Show various kid-created movies to practice
identifying Story, Theme, & Tone
 Practice Storyboarding with one of the movie
clips
 Discuss elements that contribute to the tone

7. Week 2:
Finding Your Story
Using songs as a foundation for original stories
• Discuss the importance of
finding your story.
• Play clips from several songs.
• Students will select a song as
the basis of their story.
• Brainstorm ideas for stories
based on the song lyrics.
• Choose one of these ideas for
the story.
• Break into groups –one for each
verse of the song.
• Groups brainstorm ideas for
their verse.
• Ideas are shared whole group to
confirm alignment with the
larger story.

8. Week 3:
Planning the
Story
In small groups…
 Discuss basic ideas for the
story of the verse
 Create a storyboard for
the verse
 Design props, costumes,
& backdrops
 Scout locations for filming

9. Weeks 4, 5, & 6:
Filming the story
How to keep the project on track for completion
In small groups…
• Use the storyboard to decide
on an actual script of events
• Begin rehearsal of scenes
• Complete props, costumes &
backdrops
• Take practice video to review:
• Staging
• Location
• Acting
• Costumes & Props
• Lighting
• Camera Angles
•Other groups &/or teacher will
review video to confirm the fit
with verse lyrics and overall
story

10. Week 7:
Lights,
Camera,
Action
 Finishing touches or modifications on
props, costumes & backdrops
 Groups will film final cuts
 Students will edit video to create short
movie segments.
 Special effects can be added during
final editing
 Groups will review movie segments to
review production quality
 Groups will also ensure fit with verse
lyrics and larger story

11. Week 8: Final Editing
This is where it all comes together to make a finished
film.
• Any revisions to
filming/editing is done
• Movies are finalized to
be placed into final
movie project
• Soundtrack/music is
added

12. Week 9: Movie Premiere Party!

13. Resources
Videos
 Cardboard Challenge
 OK Go “The Writing’s On the Wall”
 We are Hungry
 Top 10 Myths of Gifted Education
 Our Day at Chalker
 Change the World in 5 Minutes a Day
 Earth Day- Friday Parody
 All About Them Books-Parody
 Musical Morning Announcements
Song Possibilities
o “Renegades” by X Ambassadors
o “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
o “Beautiful Day” by U2
o ”One Week” by Bare Naked Ladies
o “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
o “Good Day” by Nappy Roots
o “ABC” by The Jackson 5
o “Dancing in the Street” by Martha & the Vandellas
o “Big Yellow Taxi” by Counting Crows
o “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye