Middle School Movie Makers

A theme-based Middle School writing program culminating in the production of short films.

The Young Storytellers Foundation Middle School Movie Makers program is a theme-based writing program for Middle School Students. It is also mentor-based, and culminates in a screening of produced short films shot and edited with iPads.

The Middle School program incorporates the curriculum of the YSF Elementary Program, reinforcing grade 6, 7 and 8 language arts content standards. Depending on school needs, the programs occur either in-school or as an after school enrichment program. High school students join adults and act as mentors.

At Culver City Middle School, students chose to write on culture and identity, and their screenplays and finished movies embodied these themes. Students at Jordan Middle School in Burbank are writing on the theme “Life as a Sixth Grader.” Through the use of personal storytelling, students discover the value of their own lives and experiences as excellent sources to draw upon in their writing.

Once the students’ screenplays are complete, the program shifts to production. Students make their own films using photographed backdrops and stick figures, an iPad and iMovie. Professional actors voice the characters while students direct their own films, calling action and cut and setting camera angles. A screening of the films is held for an invited audience of family, friends and peers.

Check out the video to see some of our students in action:

OVERVIEW • SCRIPT-TO-STAGE PROGRAM • MIDDLE SCHOOL MOVIE MAKERS • YSF CLUSTER PROGRAM  • SUMMER PROGRAMS & CAMPS • PILOT PROGRAMS