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The Magic Camera

The Magic Camera

The Magic Camera provides primary students (Years 3-6) with the opportunity to make their own class film. The Magic Camera is a time-travel scenario where a "magic camera" is discovered in the first scene and is used to carry the narrative structure from scene to scene. Each scene of the film's script is written and produced by a different group of students from your class.

This program supports the implementation of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS), drawing together the three strands and supporting student growth across the domains.

Interdisciplinary learning Domains	Discipline based learning Domains	Physical, personal and social learning Domains
Communication Thinking processes Information and communications technology (ICT) Note: Domains in italics are dependent on the focus of the program.	English The Arts Humanities LOTE Science	Interpersonal Development Personal Learning Civics and Citizenship Health and Physical Education

http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/

On the day of the ACMI workshop students shoot their prepared film scenes in a professional TV studio. Each scene, starring a different group of students, will take place in front of a unique genre-based virtual set using green screen technology. This hands-on workshop allows students to take part in all elements of production on set.

At the end of the shoot ACMI staff will edit the scenes to create the completed film story. The finished film is about 10 minutes long, depending on how many students participate and the number of scenes shot.

This program is designed to:

• develop students' understanding of the structure of a film narrative in a practical and fun context
• help students become aware of how to recognise and construct film genres
• promote collaborative learning
• introduce students to, or extend their technical knowledge of scriptwriting, production design, acting and sound.

Paticipating in this program, students will:

At school (pre-visit to ACMI)

• create the overall film story by working in small teams
• plan, script and rehearse the group's short scene.

At ACMI

• participate in the filming of scenes in the ACMI TV studio
• act in their own scene 
• work as production crew while shooting another group's scene
• provide percussion music or sound effects as required for another group's scene.

Teacher Materials

The Magic Camera and activities provided in the accompanying Teacher Kit are designed to assist students to develop a range of interdisciplinary learning outcomes. The program can connect to broader themes within an integrated unit of work or may also be implemented as a separate one-off creative activity.

The Magic Camera program explores how and why different film elements, particularly genre and narrative structure, are used and the impact these can have on an audience. Students are encouraged to examine the way that stories and films are created and told in order to better understand choices made in their own film.

The final production is screened at the end of the excursion and a school copy is provided on DVD for further viewing, analysis and enjoyment.

For bookings and contact information, see Education Bookings