Printable PDF file of Meeting Plans and Ideas for Multimedia
OBJECTIVES
This month’s activities should:
- Give youth a way to share their adventures through multimedia.
- Show how to script and plan a video.
- Demonstrate how to record and upload videos and pictures.
- Guide youth as they make and present their own productions.
- Teach youth the proper methods of Internet video sharing.
- Emphasize the basics of Internet safety.
LEADERSHIP PLANNING
As a leadership team, you may want to discuss the following items when choosing multimedia as your program feature during your planning meetings.
- What cameras and other equipment are available?
- Do we have computers with the required software and Internet access?
- Do we know any filmmakers who could share their expertise?
- What do we want to do for our main event?
- Where are our filming locations?
- What costumes and props will we need?
- How many days will we be filming?
- What changes should we make to the sample meeting plans that would fit our needs better?
PREOPENING IDEAS
Preopening Ideas on Troop Program Resources
- As Scouts arrive, show age-appropriate safety videos from the Cyber Chip website. (An internet connection is needed.)
- Set up laptops or tables so members who arrive early can watch videos on the Boys’ Life YouTube channel.
- Have scripts from familiar TV shows or movies on hand for Scouts to examine as they arrive. (A quick Internet search will turn up hundreds of examples.)
- Show an age-appropriate film from the iPhone Film Festival website.
OPENING IDEAS
Opening Ideas on Troop Program Resources
GROUP INSTRUCTION IDEAS
Web Safety and Basics
- Discuss the following topics:
— Cyber Chip
— Facebook, Twitter, and websites
— What is and is not appropriate to post on websites
Video and the Web
- Do a presentation on the differences between
— YouTube, Vimeo, and Vine
— Flickr, Instagram, and posting photos to a Web page - Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Scripting and Preproduction
- Discuss the following:
— Basics of script writing—visual storytelling, characters, dialogue, rhythm, and camera angles
— Preproduction—Finding locations, costumes/props, casting, and rehearsal
Production and Editing
- Discuss the filming process and how it relates to the editing:
— How and why scenes are not shot in order
— Importance of the 180-degree rule, camera movement, and framing and composition of camera shots
— Why editing requires the best takes
SKILLS INSTRUCTION IDEAS
Web Safety and Basics
Learn how to take digital photos and upload them to Facebook. Make sure leader approval is given before posting.
Take digital photos, then edit and post them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Make sure leader approval is given before posting.
Use photo-editing software to combine two photos and upload them to the unit Web page (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook). Make sure leader approval is given before posting.
Video and the Web
- Plan and record a 6-second Vine video or videos.
- Plan and record a 30-second video that tells some kind of story (skit, joke, narrative, or song).
- Plan and record a 60-second video that tells some kind of story (skit, joke, narrative, or song). Then post it to YouTube or another website. Make sure leader approval is given before posting. Have all participate.
Scripting and Preproduction
- Write a script for a 60-second video.
- Write a script for a two-minute video.
- Plan props and costumes for videos.
- Cast and rehearse the script.
- Write a script for a five-minute video.
- Plan props, costumes, and locations for videos.
- Cast and rehearse the script.
Production and Editing
- Edit a short video using YouTube.
- Edit a short video using iMovie.
- Edit a short video using Final Cut or Premiere Pro.
BREAKOUT GROUP IDEAS
Getting Ready for the Main Event
- Menu Planning (if applicable)
- Duty Roster Planning (if applicable)
- Patrols discuss what special items they will need for the main event.
Preparation for the meeting’s game or challenge
GAME AND CHALLENGE IDEAS
Library of Games and Challenges on Troop Program Resources
- Photo Scavenger Hunt
– Materials: Digital camera for each patrol (smartphone cameras may be substituted); computer with Internet access
– Method: Give each patrol a list of items, actions, or ideas to be captured in a photo (e.g., a tree, high five, the color blue). Each patrol will take their photos and upload them to a specified multimedia website (e.g., Flickr, Instagram, Facebook).
– Scoring: The first patrol to upload their photos to the designated website wins.
- Video Screening Contest
– Materials: TV or projector with a screen; camera; paper and pencils for voting; ballot box; movie awards
– Method: Watch each patrol’s video, and then vote on several categories: best acting, best camera work, best storyline, best overall production, etc.
– Scoring: Ballots are collected and awards are presented accordingly.
- Script Reading
– Materials: Scripts; area to perform
– Method: Each group performs a reading of its script while the other groups watch. At the end of each performance, the other groups offer constructive critiques, suggesting ideas that might make the script better.
- Human Editing Machine
– Materials: One blindfold for each troop team, obstacles such as tables and chairs
– Method: Arrange tables and chairs to create an obstacle course within the room. Form two or more equally sized teams and blindfold one Scout on each team. The object is to lead the blindfolded team members to the far end of the room using only voice commands. Members of each team can walk alongside the blindfolded player and provide directions. However, the opposing team can also try to trick the player by giving false directions. The Scout who reaches the end of the room first wins a point for his or her team; however, a Scout who touches or runs into an obstacle takes off the blindfold and is out for the round. Once the round is over, someone else is blindfolded as the race continues.
– Scoring: The first team to earn 5 points wins.