Make Your Family Film
Unleash your inner filmmaker by creating a short documentary about your own family's unique history and personal stories. This hands-on challenge guides you through planning, shooting, and reflecting on the art of capturing real life and preserving memories.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will plan a simple documentary film concept by identifying a subject and key questions, capture basic video footage and audio using available technology (e.g., a smartphone) and collaborate effectively with family members to achieve a shared creative goal.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Introduce documentaries; brainstorm family stories.
- Move on when Student shows understanding of what a documentary is and offers an idea of a family story.
- 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Brainstorm family story ideas for your film.
- Create interview questions to ask your subject.
- Decide who will be director and camera operator.
- Move on when The family has chosen a documentary subject and brainstormed initial ideas or questions.
Photo by Thiago José Amaral on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Discuss clear visuals and audio for filming.
- Move on when Student can articulate one or two key elements for clear filming (e.g., good lighting, clear sound).
Photo by Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Grab your smartphone; set up your first shot.
- Supervise filming; prompt interviewer as needed.
- Ensure the camera operator keeps subject in frame.
- Encourage trying different angles and questions.
- Move on when Student has filmed at least one short interview clip or scene related to their chosen family story.
Photo by Şeydanur Yıldız on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Watch a clip; reflect on filmmaking and story.
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway or reflection about the filmmaking process or their family story.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels
Personalize The Spark
Add a twist your child will love, and we'll email you a printable guide made just for them. New to Mai? We'll set you up with a free 30-day guest pass so you can open it in the app.