Any parent would love their children to have the same interests as theirs. Whether you’re a movie lover or a movie maker, getting your kid interested in filmmaking is the dream.
Some young minds express interest in films immediately, while others can take time. The good news is there are plenty of ways to foster their intrigue and get them hooked on movies.
1. Read Them Stories
The core of every great film is a story. Get your children to read a couple of books. You can also read to them each night. About 69% of parents read to their young children five or more times weekly in 2020. While things have returned to normal after the pandemic, bonding with them over stories is still a good tradition.
Choose different titles and genres. There are plenty of book-to-movie adaptations, from “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” to “Matilda.” Just remember to pick age-appropriate stories.
2. Let Them Watch Films
Remember when you watched your first film and fell in love? Give your child the same experience and allow them to watch movies. Let them pick films from various genres.
Movies can feature different lessons. For example, fictional movies like “Finding Nemo” and “Meet the Robinsons” teach children about family, love and kindness. In contrast, documentaries like “Monkey Kingdom” or “A Plastic Ocean” can help them learn more about preserving nature and respecting wildlife.
Besides those core messages, movies also give your kids a taste of various mediums. Animation, live-action or a mix of both can spark their interest. They all create a story and invoke a sense of wonder that makes films memorable.
3. Provide Drawing Materials
Give your children drawing materials. Filmmaking is all about creativity, so let them express their ideas on paper. You can even join in the activity and make your own art. Do a small reveal when you both complete your creations.
Once your kid gets the hang of drawing, you can challenge them. Draw a couple of squares on a piece of paper. Ask them to make a character in the first box. You can tell them to create a sequence of events in the next few blocks. Voila, your child has made a storyboard.
4. Give Them a Camera
Test your kid’s cinematography skills with a camera. Ask them to take different pictures and videos on your next family outing. Target woods with abundant trees or trails with natural scenery. These various features can keep them interested and spark creativity.
You can also bring your child to modern spaces. Certain museums will allow you to take still and video photography as long as it is for noncommercial use. Public parks or festivals also offer an excellent environment to record media.
More professional cameras are less user-friendly, so find models and settings for beginners. A smartphone offers a good level of quality, but social media and games can be distracting. A smaller digital camera is an ideal gadget solely focused on capturing motion.
5. Have Small Visual Projects
While your child won’t be creating feature-length films anytime soon, they can still complete a few small projects. For example, stop-motion is a fascinating medium. The first feature of its kind was made in 1898 and the craft continues to shine today.
Mold clay into a character. Direct your kid to make small changes as you take pictures. Stitching these tiny takes into one another can make a charming little animation.
You can also suggest creating a music video. Play a song and ask them to take videos of things that remind them of the lyrics or sound. Let them try editing, too. The more experience they get, the more appreciation they will have for filmmaking.
6. Practice Screenwriting
Encourage your kid to create a small screenplay. Children about 8 or 9 years old can write complete sentences correctly. Ask them to develop a story and say the sky’s the limit.
Be sure to guide them throughout the process. For example, let your children know they can make their characters talk through dialogue and encourage them to create funny lines. Tell them to give their cast unusual names.
Once your child is done, read it out loud for them. Use different voices for the narrator and characters in the story. The auditory aspect of reading their story can fill your child with joy.
7. Have a Conversation About Film
The best tip to foster a child’s interest in filmmaking is to talk with your kid. They might have questions about the activities and projects you’ve done together. Entertain their curiosity and share your point of view.
Alternatively, ask the young ones questions as well. For instance, how did they feel when writing a story for the first time? Did your child like taking pictures and videos while outside? What was their favorite film?
Remember to offer advice and encouragement with kindness and discretion. About 26% of U.S. parents praise their children too much, while 20% criticize them more than they should. Aim for the middle ground by cheering them on and guiding them where possible.
Gain a Mini Filmmaking Buddy
Having your kid appreciate and love filmmaking like you is quite exciting. After all, you get a mini buddy with whom you can bond pretty much all the time. Plus, you never know if they’ll want to pursue a future career in film when they grow up, which will make you one proud parent.
