Animation Wheel

Topic: Importance of Women Behind the Camera

Empowerment Lesson Video: Importance of Women Behind the Camera

Supplies:

Toothpick
Paper/Activity foam
Black pen or marker
Scissors
Ruler

Advance Preparation: Brainstorm 4-5 popular children’s movies and find the director’s name for each. Write the movies and director’s names on the whiteboard or overhead.

Video Discussion:

Prompt the students to read the whiteboard or overhead.

Ask students if they notice anything interesting about the list. Have them briefly discuss with a partner. Ensure that students notice the male/female ratio of directors.

Tell students they will be watching the video Importance of Women Behind the Camera. Explain that the video presents role models talking about the role of women and girls in filmmaking.

After viewing the video, use some or all of the following questions to discuss the video content:

What differences might there be in a story written by a man and a story written by a woman?
Why is it important to have stories written by both men and women shown in movies and on TV?
Why do you think there are more men and boys in the film industry than women and girls?
What challenges might women and girls face to entering the film industry?
Do you think it will be easier or harder for females to enter the film industry in the future? Why?

Activity Instructions:

Female voices and creativity are essential for telling diverse and powerful stories. And we need more of these voices in film! Today, you’ll create an animation wheel that will encourage you to think about the role of woman in TV and film and how your own creativity could make an impact!

Gather the supplies you will need including paper or activity foam, a pencil, a pen, and scissors.
Use your pencil to draw a large circle onto the paper or foam. Your circle should be 4-6 inches in diameter.
Draw seven evenly spaced lines along the edges of the circle.
Use your scissors to cut each line about 1 inch into the circle. Then, widen each line a bit to remove a small rectangle of paper or foam about 1 inch in length and 1/8 inch in width. If you’re not sure, look at the sample pictures!
On each section of foam or paper still attached to the circle, draw a figure in different poses. For example, a dancing stick figure or a running dog. For smooth animation, your figure should change only slightly between each section.
Use your pencil to poke a hole in the middle of the circle.
Insert the toothpick into the hole you just made in the circle.
Spin the circle and watch your figure move!
Keep your animation wheel as a reminder of the creativity and talent women bring to filmmaking. Remember, your ideas and stories can help shape the future of film!