Scouting/BSA/Moviemaking Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

'BSA announced in October, 2013, that the "Cinematography" merit badge has been renamed "Moviemaking" to better describe the purpose and intent of the badge. BSA changed the ID number from 126 to 156. even though the requirements are so similar to those for Cinematography, scouts should still earn this badge.

Requirement 1

Discuss and demonstrate the proper elements of a good motion picture. In your discussion, include visual storytelling, rhythm, the 180-axis rule, camera movement, framing and composition of camera shots, and lens selection.

Requirement 2

Do the following:

A. In a three- or four-paragraph treatment, tell the story you plan to produce, making sure that the treatment conveys a visual picture

B. Prepare a storyboard for your motion picture (This can be done with rough sketches and stick figures.)

C. Demonstrate the following motion picture shooting techniques.

1. Using a tripod

2. Panning a camera

3. Framing a shot

4. Selecting an angle

5. Selecting proper lighting

6. Hand-held shooting

D. Using motion picture techniques, plan ONE of the following programs. Start with a treatment, and complete the requirement by presenting this program to a pack or your troop, patrol, or class.

1. Film or videotape a court of honor and show it to an audience.

2. Create a short feature of your own design using the techniques you learned.

3. Shoot a vignette that could be used to train a new Scout in a Scouting skill.

Requirement 3

Do ONE of the following:

A. With your parent's permission and your counselor's approval, visit a film set or a television production studio and watch how production work is done.

B. Explain to your counselor the elements of the zoom lens and three important parts.

Requirement 4

Find out about three career opportunities in moviemaking. Pick one and find out about the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this career with your counselor. Explain why this profession might interest you. I picked director, editor, and producer.

External links

• Moviemaking Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• Movie Making Manual
• Cinematography.com :: Professional Motion Picture Camera People, News and Resources