You can use videos in your daily life, for school projects or in a future career. Videography is art, communications and technology all at the same time.
Becoming good at making videos teaches media literacy -- the ability to fully understand media messages that come at us every day.
What can you do?
In the video and filmmaking project, you can:
- Showcase various video/film techniques.
- Create a poster illustrating how a video/film camera works.
- Use Claymation, dolls or Legos to create a stop-action video/film.
- Film a documentary on environmental issues such as the plight of pollinators, pollution, soil erosion or the steps taken to improve the environment.
- Develop a trailer for a movie or event (can be fictional).
These are just some of the many ways you can participate in this project.
Project information
Get started with 4-H'ers in your area
- Contact your local 4-H office for more info.
Get started on your own
Video 101
4-H video professional Jalil Shabazz explains the basics of video storytelling in this series of short videos.
- Types of shots -- close-ups to establishing shots (video playlist)
- Lighting, audio and marking your shot (video playlist)
- Making Movies with Your iPhone by Ben Harvell
- How to Shoot Video by Steve Stockman
- Screenwriting for Teens: The 199 principles of screenwriting every budding writer must know by Christina Hamlett
- Digital Filmmaking for Kids by Nick Willoughby
- The iMovie ’11 Project Book: Stuff you can do with iMovie by Jeff Carlson
- Filmmaking for Teens: Pulling off your shorts 2nd Ed. by Troy Lanier and Clay Nichols
- 4-H Filmmaking Workshop DVD, National 4-H
- What's a Foley artist? Somebody who makes noise for a living!
Ways to get more involved
Teach others how to make videos, such as at an after-school program or summer camp.
Offer to make a video for a cause you care about, such as the local animal shelter or environmental group, and let them use it for publicity.
Volunteer to serve as a judge in a video competition or as a board member in a local arts council.
Project opportunities near you
Get in touch with your local 4-H office to learn about video and filmmaking project events and activities in your area.
Interested in getting involved as a video and filmmaking project volunteer?
Contact your local 4-H office or learn more about volunteering in 4-H.
Fair information
What does it mean to show at the fair?
For 4-H'ers, local and state showcase events (like the Minnesota State Fair) are not just fun events. They provide youth opportunities to exhibit the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout the year– and to continue their learning.
Contact your local 4-H office for video project showcase opportunities near you.
Exhibit ideas and judging criteria
Get exhibit ideas and find out what the judge is looking for in the evaluation sheet.
Reviewed in 2018