Great filmmakers know how to take advantage of all of the elements around them — the lights, the camera, and the action — to tell a compelling story.
There are many ways that parents can encourage children to explore the art of movie making. According to seasoned filmmaker Angela Mancuso, who is currently executive-producing the upcoming series Weaveworld for The CW Network, early parental encouragement can make all the difference for aspiring filmmakers: "My parents really supported my love of all things entertainment by taking me to Radio City Music Hall for all the Disney movie openings. I cherish how exciting those adventures were, and in my career, it’s that feeling that gives me the drive to create movies and programs that can inspire. The filmmaker gift guide is an empowering tool for parents, providing them exciting opportunities for fostering their kids’ dreams."
The guide, below, offers an overview of six captivating toys to motivate and support future filmmakers.
What it is: A child-friendly tablet with 20 educational apps and excellent cameras on the front and back
Parents’ Choice Award®: Gold — "compact, robust, responsive, and customizable"
Recommended for lovers of: Computer games, tablets, smartphones
Ages: 3–9
Price: $139.99 (purchase{: target="_blank" rel="nofollow"})
What it is: A camera with a waterproof case that can be mounted on a bike, skateboard, or scooter
Parents’ Choice Award®: Silver — "easy to understand as well as easy to explain"
Recommended for lovers of: Digital cameras, action movies
Ages: 4+
Price: $59.99 (purchase{: target="_blank" rel="nofollow"})
What it is: Tripod, app, and StikBots (posable robot characters) that kids can use to create a stop-motion animation
Parents’ Choice Award®: Fun Stuff — "a good starting point for kids"
Recommended for lovers of: Cartoons, animation
Ages: 4+
Price: $14.99; prices vary by set (purchase)
What is it: Child-friendly HD camera, software, and guidebook for children to make stop-motion animation films
Parents’ Choice Award®: Gold — "this studio is a real hit"
Recommended for lovers of: Movie-making, filming, storytelling
Ages: 5+
Price: $69.95 (purchase)
What is it: A comprehensive stop-motion animation kit that is compatible with smartphones and includes props, clay, phone stand, app, and guidebook
Parents’ Choice Award®: Gold — "the attention to detail is perfect"
Recommended for lovers of: Cinematography, directing
Ages: 8+
Price: $16.99 (purchase)
What is it: A creative-thinking-and-design-studio-in-a-box that encourages kids to brainstorm and design products for a variety of imagined people
Parents’ Choice Award®: Gold — "there's lots of learning and play value here"
Recommended for lovers of: Problem-solving, drawing
Ages: 16+
Price: $79.95 (purchase)
To discover other great educational toys for kids with a variety of interests, check out all nine gift guides from Noodle and Parents' Choice®.