The Entertainment Technology badge focuses on the science and technology behind various forms of entertainment. This badge, in my opinion, is trying to cover too much (based on the requirements): animation, video games, theme parks, special effects, and sound.
I chose to focus on the science of film and different types of effects used. Below is how we covered:
Animation
Flip books are an easy way for kids to practice animation and they are likely already familiar with how they work. We provided these flip books to the girls at the start of the meeting. It was a good activity for them to work on while everyone was arriving.
We completed this badge in October so a lot of girls chose to do Halloween-themed animations like spiders lowering down, pumpkins getting carved, or dipping apples in caramel.
3D Film
There are several types of 3D technology used in films, and the easiest for the girls to try themselves was the red/blue style. We provided these 3D glasses for the girls to use during this activity.
First, we showed this video that uses the red/blue 3D effect so the girls could see how the offset images look with and without the glasses on. I explained how the red side blocks anything that’s red, and the blue side blocks anything blue, so then when your eye looks through both lenses you get both images in a 3D effect.
After watching the video, the girls used red and blue colored pencils or markers, to make their own 3D images. Some images are more interesting than others but the girls liked to experiment.
Forced Perspective Effects
Another common effect in film is using forced perspective. We showed the girls this video on how forced perspective is used to make objects or actors appear larger, smaller, or in some cases, the same size.
Once the girls understood the concept of force perspective, they tried making the effect themselves. I provided a variety of objects they could use in the photos. One challenge in using a cell phone is the focus. Phone cameras typically don’t want to have close and far away images in focus at the same time. Using a camera that allows you to set the aperture will provide better effects.
Foley Sound Effects
One of my favorite effects from film is the art of foley. Foley is the reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to films, videos, and other media in post-production to enhance audio quality. We showed the girls this video that explains what foley is and showed examples of how common sounds, like bird wings or rain, are recreated on a soundstage.
Then we provided a variety of objects the girls could use to create their own sound effects. We played an animation clip (used for foley practice) on silent. While the clip was playing, the girls had to try and make sounds using the objects to create the noise of the footsteps, lightswitch, knocking, and any other movement.
