Cinematography

Cinematography was first offered in 1990 and last revised in 2001.
 
 

Requirements | Counselors | Worksheets, Aids & Resources | Earned By | Return to Merit Badge List

Requirements

  1. Explain and demonstrate the proper elements of a good motion picture.
    1. Visual storytelling
    2. Rhythm
    3. The 180-degree axis rule
    4. Camera movement
    5. Framing and composition of camera shots
    6. Lens selection
  2. Do the following:
    1. Tell the story you plan to film in a three- or four-paragraph treatment. How does it read on paper?
    2. Prepare a storyboard for your motion picture. (This can be done with rough sketches and stick figures.)
    3. 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. Handheld shooting
    4. Do ONE of the following, using motion picture shooting techniques, in planning a program for your troop or school. Start with a treatment and complete the requirement by presenting the program to the troop, patrol, or class.
      1. Film or videotape a court of honor and show it to an audience.
      2. Create a minifeature of your own design, using the techniques you learn.
      3. Shoot a vignette that could be used to train a new Scout in a Scouting skill.
  3. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Visit a film set or a television production studio and watch how production work is done.
    2. Explain to your counselor the elements of the zoom lens and three important parts.
  4. Explain the following jobs related to film or video production: director, producer, cinematographer, key grip, gaffer, best boy, assistant camera operator.

Troop Merit Badge Counselors

The following individuals are merit badge counselors for Cinematography. Their e-mail addresses and phone numbers are in the Troop Directory.

Mayra Rodriguez
Emily Willen

Worksheets & Resources

The merit badge pamphlet was last revised in 2002.

The following worksheets can be downloaded from MeritBadge.com, and are highly recommended as tools for organizing your work on this merit badge: Worksheet in Acrobat .pdf format or in Microsoft Word .doc format

Scouts Earning Cinematography

Not yet available

Requirements | Counselors | Worksheets, Aids & Resources | Earned By | Return to Merit Badge List

Last Updated: November 9, 2004