Cinematography Merit Badge (Boy Scouts)

• 1: This merit badge is outdated. If you have not yet earned it, please earn instead the Moviemaking Merit Badge.

  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 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 and video production: director, producer, cinematographer, key grip, gaffer, best boy, assistant camera operator.