Daily Planet in the Classroom

Gr 9 Up—Hosted by Jay Ingram and Natasha Stillwell, this program provides an action-packed, fast-paced, informative look at movie making. Glitzy backgrounds, pop music, and sound effects initially grab the attention of viewers. Experts and inventors share their knowledge about computer-generated images, digital characters, Foley sound effects, stunt performances, 3-D and high definition filming, and camera motion/stability in relation to the production of movies. The latest technology is discussed in relation to animation, Skycam, Steadicam, IMAX 3-D, digital compositing, and camera stabilization. A brief tour of a theater highlighting the stage, fly system, lighting production, and sound operations concludes the production. The discussion and commentary are composed of interviews with experts as well as field and site visits to actual laboratories and filmmaking companies. Designed with the classroom in mind, this program would serve as an optional selection for high school media collections for use in science, physics, and/or technology classes.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC