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G2S Project Code: 2015-CT-76104
State: Connecticut
Fiscal Year: 2015
Grantee
EAST LYME PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Rebecca Scotka & Lisa Timothy
Director Phone: 860-739-6926
Director Email: rscotka@ely.lioninc.org
General Information
Title: Movie Makers Project - East Lyme Public Library
State Project Code:
Start Date: 07/01/2015
End Date: 06/30/2016
Abstract: The Middle School Movie Makers Project was a series of 15 filmmaking workshops for middle schoolers taught by professional filmmakers and technology teachers. The purposes of the project were to teach 'tweens and teens how to tell stories through film and video and to give the participants an opportunity to use iPads to learn new skills such as movie editing, script writing, and stop motion filmmaking. Participants were free to choose their own subject matter and express themselves creatively.

State Goal: Literacies and learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$6,632.00
$0.00
$7,325.10
$13,957.10
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Classes
Narrative: The library offered 15 different classes in various aspects of movie making using iPads. Library staff taught two introductory classes on using the iPads to make and edit short videos. Hired instructors taught additional classes on copyright law, Internet safety, how to use the iMovie app to make short videos, and how to add music (two classes); flipbook animation (series of three classes); and stop motion animation (series of three classes). The project's lead instructor, an award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of the New Haven Documentary Film Festival, taught five classes on script writing, lighting techniques, copyright issues, sound recording techniques, how to set a mode and tone, how to write stage directions, and editing.

Participants created more than 60 short movies. The movies included 26 stop action videos, 7 book trailers, 7 live action documentary and “mockumentary” movies, and 20 flipbooks. Films were shown for the public at a screening party during the Library’s annual Teen & 'Tween Tech Week Showcase.


Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 15
Average number in attendance per session: 12
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: EAST LYME PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 39 SOCIETY ROAD
City: NIANTIC
State: CT
Zip: 06357
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
21 'tweens out of 62 (34%) responded that they learned new technology skills. 37 'tweens out of 62 (60%) responded that their movie making skills had improved. Five out of 62 participants who answered the survey indicated that they did not visit the library often; one reported that this was his first time in the library. Since the library had not offered middle school programming previously, for at least 25% of the 'tween participants, this was their first time participating in an East Lyme Public Library program. Gorman Bechard, co-founder of the New Haven Documentary Film Festival, invited project participants to submit their iMovies to the festival. Two of the participants' films were chosen as Official Selections and were screened at the festival held on the Yale University campus in June 2016. The two winning 'tweens were interviewed on stage during the question and answer session during the film festival, and they were included in the award ceremony.
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
Library staff were able to measure and observe that the participants became more engaged in the library and became active patrons.
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Survey
Interview/Focus Group
Participant Observation
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:
There are still many young people who do not have access to technologies such as iPads or home Internet service. Even in towns with reputations for being predominantly upper-middle class, there is a strong possibility that there are financially disadvantaged families who can benefit from library services.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
Yes: Less funding will result in fewer programs.
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
No
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Young adults, Making