Movie Maker

I got this mostly for display and curiosity got the better of me. I know very little about movies as far as how they're directed etc.., So I thought this would be a good introduction. Something that I will also use in a future home education setup. Because I know nothing really about film except typical basics. I'd say this is worth getting. Please, note, the clapboard is not a toy. It's a case. It also has the potential to break if handled rough. I am not sure how to reinforce it so that when my curious relatives come to play with it don't rip it off. Cause the clapboard idea was awesome! I might put other things in there. Who knows. I don't have to keep what came in it there. Do I? Lol. Anyway, over all, for an introduction to film, I think it is pretty good. I wish it came with basic editing software, but it's cool that a 99(?) sound file cd came with it.

My son has wanted to be a movie director for many years now. He will be 11 in April. He loves this! I thought he would just like it. But, that is an understatement. The clapboard is the box that holds everything but it is really sturdy. It has tabbed folders to keep things organized. The handbook is very informative. This is not just a little play toy for a child. It is a great tool for the upper elementary age child who seriously wants to make movies. We also bought him a very inexpensive digital video camcorder for Christmas and an SD card. He already knows how to edit movies on the computer because we let him use our video camcorder on our camera before getting him his own. Make sure that if you buy this for your child that he or she has access to a computer to edit his movies and a digital video camcorder because this is not for the child who just wants to pretend. But, since it is for a child and not more professional equipment, the props are a bit cheesy.

My 6 and 9 year old grandsons are both very imaginative and creative. At Christmas, the "Movie Maker" was a real hit with the 9 year old. When he was finished playing with the new toys a few days later, he sat down by himself and read the guide. Before long, he had his younger brother featured in a vampire movie. Grammy (that's me) was the creepy shadow and also provided some scary noises for his movie. He was making a movie on and off for several days when I visited. And I know he has made more than one movie, like one about General MacArthur (since he had done a book report on him. Personally, as a grandparent, I love to give this type of gift.

I'm very happy with the content of the box: sound, editing, special effects, lighting, scenario ... everything is dealt with in a very simple way. I plan to use it with my students, and I'm sure it will perfectly do. I was just disappointed by the package: the box is the package. There is no blister protecting it, hence a few scratches here and there. Nothing bad, but let's say the box itself looks more like a used one than a brand new.

The product itself is great and was well received by my daughter the movie maker. Unfortunately the product we got must have been on display somewhere as the label was ripped and the box was obviously repacked before shipping - not exactly what I expected for a "new" product. I was able to clean things up and no one knew the difference but me.