# Moviemaking Merit Badge Requirements

- Eagle-required: No
- Category: Communications
- Official requirements: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/moviemaking/
- Pamphlet: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Pamphlets/Moviemaking.pdf
- Last synced from scouting.org: 2026-03-29
- Overview: https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/moviemaking/index.md
- Digital Resource Guide: https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/moviemaking/guide/index.md

Learn visual storytelling, camera techniques, storyboarding, and film production. Master shooting methods, create your own short film, and explore careers to earn this merit badge.

## Requirements

- **1** *Film Language Basics* Discuss and demonstrate the proper elements of a good motion picture. In your discussion, include visual storytelling, rhythm, the 180-axis rule, camera movement, framing and composition of camera shots, and lens selection.
- **2** (Do all) Do the following:
  - **2.a** *Write the Treatment* In a three- or four-paragraph treatment, tell the story you plan to produce, making sure that the treatment conveys a visual picture.
  - **2.b** *Build the Storyboard* Prepare a storyboard for your motion picture. Note: This can be done with rough sketches and stick figures.
  - **2.c** *Master Camera Moves* (Do all) Demonstrate the following motion picture shooting techniques:
    - **2.c.1** Using a tripod
    - **2.c.2** Panning a camera
    - **2.c.3** Framing a shot
    - **2.c.4** Selecting an angle
    - **2.c.5** Selecting proper lighting
    - **2.c.6** Handheld shooting
  - **2.d** *Choose Your Production* (Choose 1) Using motion picture shooting techniques, plan ONE of the following programs. Start with a treatment and complete the requirement by presenting this program to a pack or your troop, patrol, or class.
    - **2.d.1** *Cover a Court of Honor* Film a court of honor and show it to an audience.
    - **2.d.2** Create a short feature of your own design, using the techniques you learned.
    - **2.d.3** *Teach a Scout Skill* Shoot a vignette that could be used to train a new Scout in a Scouting skill.
- **3** *Pick a Production View* (Choose 1) Do ONE of the following:
  - **3.a** *Visit a Working Set* With your parent or guardian's permission and your counselor's approval, visit a film set or television production studio and watch how production work is done.
  - **3.b** *Understand the Zoom Lens* Explain to your counselor the elements of the zoom lens and three important parts.
- **4** *Choose Your Next Step* (Choose 1) Do ONE of the following:
  - **4.a** *Research a Film Career* Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian's permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
  - **4.b** *Build a Film Hobby* Explore how you could use knowledge and skills from this merit badge to pursue a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Research any training needed, expenses, and organizations that promote or support it. Discuss with your counselor what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.