• 01 Dec

    We thought we’d give you a little preview of exactly what you could win when you enter our Making Movies competition.

    Both Primary and Secondary winners will receive a Flip Mino HD 3rd Generation video camera with 60 minutes recording and 4GB storage.

    Primary competition prize bundle

    In addition to the camera, the winner or the 7-11 category will receive the Top 10 Family movies of all time on DVD (as voted by Radio Times readers in August 2010).

    • E.T.
    • The Jungle Book
    • Back to the Future
    • Shrek
    • The Wizard of Oz
    • Toy Story
    • Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
    • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
    • Mary Poppins
    • The Sound of Music

    Secondary competition prize bundle

    As well as the camera, the winner of the 12-16 category will receive the BFI’s Top 10 British films on DVD. We’re also throwing in the book, screenplay or play. These include:

    • Great Expectations
    • The Red Shoes
    • Kes
    • The Third Man
    • Brief Encounter
    • The 39 Steps
    • The Bridge on the River Kwai
    • Lawrence of Arabia
    • Don’t Look Now (We know this could be slightly controversial as a prize but we’ll leave that up to your discretion – if your entry wins, you can opt out of receiving the DVD and book and pick another film from the BFI Top 100 instead.)

    Good luck!

    Competition Terms & Conditions

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  • 01 Dec

    Roger Hurn visited the BrainPOP UK office recently to weave a tale or two for us. Inspired by ideas for our Tim & Moby movie competition, we decided to try out green screening for the first time.

    Luckily, we have a Mac in the office with iMovie and iMovie has a green screen function included. And, also luckily, it’s perfect for beginners. We hot-footed it out to the wilds of Summertown, acquired a green tablecloth, threw it over our Whiteboard, and we were set.

    So, here are the fruits of our labour [Roger's] for you to enjoy. We hope these short, short stories and story starters inspire some of you to get movie making!

    Story starter – It’s behind you!

    Story starter – I thought I was right…


    Story starter – The Door


    Story starter – The Last Man Left Alive


    Story starter – The Wise Guy


    Story starter – The Holiday


    Short, short story – The Skillful Tailor


    Short, short story – The Skeleton


    Short, short story – Hard Times


    Short, short story – The Giant


    Short, short story – Top Dog

    Visit the Making Movies Spotlight >>>

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  • 22 Nov

    We had a fun day recording with Roger Hurn for our Spotlight on Weaving Tales. One of the highlights of our day was when he recorded his own poem, ‘What is your character like?’, for us.

    We hope that you can use it in a creative writing lesson to get the kids thinking about characterisation.

    E.g. Moby is an orange, cheeky, fun-loving, curious robot who loves hanging out with his best friend, Tim.

    Oh, and he beeps a lot!

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  • 02 Nov

    Bonfire Night was our first UK specific movie for BrainPOP UK so it has a very special place in our hearts. Not only is it our featured movie this week, we’ve got an exciting tale to share with you all.

    When we were remembering remembering we got a surprising call from the staff at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. The staff had been moving books, scripts and other reference materials to an expansive new warehouse in Swindon when they happened along a faded scroll. They knew to give us a call before packing it up. It looked to be centuries old.

    Upon receiving it, we handled it delicately; upon reading it, we couldn’t quite believe what our dynamic duo had been up to once again.

    Now, where did we put that ruff?

    November 5th, 1605

    “Me thinks that could very well be the most glorious site in all of Christendom, Mobyville!” proclaimed Timothy Cromwell.

    Mobyville nodded as he took in the prospect across the Thames of Westminster Palace. He seemed in a sombre mood much and Timothy well understood.

    In the Crowbottom Inn the previous eve, Timothy had come to overhear a most dreadful discussion; one which would lead him to believe the King was in danger! He called upon his faithful companion, Mobyville, collected their trustie steeds from the stables and galloped all the way to London town. Upon passing the Tower of London, Timothy had a most ominous feeling that chilled him to the tips of his leather boots. He pulled his cape tighter around him.

    After such a long journey, there was no time for hesitation. The forthright companions alighted and made way on foot towards the belly of the Palace, where they felt certain to find a wretched soul in need of education and guidance.

    ‘Beepeth beepeth!’ Mobyville whispered. He’d spotted the cellar door which stood ajar.

    ‘Who goes there?!’ shouted a nervous voice from within. Timothy push-ed the door open with a BANG!

    ‘Lo! Thou distempered flea-biting baggage! What manner of treachery is this?’ Timothy exclaimed.

    A scruffy man stood before them guarding what looked like barrels and barrels of gunpowder. ‘Tis not what you think goodly sires! I merely stand guard o’er these here barrels for t’other goodly sire, Robert Catesby.’

    Before he could provide any further excuse - for Timothy was convinced the barrels were intended to destroy the very building they stood in – Mobyville produced a majestic item. A small fairie-like screene danc-ed with bright lights afore them. ’Hast thou a name?’ commanded Timothy.

    ‘Guy Fawkes,’ the stranger gulped. Timothy handed over the glowing article.

    ‘Master Fawkes, thou hold’st in your hand, an iPad. ‘Tis from the future. T’will speak of events yet to occur. These are BrainPOPs. They will educate thee. With education, thou may changeth your fate…’ Timothy dazzled Fawkes with a tale of his very own life. A frightening fate awaited him if he was set upon his dangerous plot. And goodly folks would celebrate his end for hundreds of years to come!

    ‘What am I to do?’ As Guy Fawkes struggled with his conscience, there came the sound of hurried footsteps outside and a cry of ‘God Save the King!’ With that, his enlightening companions seemed to be sucked in to the iPad as it fell from his hands to the dustie ground, screen ablaze.

    A King’s Guard pushed Fawkes to the hard ground, holding a sword to his throat. ‘What, pray tell, have we chanced upon here? In the name of the King, I spy gunpowder! And have ye not just thrown down a torch to light them with? Treason!’

    ‘The torch bores no flame, tis an iPad…’ pleaded Fawkes. But before he could defend himself, two guards rushed forth and seized him.

    ‘To the Tower for thee, villainous wretch!’

    And as Fawkes was dragged from his post, he looked to the heavens and bawled, ‘If only I had listened to the BrainPOPpers!’

    Fancy weaving a historical tale yourself? You’ll find lots of hints, tips and handy links in our Weaving Tales Spotlight.



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  • 01 Nov

    BrainPOP UK believes that telling stories should be more than just reading from a book at the end of the day. Why?

    Roger Hurn explains why teachers have an essential role in maintaining and creating our cultural heritage. Whether it be sitting around a single person, listening; group story telling; digital storytelling – using art, music, animation, etc; or playing games built around narrative, Roger Hurn suggests that teachers are inheritors of a tradition as old as the campfire.

    Roger Hurn has been a primary school teacher, a deputy head teacher, a head teacher, a university lecturer and a teacher trainer. Roger has also been a consultant advisor to the Home Office and the Children’s Directorate on how to help children develop a positive attitude to school. Roger is now a full-time writer and storyteller and has travelled all over the UK and beyond making author visits to schools. His book East of the Sun, West of the Moon was chosen by Scholastic as one of their ‘Great Read’ books for World Book Day 2009. Roger has also written two series of the best selling Mystery Mob books for less able readers as well as a wide range of educational resources.

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  • 01 Nov

    Storyteller and author, Roger Hurn, has provided some top tips for telling a story just for you BrainPOPpers! Pay heed to all for storytelling success…

    1. You must care about the story you tell. If you don’t then your listeners won’t either.


    2. Have an attention grabbing opening.


    3. Have a small number of characters. (Avoid War and Peace.)


    4. Choose a story with a logical structure. (A beginning, middle and end usually works best.)

    A storyboard for the beginning of our Queen movie

    5. Keep the story moving with plenty of action.

    Moby on an adventure

    Run, Moby, run!

    6. Only use telling details that advance the story.

    7. Have a satisfying ending. (A good story resolves tension.)

    We love the end of our Einstein movie!

    8. Robin Williams might be able to pull it off with style but don’t put on too many voices. (You’ll only mix up your Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort.)

    9. Be very careful if you invite the children to join in. (You’ll be giving them a licence to kill your story.) Take heed from Black Books.

    10. Don’t ask the children questions while telling your story. (If you do you may get an answer you didn’t want. Or two. Or three. Or ten.)

    11. Don’t surround yourself with props…or costumes. (They break, bite or fall on your foot.)

    12. Don’t use microphones or special effects. (You’ll only electrocute yourself or disappear in a puff of smoke.)

    Puff!

    Alakazzam!

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  • 01 Nov

    Each of these 10 story starters from Roger Hurn should get your imagination going. Simply play a clip and finish the story!

    Story Starter 1

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    It was a wild, dark, stormy night…

    Story Starter 2

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    Jimmy woke up with a start.  Something was coming out of his wardrobe…

    Story Starter 3

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    The old cottage looked deserted so Mary pushed the front door…

    Story Starter 4

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    Jaz’s auntie Rhee is a witch. She’s not wicked – just wicked fun. She takes Jaz for flights on her broomstick and she’s teaching Jaz how to do spells. But she won’t let Jaz try to cast a spell unless she’s with her. Then one day, Jaz decided to make a spell of her own.

    Story Starter 5

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    Harry made a fantastic snowman. It had buttons for eyes, a carrot for a nose and it wore Harry’s old hat and scarf. Harry was really pleased with it. Then Harry heard his mum calling him to come in for his tea. He turned to go but someone tapped him on the shoulder. It was the snowman.

    Story Starter 6

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    One day a UFO landed in my back garden. A little green man climbed out. “Can you help me?” he said. “I think I’m lost.”

    Story Starter 7

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    Adi opened the suitcase he found in his gran’s attic. It contained a half eaten sandwich, a compass and a map…

    Story Starter 8

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    “Can’t you drive a bit faster please, Mum?” said Emma. “I’m going to be late for the talent show audition at this rate.”

    “Not on these country lanes, young lady”, replied her mum sternly.

    Then, to Emma’s horror, the car’s engine coughed, stuttered and died. “Oh no,” said Emma. “We’re stranded miles from the town and the talent show audition starts in an hour. Mum, what are we going to do?”

    Story Starter 9

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    Chet was excited. He had a ticket for the big match and he was in the crowd hurrying towards the stadium. Chet thrust his hand in his pocket to check that his ticket was safe. His heart missed a beat – his ticket was gone!

    Story Starter 10

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    Sal was walking along the beach when she saw a beautiful green glass bottle that had been washed up on the shore. She bent down and picked it up. There was something inside it. Sal pulled out the cork to see what it was…

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  • 20 Oct

    Attention fledgling writers and movie producers!

    As part of our forthcoming SpotlightsWeaving Tales and Making Movies, we have a challenge for you. Weaving Tales is about storytelling, and the skills you need to create a good story and Making Movies is about the art of film making – whether it’s animation or a major Hollywood blockbuster.

    The competition challenge: Make a short movie starring Tim & Moby using one of 3 scenarios.

    To help you take you from script to screen we’ve written our own 3 step plan to help get you started: Tim & Moby’s guide to making movies .

    Competition submission criteria:

    • This competition is for children between 7-11 and 12-16.
    • The winner will be chosen by the BrainPOP UK team. Editors’ decision is final.
    • You must use one of the scenarios below as the starting point for your movie.
    • The deadline is midnight 16th December 2010. Entries received after this point will not be considered.
    • Finished movies must be under 3 mins and be all your own work.
    • They must be in a digital format.
    • The winners will be contacted by email in the new year.
    • The winning entries will be showcased on this blog and shown at BETT 2011 on our stand.

    You can read our full Terms and Conditions on our website.

    Please download these three scenarios and pick JUST ONE to form the basis of your Tim & Moby script. Where you take it is up to you!

    Script Option 1 – Adventure

    Tim and Moby stand in the Prime Minister’s secret underground office…

    Script Option 2 – Romance

    “Tim stands alone in a shop browsing through a rack of t-shirts. Moby comes stomping into the shop accompanied by a stranger…

    Script Option 3 – Horror

    “Tim and Moby are walking through a cold, dark forest…

    TOP TIP! Watch The Writing Process , Writing Dialogue & Filmmaking movies on BrainPOP UK to get advice from Tim & Moby.

    You are welcome to submit your finished movie in any way you like, as long as it can be accessed online.

    1. Live acting: You’re going to need a camcorder or phone with a camera function to record your movie, actors, a studio space and costumes. And find someone to shout “CUT!”
    2. Green screen: You might also want to use chroma screen technology (here is a very useful and comprehensive step by step guide to using green screen in the classroom by Sheffield South Learning center).
    3. Stop motion animation: You could use claymation like Wallace and Gromit, papercraft like “Star Wars in 2 minutes” or using physical objects like the amazing “Dot. The world’s smallest stop-motion animation“. Have a read of this wonderful guide to stop motion animation for beginners on Photojojo.
    4. Audio play: If you don’t have access to a camera, you could just record your script as a podcast play with sound effects – a fun challenge on its own! Try Podium.
    5. Digital animation: There are lots of amazing animation tools online. Try Anithings (animations), Zooburst (3D pop up ebooks), Xtranormal (you type and the characters talk) and Comic life (make a comic form your images) and many more. Or you may be a Flash guru.

    You can submit your finished movie if it’s under 10MB using the form below. If it’s over 10MB or you host it online get in touch with info@brainpop.co.uk.

    We can’t wait to see what you come up with. Good luck everyone.

    Aaaand, ACTION!

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  • 20 Oct

    Step 1. “WEAVE A TALE” AND CREATE YOUR STORY

    First things first. Watch The Writing Process movie so Tim and Moby can take you through the process of writing, step by step.

    Start to build your plot. Makes sure it has structure – a clear beginning, middle and end. Make sure your plot has a purpose and that your characters are interesting.

    Watched that movie? Have an Oscar worthy story and plot? Good. Now onto Step 2.

    Step 2. PUT THOSE WORDS INTO SOUND & MOTION – ADAPTATION

    Next you need to adapt your story so it can be filmed by creating a script and storyboard.

    Script writing

    Writing convincing dialogue is one of the toughest aspects of script writing. We suggest you get some great script tips from the Writing Dialogue movie.

    Remember: the script should include stage directions too. You should consider what you will need to bring your script to life – try to think of props, actors and settings. Don’t forget to include the time of day (midday and midnight are tonally two very different times!), set the location, and actions of the characters in the scene.

    This is an excellent guide to creating a professional looking movie script: How to format a screenplay .

    TOP TIP! You can learn about what it takes to make a movie from our Film making movie.

    Storyboarding

    When the script is ready, a storyboard can help you set out the main parts of the plot to record. We use storyboards when we make a new BrainPOP movie.

    TOP TIP! Download and print this blank storyboard to get started: BrainPOP UK storyboard.

    Step 3. EQUIP YOURSELF – TIME TO GET TO WORK

    There are a few ways you could choose to approach this.

    1. Live acting: You’re going to need a camcorder or phone with a camera function to record your movie, actors, a studio space and costumes. And find someone to shout “CUT!”
    2. Green screen: You might also want to use chroma screen technology (here is a guide to using chroma key with Windows Movie Maker and a great blog post by Sheffield South Learning center).
    3. Stop motion animation: You could use claymation like Wallace and Gromit, papercraft like “Star Wars in 2 minutes” or using physical objects like the amazing “Dot. The world’s smallest stop-motion animation“. Have a read of this wonderful guide to stop motion animation for beginners on Photojojo.
    4. Audio play: If you don’t have access to a camera, you could just record your script as a podcast play – a fun challenge on its own! Try Podium.
    5. Digital animation: There are lots of amazing animation tools online. Try Anithings (animations), Zooburst (3D pop up ebooks), Xtranormal (you type and the characters talk) and Comic life (make a comic form your images) and many more. Or you may be a Flash guru.

    Do you have any tips for aspiring young Spielbergs?

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  • 04 Oct

    Spotlight on…Extreme Environments. From the depths of the deepest ocean to the highest mountain peaks, Tim & Moby get EXTREME.

    On the Spotlight homepage you can find two new FYIs: Ocean Floor and Savanna. FYIs are a brand new feature to BrainPOP UK, they offer fantastic further reading, project, discussion and homework opportunities. Please let us know what you think of these two!

    You’ll also find a Glaciers Activity.

    The topics we’ve highlighted for Extreme Environments include:

    There are also some extra activities you can do on POP Spot.

    Protecting the Environment – Learn how humans can impact on extreme environments around the world.

    It’s Hard Living Here – How do animals and humans adapt to extreme environments?

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