Boy Scouts from Troop 60 (Natchitoches) earned their Moviemaking merit badges this month under the generous leadership of Dr. Allison Rittmayer, assistant professor of Film Studies and English. Dr. Rittmayer, who teaches in NSU’s Department of English’s Film Studies concentration, guided the Scouts through the badge and the exciting field of cinematography. Scouts learned about how film works practically and emotionally as a form of communication, visited the Robinson Film Center for a tour of the projection room, and created their own scripts, treatments, and storyboards before they learned and demonstrated motion picture shooting techniques with professional film equipment. Then they shot their movies, acting on both sides of the camera lens. It was a fun badge to earn!

On March 2, families and friends were delighted to experience the premier showing of Troop 60’s moviemaking efforts during the evening meeting. Dr. Rittmayer presented everyone with information about the great variety of careers available in the film and moviemaking industries and gave each Scout a DVD of the Troop films.

Troop 60 wants to thank the many members of the Natchitoches community who volunteer their time and leadership to scouting. They also welcome interested potential Scouts aged 11-17 to their meetings each Thursday at 7 pm at First United Methodist Church on Second St in Natchitoches.

PICTURE: Dr. Rittmayer educates Troop 60 about the many career options related to film and moviemaking