Cinematography Merit Badge Pamphlet   Cinematography Merit Badge


Requirements were REVISED effective January 1, 2002.

To see the changes which were made, Click here.

For the current requirements, Click here.

For the previous requirements, Click here.

  1. Explain and demonstrate the proper elements of a good motion picture.
    1. Visual storytelling
    2. Rhythm
    3. The 180-degree axis rule
    4. Camera movement
    5. Framing and composition of camera shots
    6. Lens selection
  2. Do the following:
    1. Tell the story you plan to film in a three- or four-paragraph treatment. How does it read on paper?
    3. Demonstrate six of the following motion picture shooting techniques.
      1. Using a tripod
      2. Panning a camera
      3. Framing a shot
      4. Selecting an angle
      5. Selecting proper lighting
      6. Hand-held shooting
    4. Do ONE of the following, using motion picture techniques in planning a program for your troop or school. Start with a treatment , and complete the requirement by presenting the program to the troop, patrol, or class.
      2. Create a minifeature of your own design using the techniques you learn.
      3. Film or videotape a vignette that could be used to train a new Scout in a Scouting Skill.
  3. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Visit a film set or a television production studio and watch how production work is done.
  4. Explain the following jobs related to film or video production: director, producer, cinematographer, key grip, gaffer, best boy, assistant camera operator.

BSA Advancement ID#: 126
Requirements last updated in: 2002
Pamphlet Publication Number: 00000
Pamphlet Stock (SKU) Number: 33238A
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2001

Worksheets for use in working on these requirements: Format
Word Format PDF Format


Page updated on: April 22, 2015


(U.S. Scouting Service Project Donation)

(Ruth Lyons Memorial Donations)