Dear Educator:
Young Minds Inspired, in cooperation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is proud to present this newest addition to our series of study guides that focus on different branches of the Academy. In this guide, students will learn about art direction. The kit has been designed for students in high school English, language arts, visual arts and communications courses. The activities capitalize on students’ natural interest in current films and the excitement generated by the Academy Awards®. They are designed to teach valuable lessons in critical thinking.

The Academy, organized in 1927, is a professional honorary organization composed of more than 6,000 motion picture craftsmen and women. Its purposes include advancing the art and science of motion pictures, promoting cooperation among creative leaders for cultural, educational and technological progress; recognizing outstanding achievements; and fostering educational activities between the professional community and the public. Academy members are the people who create movies—the cream of the industry’s actors, animators, art directors, cinematographers, costume designers, directors, film editors, documentarians, make-up artists, composers, producers, sound- and visual-effects experts and writers.

Please share this material with other teachers in your school. Although the material is copyrighted, you may make as many photocopies as necessary to meet your students' needs. To ensure that you receive future educational materials, please fill out and return the enclosed reply card.

To ensure that you receive future mailings, please contact Randy Haberkamp at rhaberkamp@oscars.org. Also, feel free to e-mail us at feedback@ymiclassroom.com to comment about the program at any time. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

Sincerely,
Roberta Nusim, Publisher

Target Audience
This program has been designed for students in secondary school English, language arts, visual arts and communications courses.

Program Objectives
1. To enhance student interest in and knowledge about the motion picture development and production process.
2. To encourage students to use critical thinking as they learn how animators work.
3. To engage students in an exploration of film as a art form and a medium of communication.
4. To help students become more visually literate.