Write, Camera, Action!
Write, Camera, Action! PC CD direct Hollywood film read critical thinking game!
Children
Windows
Broderbund
1996
CD
$27.48
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Some of the greatest filmmakers today made films that were, in part, based on ideas or events that happened to them in their childhood. George Lucas based "American Graffiti" on his high school years. Steven Speilberg based "Raiders of the Lost Ark" on old movie serials that he had enjoyed growing up. Spike Lee's films are filled with the struggle of underprivileged minorities trying to survive in today's world, and are semi-autobiographical in content.
So what has this got to do with computer software, you should be asking about now? Everything, since this review will focus on a program that at its best can help your child to become another George, Steven, or Spike, or at the very worst, improve his language, writing and thought process. The program in question is one of the latest releases from our friends at Broderbund Software in Novato, California. It is a part of their Active Mind series, and is called Write, Camera, Action.It is a program that is designed to help youngsters improve their writing and language skills, along with the development of thinking and reasoning skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. This is a mighty big chunk for one program to bite off, but it is handled quite intuitively.
The setting for the program is in HOLLYWOOD, just like the sign on the hill outside of town exclaims. The player is selected to be the savior of the studio, by helping create the next masterpiece and make loads of money. To do so, he/she is given total creative control over the film making process, ala Orson Welles and "Citizen Kane". While this is certainly no "Citizen Kane", itinvolves a cute film called "The Case of the Maltese Malcolm", a missing cat. It is the player's job to help finish writing the script, filming the movie, editing the movie, composing the sound track to the film, and then creating a publicity blitz to help make it mega-blockbuster. Sounds pretty complicated?
It is actually easier that it sounds. The main educational purpose is achieved by the player completing the movie. There is an assistant producer named Bailey who helps explain the intricacies of movie making, and if you follow her advice, you will have a finished product. The interface is fairly intuitive, and easy to pick up without spending too much time reading the manual. It does require keyboard use, and is not totally point-and-click. It is also impossible to do something out of sequence, because the story builds on events happening in a certain order. For example, you don't have a world premier before the film is cut and a publicity campaign is developed. Likewise you can't film a scene until you dress the set with the proper atmosphere and props. The program will not let you proceed until you have the completed all the tasks in a certain area.
This program succeeds on two levels, in my opinion. One, it is fun to just play around with the aspects of movie making. Can you make a comedy instead of a mystery? Then you can explore the movie studio, and see what really goes in to making a film. While this is not a sophisticated program, it does capture the essence, if not the spirit, of film making. The other level is succeeds at is accomplishing the educational goals that it sets out to. There are 6 reading areas and 6 expressive writing areas that Broderbund focuses on to develop educational results. For example, in the area of Critical Thinking, since the film is a mystery-based , it is necessary for the player to align the clues in a certain order for the appropriate outcome.
This is a very solid program that balances educational goals and creative fun. It is extremely non-violent even if it involves a mystery. It is very family safe, and could be fun for the whole family. I spent a couple of hours exploring the many aspects of it, and was not bored once. It was quite fun going to the premiere of my film, and rubbing elbows with all the Hollywood elite, and avoiding the paparazzi. So if you want to help that budding Orson Welles in you house, this program will go along way to helping in that regards.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
So what has this got to do with computer software, you should be asking about now? Everything, since this review will focus on a program that at its best can help your child to become another George, Steven, or Spike, or at the very worst, improve his language, writing and thought process. The program in question is one of the latest releases from our friends at Broderbund Software in Novato, California. It is a part of their Active Mind series, and is called Write, Camera, Action.It is a program that is designed to help youngsters improve their writing and language skills, along with the development of thinking and reasoning skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. This is a mighty big chunk for one program to bite off, but it is handled quite intuitively.
The setting for the program is in HOLLYWOOD, just like the sign on the hill outside of town exclaims. The player is selected to be the savior of the studio, by helping create the next masterpiece and make loads of money. To do so, he/she is given total creative control over the film making process, ala Orson Welles and "Citizen Kane". While this is certainly no "Citizen Kane", itinvolves a cute film called "The Case of the Maltese Malcolm", a missing cat. It is the player's job to help finish writing the script, filming the movie, editing the movie, composing the sound track to the film, and then creating a publicity blitz to help make it mega-blockbuster. Sounds pretty complicated?
It is actually easier that it sounds. The main educational purpose is achieved by the player completing the movie. There is an assistant producer named Bailey who helps explain the intricacies of movie making, and if you follow her advice, you will have a finished product. The interface is fairly intuitive, and easy to pick up without spending too much time reading the manual. It does require keyboard use, and is not totally point-and-click. It is also impossible to do something out of sequence, because the story builds on events happening in a certain order. For example, you don't have a world premier before the film is cut and a publicity campaign is developed. Likewise you can't film a scene until you dress the set with the proper atmosphere and props. The program will not let you proceed until you have the completed all the tasks in a certain area.
This program succeeds on two levels, in my opinion. One, it is fun to just play around with the aspects of movie making. Can you make a comedy instead of a mystery? Then you can explore the movie studio, and see what really goes in to making a film. While this is not a sophisticated program, it does capture the essence, if not the spirit, of film making. The other level is succeeds at is accomplishing the educational goals that it sets out to. There are 6 reading areas and 6 expressive writing areas that Broderbund focuses on to develop educational results. For example, in the area of Critical Thinking, since the film is a mystery-based , it is necessary for the player to align the clues in a certain order for the appropriate outcome.
This is a very solid program that balances educational goals and creative fun. It is extremely non-violent even if it involves a mystery. It is very family safe, and could be fun for the whole family. I spent a couple of hours exploring the many aspects of it, and was not bored once. It was quite fun going to the premiere of my film, and rubbing elbows with all the Hollywood elite, and avoiding the paparazzi. So if you want to help that budding Orson Welles in you house, this program will go along way to helping in that regards.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
