Make an experimental film

What can we use instead of a cardboard shoebox or colored paper for the background if we don't have them?

If you don't have a cardboard shoebox for a set, use a shoebox lid or a folded piece of poster board taped to a table as a simple background for the close-ups, stop-motion, and moving shots.

My moving shot looks shaky—how can we fix it when we "Film a 10-second moving shot by slowly walking the camera around the prop"?

If your 10-second moving shot is shaky, steady the camera by resting it on a tripod or stack of books, hold it with both hands and move very slowly while keeping the prop at the same distance, or instead do a smooth tabletop pan.

How can we change the activity for different ages while still following steps like filming close-ups, reflections, and stop-motion?

For younger kids (4–6) simplify to two chunky props and film only the 10-second close-up and a shadow clip with an adult handling the flashlight, while older kids (10+) can try slow motion, longer stop-motion sequences of 20+ photos, and more detailed edits in the video app.

What are easy ways to extend or personalize the film beyond the basic trimming and single music track?

To enhance the project, add a recorded voiceover or title card during the 'Arrange the clips' step, use colored cellophane over the flashlight to change highlights in the reflection/shadow clip, and include a short behind-the-scenes stop-motion when exporting the final film.