Kids Call the Shots In Hollywood
Hollywood is a unique multimedia tool designed to inspire improvisational creative writing, thinking and communication skills. Kids age nine and up become screenwriters -- selecting sets, casting characters, writing dialogue and setting stage direction.
Kids create full-length movies, TV commercials or skits, and then watch their writing and direction come to life as the script is performed by animated characters that talk out loud.
The program features text-to-speech technology; kids' written dialogue, character actions and stage directions are performed on screen by any of 10 characters. Characters can be personalized with dozens of mix and match roles, moods, voices and hobbies.
The CD-ROM supplies over 20 colorful "sets" with a variety of scenes, and includes special background effects and musical interludes. The Idea Machine helps prevent writer's block by providing an endless storehouse of story starters, plot twists and dialogue suggestions. Theatrix Interactive, Inc., Emeryville, CA, (800) 955-TRIX, info@theatrix.com. WM
This article originally appeared in the 06/01/1996 issue of THE Journal.