Narrator: Making a mess is easy, but making a Math Mess…that requires a bit more coordination.

Educators, writers, voice actors, and video editors join forces to create each animated Math Mess video. 

(VIDEO REWINDING)

But before anything else can happen, every Math Mess begins with an idea. 

A veteran educator investigates critical 5th and 6th grade math topics that even adults can’t seem to get right.

(LOUD BUZZER)

Narrator: Then, the Math Mess team writes scripts that put these problems into everyday situations.  These scripts are reworked and revised with input from every member of the team.

Carla: …originally $100

...take 40% off, that’s $60

…another 60% off…oh, that means…

This pair is FREEEE-EEE! 

Narrator: These scripts are reworked and revised with input from every member of the team.

When the script is a ready, a voice actor – or just somebody with a cool voice –

(DING!)

Narrator: -- records the script’s lines.  And an editor brings that audio into the editing system, picks the best reads, and sometimes makes slight changes to the pitch, speed, and volume.

Then, the Math Mess team casts the right face for each character – usually among co-workers and friends –

(DING!)

Narrator: -- and a producer takes their picture as they pronounce various letters of the alphabet.  This makes it possible to animate their mouth later on.

Once the pictures are taken, the editor uses graphic design software to separate all the moveable parts of a character’s face and arms – and adds the right clothing and accessories to help create the character.

When the character is all put together, animation begins.  This step requires a bit of math skill itself, as the editor must determine the exact degree at which an arm is angled, and the amount of time a character should take to complete a movement, and the exact percent at which an effect is applied.

Narrator: Finally, the animated character is placed in a fun location –

Tito: Mama Mia!

Narrator: --and combined with the audio – including music and sound effects – and the Math Mess world is complete!