Web-based digital video (DV) applications such as Animoto, Magistro, and Videolicious allow users without technical experience to easily create quality video by matching up appropriate images with text and sound. DV's multimedia capabilities encourage students to become more proficient in new literacies as well as new technologies. This piece explores the potential classroom effectiveness of those digital film and animation creation services for facilitating reading and writing instruction, specifically analyzing poetry, building interdisciplinary connections, and teaching writing strategies.