Public Service Announcement
Duration: :30 or :60 seconds.
Application of Research, Creativity, and Visual Communication Skills
Project Overview
Students will research, develop, storyboard, film, and edit a :30 or :60 second PSA video commercial. The commercial should be as creative and persuasive as possible and incorporate some of the techniques discussed and demonstrated in class. Students should avoid the "cheesy skit" production as well as the simplistic or unrealistic "reenactment". The medium of film should be used to create something unique and interesting to the specific target audience. The goal is to reach the target audience in a way that makes them take action or change the way they think about the topic or issue. "Promote/encourage the positives or prevent/fix the negatives"
Project Steps & Instructions
STAGE 1 - DEVELOPMENT
Step 1) Individually choose and research as many topics or issues that you care about.
This could be a community problem, health issue, promotion of a charity, etc.
Step 2) Form a group of 4 students and share your individual topics with the rest of the group. After all sharing is complete, vote and narrow the ideas down to two topics that you can all agree on.
Step 3) Take those two group topics and individually research them thoroughly.
*Look for new and interesting information that you didn't know before (Good research leads to better and more effective PSA's).
Know who your specific target audience is. You need to understand who are they and how they think. Ask yourself;
"What do you want the target audience to do as a result of seeing your campaign?
"Why do they not already do what you want them to do?"
"where do you want them to go for more information? "
Try to discover a unique "angle" to hook in your target audience & make your message more effective. Share and discuss your information and ideas as a group. Your group should be able to provide the information required on the form below in step 4 by Friday, August 30th at the end of the class period.
4) Developing The Commercial
An effective PSA uses the medium of video and film to impact it's target audience and persuade them to take action, think differently, volunteer, donate, help themselves or help someone else. Brainstorm unique and creative ideas with your group for a :30 or :60 second PSA commercial. Check out a student and professional example below. Also, check out more great examples from The Ad Council web site.
PSA - Homelessness - Student Example
PSA - Seatbelt Safety Awareness - Professional Example
5) Storyboarding (Must be completed and approved before you will be allowed to film at school with school equipment).
Review storyboard videos here.
Use the blank storyboard templates to
storyboard your groups PSA commercial. There is a glossary of interesting shots to give you some ideas on shot composition and sketching.
Storyboards Must Include:
a) A visual description (sketch).
b) A written description (of what is happening and/or being said).
c) Specific location where filming will take place.
d) Type of shot (i.e. wide shot, close up, etc.).
e) Shot duration (approximately how long does the shot last).
Basically, a good set of storyboards can be given to a complete stranger and they should know exactly what, where, how, and how long they will be filming.
After the storyboarding process is complete, rehearse thoroughly as your group is expected to complete filming within 2 class periods.
BE PREPARED!
6) Location Permission Forms.
If your group is planning to film at school beyond the immediate digital film classroom area, you must fill out the location permission form and get it signed by a staff member who will be responsible for the supervision of your group.
| Location permission forms.pdf |
| uploading_video_into_imovie_from_a_memory_based_camcorder_newscast_version.pdf |
