Public Service Announcement

A public service announcement (PSA) is created for a non profit organization.  It has a specific purpose to relay information that is considered important to the organization.  The purpose may be to create awareness of a problem/issue, show the importance of the problem/issue, promote a behavior change, or call the audience to action.  You can access the presentation we saw in class by clicking the link:  Making a Public Service Announcement.  This presentation was created by Art Wolinsky of wiredsafety.org.

You will be creating a PSA on an issue that is important to you.  You may work with one or two other students to complete this project.  You must be able to develop a clear message about the topic you choose.  The subject/issue can have an impact on our world, our country, our state, or our school.  When you have decided on a topic, fill out the form below.

Topic Selection Form

Research your chosen topics. You need to pass in 10 facts or bits of information about the subject. Students working in groups are required to do individual research then collaborate for the planning and production.

A variety of techniques are used in PSA's.  Here is a list of techniques which are likely to be used.  Keep in mind a PSA may use more than one technique.

                        scare tactics                        testimonials    

                        statistics                             visual imagery

                        story telling                          a call to action

Remember your PSA must have a purpose.  You need to decide the purpose of your PSA early in the planning process.

            PSA's are created to:

                                Create awareness of the subject.

                                Show the importance of the subject.

                                Promote a change in behavior.

                                Call the audience to action.

You are required to write a plan/storyboard for your PSA.  See Ms. Doyle for the template.  As you plan your PSA keep the following guidelines in mind:

• • be serious

  • have a clear message

  • be no longer than 20-30 seconds

  • have important information

  • use someone who looks believable

  • use someone who can act (is credible)

  • use someone who is dressed appropriately for the part he/she is playing

  • give statistics (when appropriate)

Pass your plan in to Ms. D for approval.  Once you have final approval, make arrangements to film your PSA.  

Any music in your PSA will need to be copyright free.  Any photos used will also need to be copyright free or available under a creative commons license.

Be sure to allow yourself time to put your final product together in iMovie.