Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Project
DEFINED
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“Announcements that inform the public about safety and health information, community services or public
affairs. Produced and programmed much like commercials, but usually not produced for profit.” - PBS.org
GOAL
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To produce a 60 second PSA - EXACTLY 60 SECONDS. Since PSAs are generally designed as
commercials/advertisements, they adhere to strict time guidelines.
PSA can be a combination of video, images, audio, text and voice-over.
Note: All images, video and audio must be used legally. Please see the Copyright-Friendly Links page for
options.
PROCEDURE
1. Review examples of PSAs
o Christian Brothers High Example
o Student Example Depression
o Student Example Drunk Driving
o Government Example Teen Athlete Steroid Use
o Government Example HIV Awareness
o http://saloproductions.com/public-service-announcements/psa-samples.php
o http://www.adcouncil.org/default.aspx?id=15
o http://www.themoreyouknow.com/
o Note the following:
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Very fast cuts (often less than two seconds each)
Use of flash frames (Note how they often back the clip up after a flash.)
Use of dissolves
Use of camera movement; tracking or dolly shots. You can simulate this
with handheld shots
Speed adjustment (both slow motion and increased speed)
Desaturation of color, or exaggeration of color.
Use of narration, instead of live audio.
2. Learn about what makes an Effective Public Service Announcement
o How To Write A PSA
o Video about creating effective PSAs
o How to Create a Public Service Announcement
3. Choose a topic for your PSA - either from the list below or something different
o Childhood obesity
o Texting while driving
o Drinking and driving
o Hate/Prejudice
Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Project
o Bullying
o Steriods
o Smoking
o Pollution/Littering
o Drug Abuse
o Environment
o Stay in School
o Volunteering
o More: http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/teachers/jismay/video/PSA%20LIST.htm
4. Submit a PSA Proposal as a Microsoft Word Document. This concept proposal should include the issue
your PSA will address; the key information you will relate; the “hook” that will grab your audience’s
attention. Also, note whether you plan on shooting video for your project. Include the following
information:
o Your name(s), period and date in the upper right hand corner.
o Topic: (choose from list above or other)
o Media: (video or still images)
o Goal: (what are you trying to achieve with this PSA)
o Audience: (who is your primary target audience - ex. parents, teens)
o Hook: (A hook is what you use to grab the audience's attention. How are you going to
keep them from changing the channel or leaving the room or letting their attention drift
when your PSA comes on? A hook can be something funny, it can be catchy music, it
can be a shocking statistic, it can be an emotional appeal -- whatever makes the listener
or viewer interested enough to watch or listen to the rest of your PSA)
o Description: Describe in detail what will happen during the 60 second PSA. (Don't
overload the viewer or listener with too many different messages. If you are still not sure
of what your core message is, list all the possible messages you'd like to get into the
public mind, and then decide on the most vital point. For example, if your group educates
people about asthma, you might narrow it down to a simple focus point like, "If you have
asthma, you shouldn't smoke.")
o Facts: (what do you want your audience to know about this issue you are presenting. List
specific information and statistics you obtained through your research. It's extremely
important for your PSA to be accurate. Any facts should be checked and verified before
sending the PSA in. Is the information up to date? If there are any demonstrations
included in the PSA, are they done clearly and correctly?)
o Resource: List an internet resource that you will refer your audience to.
o Locations & Actors: (if you are shooting video)
o SAVE YOUR PROPOSAL AS: "LastName_PSA_Proposal". Please print your proposal
and turn it in for review.
5. Create a Script/Storyboard
o Write and illustrate an audio/video script detailing the shot type and a description of what
each actor does in the shot. Write the dialogue for each shot, and include any
music/sound effects that will be used in each shot.
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See this example based on the Jelly Sandwich
Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Project
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Use this template
o Shot List:
o SAVE AS "LastName_PSA_Script". Please print the script and turn it in for review.
Shoot video footage and/or collect effective photos from the Internet
o Links to Images and Audio to use: Copyright-Friendly Links
Record your narration, collect sound effects and music
o Links to Images and Audio to use: Copyright-Friendly Links
Edit your video to a length of 60 seconds (acceptable up to 65 seconds with credits). Please include
your name and sources used.
o The project can be done in either Windows Movie Maker or Adobe Premiere Pro. I would
recommend learning and using Adobe Premiere Pro - additional points will be considered
for those using it.
o Learning Adobe Premiere Pro: http://tv.adobe.com/show/learn-premiere-pro-cs4/ (go
through the "Getting Started" episodes)
Save your video file as "Lastname_PSA"
o Upload the video to YouTube using the "pacellihs" account
o Send the YouTube link to Mr. Bushman on Edmodo
You are finished when:
o Uploaded final video to YouTube
o Send the YouTube link to Mr. Bushman on Edmodo
o Turned in your PSA Proposal
o Turned in your PSA Script/Storyboard
DUE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10TH (end of class)
GRADING
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PSA Proposal: 10 points
PSA Script/Storyboard: 20 points
PSA Video: 100 points
Rubric will look something like
this: http://www.egusd.net/franklinhs/mediacom/Rubrics/general.projectRubric.htm