The public service announcement is a great project to inform people about a particular issue and build awareness.

Tips for filming and editing:

• Stick to one issue and use the most pertinent facts.

• Have a clear call to action – a place for audiences to go for more information, to donate, or volunteer. The call to action often appears at the end making it a natural conclusion to the traditional story structure of beginning, middle, and end.

• Use text that is easy to read with a background that is not distracting. Keep it short to punctuate ideas. This will have the most impact.

• Consider utilizing voiceovers to read text on the screen.

• Use appropriate music when necessary.

Documentation

If you are using an iPad to complete this assignment, visit our page “Video Projects on iPad” for tips and documentation for working on the iPad.

Techniques for Public Service Announcements

Basic Production

Storyboard Template

iMovie

Finding Media Online

Creative Commons Media Resource List

Examples

With CATLABS Equipment

From the Ad Council