Whoever controls the media, controls the mind.
-Jim Morrison
Who?
You—and a partner, if you wish.
What?
Create a 30- to 60-second public service announcement. Apply your knowledge of persuasion to “sell” your message to your target audience. Except for the music, the material in your video should be your original work. This means your video footage and images should be created by you. We will have access to cameras in school, but you will need to plan your time well to get everything done. It is important that your storyboard is completed thoroughly so you know what you need for the filming, etc, and can efficiently obtain the material.
Adapted from Lesson Plans for Creating Media-Rich Classrooms edited by Mary T. Christel and Scott Sullivan © 2007 National Council of Teachers of English.
Adapted from Lesson Plans for Creating Media-Rich Classrooms edited by Mary T. Christel and Scott Sullivan © 2007 National Council of Teachers of English.
Where?
The computer lab. Class time will be dedicated to this project, so every student is expected to work during class time and to use class time effectively. Improper use of class time will result in a loss of points for the project.
When?
A lot of the work will be done in class, especially creating the video on iMovie. However, if you need to do extra research feel free to work on your project before or after school and/or during open hours/study hall. If you need to gather music, images, props, or other plans from home, make note to do so to make sure you have everything at school for the production. You may certainly do research at home also. If you choose to film outside of school, make sure you understand the process of importing your footage into the school computers.
Why?
This is a real-life, practical application of what you have learned about persuasion. Our recent study suggests that we are continually exposed to persuasion in the media, so now you will have the chance to create your own media message.
How?
Step 1
Decide to work with a partner or to work solo.
Choose your topic and your core message. Determine the target audience for your message. Determine which persuasive techniques will work most effectively with your message.
Create a storyboard. Plan out what you will film, any still shots, text, effects, music. Submit the storyboard to the teacher for approval prior to any production of the video. Make sure you know where your materials will come from, so if you need to bring anything from home, you can gather it and bring it.
Step 2
Once the storyboard has been approved, begin filming your shots, collecting your images, and gathering anything else you need to complete your video. These will be downloaded to your computer. Be sure to save them with names that will make sense later when you want to retrieve them.
Be sure to follow all copyright laws.
Step 3
Create and edit the PSA using iMovie.
Be sure to include credits at the end of your PSA. In the credits, please identify the message, the target audience, and the techniques (building blocks and emotional appeals) used to communicate the core message to that audience, and any sources you used for information.
Step 4
Publish the PSA. After exporting the iMovie to your desktop, you can save the file to Mrs. Davis' flash drive or you can upload it to your youtube account (part of your google account) and share the link with Mrs. Davis by clicking here.
Decide to work with a partner or to work solo.
Choose your topic and your core message. Determine the target audience for your message. Determine which persuasive techniques will work most effectively with your message.
Create a storyboard. Plan out what you will film, any still shots, text, effects, music. Submit the storyboard to the teacher for approval prior to any production of the video. Make sure you know where your materials will come from, so if you need to bring anything from home, you can gather it and bring it.
Step 2
Once the storyboard has been approved, begin filming your shots, collecting your images, and gathering anything else you need to complete your video. These will be downloaded to your computer. Be sure to save them with names that will make sense later when you want to retrieve them.
Be sure to follow all copyright laws.
Step 3
Create and edit the PSA using iMovie.
Be sure to include credits at the end of your PSA. In the credits, please identify the message, the target audience, and the techniques (building blocks and emotional appeals) used to communicate the core message to that audience, and any sources you used for information.
Step 4
Publish the PSA. After exporting the iMovie to your desktop, you can save the file to Mrs. Davis' flash drive or you can upload it to your youtube account (part of your google account) and share the link with Mrs. Davis by clicking here.
A Music Library (that's totally legit)
If you need images that are impossible to get during class, check out this site.
(Click on AP Images)
How To Structure the PSA
Not sure how to start and structure a PSA? Here is a general format you can use to structure the PSA[1]. You are not limited to this format, but it will be a good place to start. Feel free to follow it exactly or to make changes to fit your individual preferences.
Shot 1: Scenario
Characters act out the problem. Write a script for actions and dialogue.
Shot 2: Goal
These words flash across the screen.
Shot 3: Reasons
Voiceover explains the problem while image shows problem.
Shot 4: Facts
Voiceover discusses the facts while image shows facts.
Shot 5: For More Information
Show organization phone or website (make one up or use existing).
Shot 6: Credits
Message, target audience, building blocks, emotional appeals, sources.
[1]Adapted from: MyTube: Changing the World With Video Public Service Announcements, by Deborah Kozdras, Ph.D.© 2011 IRA/NCTE.
Shot 1: Scenario
Characters act out the problem. Write a script for actions and dialogue.
Shot 2: Goal
These words flash across the screen.
Shot 3: Reasons
Voiceover explains the problem while image shows problem.
Shot 4: Facts
Voiceover discusses the facts while image shows facts.
Shot 5: For More Information
Show organization phone or website (make one up or use existing).
Shot 6: Credits
Message, target audience, building blocks, emotional appeals, sources.
[1]Adapted from: MyTube: Changing the World With Video Public Service Announcements, by Deborah Kozdras, Ph.D.© 2011 IRA/NCTE.