YOUR GUIDE TO
CREATING A 30 SECOND PSA
Presented in
Overview ........................................................................................................................ 1
What is a Public Service Announcement? [PSA] ......................................................... 1
Get Inspired! ................................................................................................................ 2
Brainstorm Ideas.......................................................................................................... 4
Pitch Your PSA………………………………………………………………………………..5
Preproduction and Planning ........................................................................................ 6
What is Preproduction? ............................................................................................... 6
Assign Team Roles...................................................................................................... 7
Getting Started............................................................................................................. 8
Research Your Topic ................................................................................................... 8
Writing Catchphrases .................................................................................................. 9
Write Your Script and Storyboard………………………………………………………….10
Storyboard Your Script .............................................................................................. 11
Timeline (includes option of scheduling AFS Film Mentor)……………………………..12
Selecting Images ....................................................................................................... 13
Prepare for Filming Checklist………………………………………………………………14
(includes confirming optional AFS Film Mentor Assistance)………………………..15
Technical Specifications for Your PSA ...................................................................... 15
Production and Filming .............................................................................................. 15
Setting Up Your Scene .............................................................................................. 15
Practice, Practice, Practice! ....................................................................................... 16
Plan Your Shots and Angles ...................................................................................... 17
The 180 Rule ............................................................................................................. 18
Begin Filming………………………………………………………………………………...19
Watch Your Dailies .................................................................................................... 19
Postproduction and Editing ....................................................................................... 20
Things to Consider when Choosing Editing Software ................................................ 20
Editing Software Options ........................................................................................... 20
Editing Software for Purchase ................................................................................... 21
Free Editing Software to Downloadable or Use Online .............................................. 21
Indicates key steps in the process of creating your PSA.
Create a Rough Cut……………………………………………………………………….. 22
Add Finishing Touches .............................................................................................. 23
Music Sources ........................................................................................................... 23
Titles and Credits ....................................................................................................... 23
Judging Rubric ........................................................................................................... 24
Distribution and Exhibition ........................................................................................ 25
Show Your PSA ......................................................................................................... 25
Export Your Film…………………………………………………………………………….25
How to Share Your File with a Legacy of Giving ........................................................ 25
How Do I Submit My Film?......................................................................................... 26
Advanced Techniques ................................................................................................ 27
Stop-Motion Animation .............................................................................................. 27
What Can I Animate?................................................................................................. 27
Basic Stop-Motion Animation Steps........................................................................... 28
Tips for Creating a Great Stop-Motion Animation ...................................................... 29
Advanced Editing Techniques ................................................................................... 30
Indicates key steps in the process of creating your PSA.
This material is protected by United States copyright law and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without prior written permission
from A Legacy of Giving. Any attempt to modify or create derivative works is strictly prohibited. Use of this material is subject to license
restrictions and limited to the Austin Independent School District. A LEGACY OF GIVING and related logos are marks of A Legacy of Giving, and may
not be used without prior written permission.
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Overview
You and a team will be making a 30 second Public Service Announcement (PSA) film.
The film will advocate healthy eating and being a savvy consumer, and it may
represent your school at a district-wide competition. Use this guide to help you make
your PSA.
What is a Public Service Announcement? [PSA]
A PSA is a short non-commercial announcement created to provide information to the
public.
PSAs are used by organizations to:
•
•
•
•
publicize community events
provide health and safety tips
assist in fundraising for events
inform and influence the public and public opinion
A PSA announcement
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
must contain information that is beneficial to the community
should not include self-serving, suggestive, or offensive material
focuses on the most essential information for the topic
uses short sentences in everyday language
tells or shows how this information can help the viewer
calls for action to be taken
tells viewers or listeners where they can go, what they can do, or who they can
call
is memorable!!!
1
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Get Inspired!
A PSA can take many different forms. You can let your imagination run free.
They can be:
•
•
•
funny
serious
any kidappropriate
genre
•
•
•
•
•
live-action
animated
stop motion
silent with
subtitles
•
montage of
graphic art
music video
The look and feel of PSAs may be different, but the goal is the same: to persuade
people to take action and help solve an issue that helps the community.
Below is a link to several 30 second PSAs about the same topic. All of them have very
different styles, but the same message. Go to the site and click on each of the antibullying videos on the right-hand side.
http://www.adcouncil.org/Our-Campaigns/Safety/Bullying-Prevention
Choose one of the bullying PSAs and write your answers in the space below.
The PSA
contains information that is beneficial to the
community
does not include self-serving or offensive material
focuses on the most essential information for the topic
uses short sentences in everyday language
tells or shows how this information can help the
viewer
calls for action [specifically or implied]
tells viewers or listeners where they can go, what they
can do, or who they can call
is memorable!!!
2
yes
no
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Now watch the same bullying PSA, or select one of the others, and fill in answers
below.
PSA Content
1. What is the purpose or goal of the
PSA?
Your Answer
2. What is the message? What are
they advocating?
3. Who is the audience?
Examples: teens, parents, social group,
school
4. What persuasive techniques are
used? What emotions are appealed
to?
5. Does the tone and language match
the purpose and audience? Explain
why.
6. How do visuals help get the
message across?
7. What is the call for action?
8. How is the PSA effective?
Sample answers on the next page.
3
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Brainstorm Ideas
Now you have seen some effective PSAs, get together with a group of 5 or 6 people and
brainstorm ideas for making a PSA about healthy eating and being a savvy consumer.
Brainstorming is a great way to come up with ideas as a group that you may not think of
on your own. Choose a topic that excites you.
Use the guidelines below.
One conversation
at a time.
Record ideas. Be
visual.
Stay on topic.
No judging or
blocking of ideas.
Go for quantity of
ideas.
Either: Have a team member (who writes clearly) capture all the ideas that team
members call out in words and drawings. Or: each person writes down ideas on a post- it
note and then sticks the ideas on a board.
Sample answers for anti-bullying video: Caine
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The purpose is to bring awareness to the problem of bullying in schools.
The video is advocating speaking out against bullies.
The audiences are parents and students in school.
Emotional appeal is used to feel empathy for Caine who is repeatedly bullied.
The tone and language match the purpose by using a first-person account to
help us understand how someone who is bullied feels.
6. Seeing Caine up close and alone in the street help us to see how bullying
impacts him and the loneliness of being bullied.
7. The call to action is asking parents to talk to their children to not be a by-stander
when they see other students bullied.
8. The PSA is effective because it helps to put us in the shoes of someone who is bullied.
4
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Pitch Your PSA
After brainstorming, before you go any further, pitch your idea to your teacher. Your
teacher will advise you whether your idea is appropriate. Spend some time with your
group to answer the following questions:
We will use an anti-texting while driving PSA for an example here.
Questions
Example
Title of PSA
STWD!
Choose a catchy title people [Stop Texting While Driving]
will want to watch.
Topic
What is the main topic?
the dangers of texting while
driving
Purpose or Message
What do you want to
communicate?
I want my audience to know
that texting while driving
endangers themselves and
others.
Who is your intended
audience?
teenage drivers
As a result of our PSA, we
hope that ….
Teenagers will not text while
driving and encourage others
not to do so.
Your Ideas
Once your teacher has approved your idea, you are ready to get started.
5
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Preproduction and Planning
What is Preproduction?
Preproduction is the stage in a film’s life when it has been approved, but filming has not
yet started. It is during preproduction that all the preparation for filming takes place to
ensure that filming is problem free!
Things you need to consider and plan for during preproduction include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
How many scenes will you shoot?
Where will these scenes be filmed?
Do you need special permission/access to take these shots?
Does your PSA include people on camera?
What will they be wearing? Would you like them to wear something specific?
Will they be speaking?
Will you need props? Where will you get them?
Do you need to make anything for your PSA – like a picture or a sign?
Are you using any still images?
Will you have voice-overs?
Will you use music? Make sure you have it.
You will have a limited amount of time, so PLANNING IS KEY!
6
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Assign Team Roles
Making your PSA will involve planning and collaboration. Each member of the team will
play a unique and important role. Working together, sharing ideas, and collaborating
will make a better final product.
Here are some of the roles needed to make a PSA. Make sure everyone has a role.
Some team members may have more than one. Note: You may not need all of these
roles for your idea.
Role
Description
Director
Oversees creative aspects of film including the
content and flow of the film’s plot, directing the
performances, selecting the locations, and making
sure the lighting, cameras, and timing are all
consistent with the vision of the film.
Writes script for chosen topic; presents script to
team for edits; rewrites script.
Researches your topic and makes sure your facts
and information are accurate.
Makes decisions on lighting and framing of scenes
and captures the scenes on film.
Edits the film to make it effective and the target
length: 30 seconds.
Acts out the script in a realistic and natural way.
Creates conditions for making the movie.
Coordinates, supervises, and makes things happen
from development to completion.
Applies make-up and styles hair for the actors’
characters. Make up can be used to make actor
look older, younger, sick etc.
Responsible for all the clothing worn by the actors
on screen. Designs, plans, and obtains the
costumes.
Sets up and takes down any parts of the film set:
furniture, props, signs etc.
Responsible for recording, editing, and saving all
the sounds in the film.
Scriptwriter
Researcher/Fact Checker
Camera Operator
Film Editor
Actor
Producer
Make-up and Hair
Costumes
Set Dresser
Audio Recorder
7
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Getting Started
You and your team have an idea for your PSA. Now you have to gather facts, statistics,
opinions and quotations that will make your PSA stand out and be memorable.
Document all of your sources.
Research Your Topic
Write your content in the space provided. Use the examples for inspiration.
Type of Content
Your Content
Facts and Statistics
You could use comparisons or cause and
effect statements. Good persuasive arguments
use solid facts and statistics.
Example: Texting makes a crash 23 times
more likely.
Sources:https://beta.dosomething.org/facts/11fact-about-texting-and-driving
Quotations
If you use quotations, make them from experts
in your subject.
Example: “His last words….texting were four
words long. That was enough time to get over
the center line and hit somebody head on.”
Father of 17 year old killed driving while
texting.
Sources: http://www.distraction.gov/
Sources used:
Sources used:
Once you have your facts, now you will think about how you will portray them
dramatically.
8
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Writing Catchphrases
A powerful way to persuade people and make your message memorable is to use short,
powerful catchphrases that you can repeat throughout your message. A catchphrase
reinforces your message and the emotion you want to get across to your audience.
Use a catchphrase for your main message and as your call to action. Convince your
viewer they must help solve this problem.
Write a few draft catchphrases for your topic and then pick the most powerful ones.
Below are some catchphrases that have been used successfully in PSA campaigns.
Your Message
Emotional Appeal
Example: sadness, anger,
happiness, surprise
9
Catchphrases
Examples:
• Don’t mess with
Texas.
• Turn around, don’t
drown.
• A mind is a terrible
thing to waste.
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Write Your Script and Storyboard
The next step is to write your script. Storyboard the different dialogue or voiceover lines
in your script.
Note: 60-75 words for 30 seconds. 5-7 main statements.
Storyboard Example:
Scene Script (dialogue or voiceover)
#
What’s Happening on
Screen?
1
STWD
Music: slow, sad music
Text comes on screen. STWD!
2
Stop Texting While Driving!
3
“cul8r’
Slight pause, then the title of the
movie: Stop Texting While Driving!
Image: Text phone screen with the
last message showing “cul8r”
Pan camera out to wide shot of cell
phone lying on ground
4
Only for Clay, he did not get to see
anybody later.
5
6
7
8
9
Clay was just 17 years old when he
crossed into an oncoming car while
sending this message.
Texting makes a crash 23 times more
likely.
Texting while driving is deadly. Not
just for you, but for others unlucky
enough to be on the road.
3 year old Lily, a passenger in the car
Clay hit.
Tell your friends. Stop Texting While
Driving.
Sound FX – sound of crash
Pan out further to see photo of a
crash site.
New scene
Photo of a 17 year old boy.
graphic of large letters in red “X23
more likely” fade in and then out
Add text : Texting is Deadly
Montage of photos of people texting
in cars
FX ambulance sirens
Add photo of 3 year old baby girl.
Under photo of Lily, add text:
Stop Texting While Driving!
PRO TIP
Try drawing the scenes in the What’s Happening on Screen column. Use stick
figures to show where actors stand. Show your camera placement and where
any props are situated.
10
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Storyboard Your Script
Scene Script [dialogue or voiceover]
#
What’s Happening on Screen?
images/sound/FX/scene
location/camera direction
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Timeline
Ask your teacher for milestone dates to add to your timeline. Check off each task as you
complete it. A sample timeline is shown below. *See the attached Timeline for current
suggested dates.
Task
Suggested
Date
Your Date
Task Complete
Pitch PSA
Write script and storyboard
ideas
Pre-production phase
- Research topic and gather
facts/statistics/quotations
- Select images and music
[if needed for your film]
- Create a timeline for your
project
- If you anticipate
enlisting the assistance
of an AFS Film Mentor,
teachers schedule
tentative date/time to
begin filming with your
class (optional)*
Contact A Legacy of Giving
to confirm time with film
mentor (optional)
Film Your PSA (with option of
help from an AFS film mentor)
Edit and add finishing
touches
Final Films Submitted
Join your friends at the Film
and Food Festival.
* If interested in the professional assistance of an AFS Film Mentor, instructors should
get in touch with the Academic Program Coordinator at A Legacy of Giving: 512-6009295, to reserve a time slot. The date will be confirmed as your appointment approaches
(see page 15.)
12
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Selecting Images
If you are using images in your PSA, choose images that will impact your viewers’
emotions and communicate your message. The right image can get your viewers’
attention and tell a story.
Both music files and images are usually protected by copyright. Select images from
Creative Commons photo libraries. Note: Include links back to the original images
online in your credits.
Here are some Creative Commons photo libraries:
Flickr Creative Commons
Wikimedia Commons
MorgueFile
http:// www.flickr.com/creativecommons/
http:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http:// www.morguefile.com
Make a list of any images you are using.
Image file name
Example:
23X.jpg
Description
Example
Graphic of statistic 23 times
more likely
13
Source URL
Example
http://www.distraction.gov/
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Prepare for Filming Checklist
Use the checklist to make sure you are prepared for the next step - filming. Mark
“N/A” [not applicable] for items you are not using.
Questions to Answer
YES N/A
Has the class agreed on an idea?
Do you have a timeline with reasonable time to create a valuable project?
Including planning, rehearsing, enough time to film, enough time for
reshooting, and ample time for editing before the deadline?
Are all students assigned a role in the project? (cast and crew)
Have all students blocked off their schedule at a mutual time for the
actual production?
Have you created a storyboard?
Have you created a shot list or some sort of itinerary for the shoot?
Do students understand camera angles and shot types? (close up,
medium shot, wide shot, high angle, low angle, etc.)
Have you scripted dialogue?
Have the students/actors rehearsed lines, if there is scripted dialogue?
Have you blocked scenes, so that actors know what to do? (if applicable)
Have all costumes and props been secured and tested?
Has all artwork and imagery been selected and saved?
If it’s a documentary style project, have interviews been scheduled and
questions prepared?
If there will be music, sound effects, or voice-overs in your PSA, do you
have them ready for use?
If you need permission to film any of your locations, have you obtained it?
Do you have a plan for how you will get to the locations, if there will be
location shooting?
Do you have your camera and any other equipment you will need or will
an AFS Film Mentor be helping you and providing what you need?
14
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Confirming Time for an AFS Film Mentor to Assist (Optional)
If you are interested in the assistance of an AFS Film Mentor, hopefully you have
signed up for a time slot early in the semester (see separate attached timeline.)
Once you have completed the Filming Checklist, and you are ready to film,
email or call A Legacy of Giving to confirm you are ready for your first
appointment. Note: Your Film Mentor will only arrive after you have confirmed you
are ready to start filming and are past the storyboarding stage.
Technical Specifications for Your PSA
There are many settings you can control while filming and when editing your movie.
For the purposes of this PSA project, we suggest the following:
Camera
• You can use almost any camera for this project.
• Film your movie at 29.97 (or 30) frames per second. This is a setting that you
will adjust on your camera before your start shooting.
If you have everything you need, then move on to the production and filming step.
Production and Filming
Use the following tips and tricks to make the most of the filming stage of production.
Setting Up Your Scene
Before hitting “record,” spend some time setting up in front and behind the camera.
Arrange the furniture and props in your frame. The “frame” is what you see in your
camera viewfinder. Make sure that your set pieces are where they should be to match
your storyboard script. For example, if an actor will be picking up an object during
filming, make sure that object is within reach.
Eliminate loud noises that might be picked up by your microphone. For example:
people talking, dogs barking, a loud computer hum. Don’t record the perfect scene, to
only find out you can’t hear the dialogue.
PRO TIP
If you are using the built-in microphone on your camera:
• Have your actors stand relatively close to the camera.
• Your actors need to speak slightly louder than is natural.
15
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Make sure your set has enough light. Lighting should match the scene. If it’s
supposed to be night time, you’ll want less light in the frame. Some light is always
needed in your shot. What source is your light coming from? A lamp off screen or a
window?
If your shot needs more light, add a key light - a light set beside the camera that will
hit your actors at an angle.
Frame key light
PRO TIP
Sunlight is great light to use. Filming outdoors during the day can help if you
are not able to add lights to your set.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Once you have arranged the set and lighting, let your actors practice their lines and
actions. Make sure the actors know their lines and are comfortable with the space
before you start filming. This will make them look more natural.
16
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Plan Your Shots and Angles
There are many ways to place your camera relative to your set, all of which should be
planned before you start filming.
Use a variety of shots and angles. How far do you want the camera from the actor? Is
it a really wide shot or a close up of the actor’s face? What angle is your camera relative
to your actor? Low or high?
PRO TIP
Changing how you frame a shot and including a variety of different shots can add
emotion and help your audience connect with your characters.
Type of Shot
When to Use
Use the wide shot when you first begin a scene.
wide shot
medium shot
Use the medium and close-up to show an actor’s
reaction or to help follow a conversation.
Use the medium and close-up to show an actor’s
reaction or to help follow a conversation.
close up shot
low angle shot
Shoot from a low angle if you want to make your actor
look bigger.
Shoot from a high angle if you need them to appear
smaller.
high angle shot
17
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
The 180 Rule
The 180-degree rule creates an imaginary straight line that the camera does not cross.
The imaginary line typically aligns with where the actors are standing to help ensure that
the actor on the left always stays on the left-hand side and vice versa. Using this
technique makes it easier for your audience to follow the story and action and not
become confused throughout a scene.
The 180 Rule
:
PRO TIP
Advanced: Sometimes breaking the 180 rule can add a dramatic effect. It’s
okay to break a rule if you are strategically using the change to enhance your
film.
Help Your Camera Move Smoothly
You may want to move your camera to follow the action in your shot. You can shoot
handheld style, with the camera in your hand. However, for a smoother motion, use a
tool like a dolly or other piece of equipment with wheels.
PRO TIP
A skateboard with a tripod on top makes for a quick and easy DIY dolly.
18
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Begin Filming
Quiet on the Set!
Make sure that all your crew and actors know when the camera is recording. The
Director uses a simple set of phrases to prep the production team for filming
• “Quiet on the Set.” - alerts everyone on set to stop talking and moving
• “Roll camera.” - signals for the camera operator to hit “record”
• “Action.” - cues the actors to begin their lines
Shoot Each Scene More than Once
It’s always a good idea to do a second take of a scene, even if you think it was
perfect. You never know when something unexpected may have fallen into the frame
or if the shot was accidentally out of focus.
PRO TIP
Most consumer video cameras have great automatic focus functions, but beware
if you accidentally turn that feature off. It can be hard to detect on the small
viewfinder that the image has gone out of focus.
Continuity
Continuity means maintaining the same look and plot points throughout your filming
process. This is especially important if you do not film your PSA in script order. For
example, if your character gets mustard spilled on her shirt in scene 2, you want to
make sure that there is still a mustard stain on her costume when you film scene 3.
PRO TIP
Use a still camera to take a picture of an actor’s costume and of your set. You
can refer back to the image to remember how you arranged a costume or a set.
Watch Your Dailies
Dailies are the term for the raw, unedited footage that you shoot each day of filming. At
the end of each day of filming, watch your dailies to make sure that there is at least one
version of each shot you can use in your final film. That way, if a scene is not usable, for
example, a bird flew into the shot, you can reshoot that scene. Waiting until you are
editing your film to watch your raw footage may be too late to fix any on-screen issues.
19
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Postproduction and Editing
Things to Consider when Choosing Editing Software
Always check the technical requirements of editing software to make sure it is
compatible with your computer.
Write in the information in the Your Computer and Camera Column.
Question
What type of computer are you using?
Is it a Mac or a PC?
What version of operating system is on
this computer?
Where will you store your video files?
Editing a video can generate large file
sizes. Consider saving your work to an
external hard drive. If that’s not an option,
be aware of all the files you are
generating.
What brand of camera are you using?
Is it a Canon? Sony? Some camera
brands work better with certain software.
Search online and include your camera
brand and model plus your editing
software to answer your questions.
Your Computer and Camera
Editing Software Options
Free Software
Most Mac and PC computers come with free video editing software.
Mac
iMovie - The Apple editing software that comes with most mac computers. If you
have a version of the mac operating system that does not include iMovie, you
can download it from the apps store.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id408981434?mt=12
There are several versions of iMovie still in use. Search on YouTube videos for
your version to help you get started.
PC
Windows Movie Maker - The video editing software included in most Windows
computers. If you have a version of Windows that did not already include the
software, you can download it here: http://windows.microsoft.com/enus/windows-live/movie-maker
20
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Microsoft offers a quick tutorial for the software on their website:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/getting-started-with-windowsmovie-maker.
Editing Software for Purchase
Most popular options that are still reasonably priced:
Adobe Premiere Elements - The more simple, but still great version of Adobe
Premiere Pro that can be used on a mac or PC.
http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html
Sony Movie Studio - A version of the Sony software that can even be used on some
tablets. http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudio
Pinnacle Studio - A more robust option than Movie Maker for PC users.
http://www.pinnaclesys.com/publicsite/us/products/studio/
CyberLink Power Director - Similar to Pinnacle Studio in functionality.
http://www.cyberlink.com/products/powerdirector-ultra/features_en_US.html?&r=1
Free Editing Software to Downloadable or Use Online
YouTube Video Editor - YouTube allows you to upload several video files and combine
them into one film. This tool is great for films with only a few scenes.
https://www.youtube.com/editor
WeVideo - Online editing tool that provides pre-made themes to help you make your
film. https://www.wevideo.com/
Wax - Downloadable editing software for the PC that includes special effects options.
http://www.debugmode.com/wax/
Blender - Editing and animation software for macs that can be downloaded.
http://www.blender.org/
21
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Organize Your Footage
Your first step in the post production process is to load your clips into your editing
software and begin organizing them.
Import your raw video files.
• Use either a cord to connect your camera to your computer or a flash drive.
• Import all your video files into a folder within your editing software.
Note: Each software and camera will have a slightly different approach to this, but make
sure you put all your files on your computer. You never know exactly which clips to use
until you start looking at the entire collection.
Order your clips in your timeline
The timeline is the section of your editing software where you will build the pieces of
your finished film.
• Watch all your footage and choose your favorite clips for each scene.
• Drag those clips into the timeline, placing them in the order they appear in your
script. Your timeline will become a series of clips that represent your movie.
Create a Rough Cut
Once you’ve put your clips in order, you’ll begin fine-tuning your film into a “rough cut.”
This is a draft version of your film.
● Cut and trim your clips. Decide when the start and end of your clip should be
and trim off the excess. Your PSA is 30 seconds long. Cut any section that is not
necessary for your story.
● Create transitions between scenes. A transition is a small effect placed
between two scenes that helps the audience move from one to the other.
Examples: The scene fades to black or dissolves from one scene to the next.
Most scenes will move from one to the next with no need for transitions. As you
watch your rough cut, use a transition between scenes that need one. For
example, side by side scenes that show a setting change or time passing.
● Add voice-over (if needed.) If you have narration or voice-over in your film,
record it now. Have most of your rough cut created before your record voice-over
so you don’t have to re-record if you make changes to the order and length of
your scenes.
22
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Add Finishing Touches
Once your rough cut is complete, it’s time to create the final version!
Add sound effects and music.
• Sound effects, such as a phone ringing or a car driving by can make your film
feel more realistic.
• Adding music to your film helps build an audience's emotional response.
Note: If you want the audience to feel happy watching a scene, add peppy, fun music.
If you want the audience to feel sad, add slow, somber music.
Music Sources
Music, like visual images, is usually copyrighted.
Look to see if your editing software comes with its own music and sound library.
http://www.freeplaymusic.com has some free music options.
http://www.horicon.k12.wi.us/soundsformultimediaprojects.cfm
Titles and Credits
Finally, create your titles and credits.
•
•
•
Title: the name of your film
Credits: list of the people who made it.
Credits for any resource links you used.
23
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Judging Rubric
Below is the judging rubric for your PSA. Check to make sure you hit all the
requirements.
Requirements
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Points
Process
The team collaborated on the 30
project and all team members
contributed.
Good filming techniques used
and appropriate choices
made.
Does not exceed 30 seconds.
Purpose
The message and advocacy of 30
the PSA is stated clearly.
Shows proper research and
facts are clear.
Call to action is clear. [What
do you want your audience to
do?]
Content
Makes an emotional impact on 20
the viewer [surprise, anger,
laughter, sadness etc.]
Uses persuasive language
effectively.
Uses short memorable
statements.
Creativity
Uses creativity and originality
20
to deliver the message.
24
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Distribution and Exhibition
Show Your PSA
Before you submit your PSA to be judged, do a trial run. Listen carefully to all comments
and make changes based on suggestions you think will improve your product.
•
•
Show it to your friends and family and get comments.
Show it to a group of people who are your intended audience, for
example, teenagers.
Export Your Film
You have edited your project, so the final step is to export your film. The editing
software takes what you’ve created in the timeline and makes a video file.
Note: Some editing software will call this process “share.”
As you are exporting (or sharing,) there are options to change the file settings. This is
where you will indicate your desired output.
*********Note: Export your film as an: H264 QuickTime***********
How to Share Your File with A Legacy of Giving
Once you have your final file, your teacher will upload your movie to Vimeo.com.
1. If you do not have an account, create an account by entering:
• Your name
• Email address
• Password
• Respond to the account confirmation email from Vimeo.
2. Select: Upload a Video.
3. Select: Choose a video to upload and select your video from the PSA file
location.
4. Select: Open to add your file to Vimeo.
5. Select: Me from the menu bar. Then My Settings/Videos.
6. Under the question "What can people do with this video" make sure that
Download the video is checked.
7. You can also set strict privacy settings, such as not allowing commenting and
requiring a password to view the film, but make sure to include the password
when you share your link.
25
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
How Do I Submit My Film?
Once you have uploaded your video to Vimeo, email [email protected] with the
following information.
Subject: PSA [Name of Your School].
In the body of the email:
Title of Your Film:
Your School:
Names of Student Filmmakers:
Vimeo Link & Password (if you have it password protected):
Email your Legacy Academic Program Coordinator if you have any questions.
26
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Advanced Techniques
Stop-Motion Animation
Stop-motion is an animation technique where the illusion of movement is created by
taking individual photographs as the filmmaker slowly moves an object across the
camera frame. When the individual images are played back one after another at a high
speed, the object on screen appears to be moving on its own.
When movies were recorded on film reels (before digital video,) each individual frame
would catch different moments of an object’s movement. When played back at a speed
of 24 frames per second, the film would create the illusion of continuous movement.
Stop-motion animation uses the same effect.
Series of four frames from an Eadweard Muybridge film study.
What Can I Animate?
Almost any object - from food to furniture - can be used to create a stop-motion
animation. You can also use 2-D cut out images for animation. Popular stop-motion
materials are:
●
●
●
●
Legos - You can create both sets and characters.
Clay & Playdoh - Perfect for designing your own original character.
Action figures - The moveable arms and legs allow for more subtle movements.
Construction paper & Magazine clippings - All you need to build a 2-D
animation short.
● Human beings - Using stop-motion, you can make it look like a person is
“skating” across the floor and more!
27
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Basic Stop-Motion Animation Steps
1. Create your set and plan your action. As
with live action filming, fill your frame with a
backdrop and pieces that will remain
stationary. Decide what object will be animated
and the direction of the movement.
2. Move your object and take a picture.
The basic pattern for stop-motion is:
place object in frame -> snap photo ->
move object -> snap photo ->
move object again -> snap photo
and continue movement until action complete
3.
Load photos into editing software. Using either video editing software or
specific stop-motion animation software, download your photos onto your
computer and place them side by side in succession in your timeline. Finish off
your film just like it was a live action movie using music, sounds, and titles.
28
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Tips for Creating a Great Stop-Motion Animation
Hold your camera steady. The object should be the only thing moving. Place your
camera on a tripod or something else stable and leave it there while snapping a series
of photos. This will ensure smooth object motion when editing the photos together.
1.
Rule of Thumb. Try to move your object a very small amount between
snapping photos. The smaller the movement, the more realistic the animation
will look. Use the width of your thumb as a simple measurement tool for
consistently moving your object a small amount.
2.
Variety of shots. As with live action, you can do close-ups and low-angle shots
to create a more cinematic film. The difficulty is that each shot must be planned
out before you start moving your object. You should consider shooting an
object’s movement as a wide shot and then repeating the movement with the
camera close-up. Later when editing, you can cut the two segments together for
a more dynamic scene.
3.
Light your set. Even a stop-motion set needs light. A well-lit set will ensure
that the object’s movement is easy for the audience to see on screen.
4.
Limit the seconds between photos. Once you load all your photos into your
editing software, you can change the number of seconds that each photo is seen
on scene. For the most effective stop-motion, set your photo duration to 1 second
or less.
Examples:
A stop-motion 30 second PSA on giving
responsibly.
http://vimeo.com/106135545
Here is a Claymation anti-smoking PSA
made by high school students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0rKvZLvuE
29
A Legacy of Giving
Creating a 30 Second PSA
Advanced Editing Techniques
Here are some editing techniques to add variety to your film.
● Begin with wide shots. Wide shots help the audience understand the setting
and the placement of objects in your scene. A wide shot can be used at the
beginning of the film or at the start of different scenes.
● Cut on action. Use an actor or object’s movement to cut between different types
of shots in one scene, such as a medium shot and close-up. For example, if you
have a wide shot and a close-up of your actor sitting down into a chair, start with
the wide shot and then cut to the close-up of the actor as the action is happening.
● Stagger cuts and music changes. Having the image and sound change at the
exact same time can feel abrupt to the audience. Try staggering the two changes
a few seconds from each other.
● Incorporate cutaways. A cutaway is literally a cut away from the main action of
the scene to help explain what is going on in a scene. For example, when a
character is looking off-screen and the film cuts to a shot of what the character is
looking at.
● Consider a montage. A montage is a series of shots or small scenes cut
together quickly to demonstrate the passage of time and to push the plot. For
example, an athlete training may show the character working out at a gym then
running in a park and finally lifting weights. The montage implies that the
character becomes more athletic as time passes.
● Watch for match cut opportunities. A match cut shows continuity between
scenes and can help link seemingly different scenes. A famous example in
cinema is from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. In the first scene, a
character throws a bone in the air. The scene cuts to an image of a weapon
clearly from the future, but shaped similar to the bone.
● Cutting for dramatic effect. A filmmaker may want a jarring cut to convey a
dramatic emotion. Use smash cuts and/or fast cutting. A smash cut abruptly
switches from one scene to another scene that is different in tone. For example,
cutting between a crying baby and a peaceful beach can help the audience feel
more emotional about the first scene. Another example is using fast cuts to
portray a busy street market. The quick cuts help the audience feel the same
claustrophobic feeling that the character might be having.
30