"Uncommercials"--- TEACHER NOTES
OVERVIEW
In teams,students willplan and produce "Uncommercials". They will consist of compelling, short desktop videos that can provide inside looks into topics of strong emotional and social interest (i.e. use of pesticides, smoking, drinking and driving etc.).
“Uncommercials” are public service announcements that use TV advertising strategies to educate about consumerism, economics, politics and advertising techniques.
PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE:
This learning resource assumes the student has a basic knowledge of the Internet andvideo production.
TEACHER PREP TIME: 1 - 2 hours
Review web links in Resources. If you have not worked with a video camera and video editing software you may want to become familiar.
DELIVERABLES:
Students will submit their videos.
EVALUATION / GRADING:
Student's videos will be evaluated using a checklist provided in Evaluation.
Variations on a Theme
Is there only one computer in the classroom?
Show 'Uncommercial" examples to the whole class at once. Discuss the common characteristics of "Uncommercials".
Want to take this another step?
Have students participate in the Learning Resource titled, Teen Marketing - "Talk Back".
Teacher Tip
Review all websites before introducing students to topic to ensure they are appropriate.
The mass media often overlooks political, economic and environmental problems that society faces.
Corporations do not want to fund public service announcements that are unrelated to their companies and that are not revenue generating initiatives.
Individuals and organisations (i.e. Green Peace) often use video to educate the public on these issues. These videos are better known as “Uncommercials”.
Your mission, in teams, is to plan and produce "Uncommercials". They will consist of compelling, short desktop videos that can provide an inside look into topics of strong emotional and social interest (i.e. Use of pesticides, smoking, drinking and driving).“Uncommercials” Definition: public service announcements that use TV advertising strategies to educate about consumerism, economics, politics and advertising techniques.
You will need a computer with Internet access, a digital camera andvideo editing software. These websites willprovide you with examplesof "Uncommercials".
This list is a starting place feel free to search the Internet for other related information.
Adbusters
Uncommercials Examples
Be sure to document the source of your Internet research.
Last Name, First Name of Author (if known). “Title of work/article/page.” Title of Complete Document (if applicable). Date last modified. URL (date visited).
1. What is an “Uncommercial”?
Watch examples of “Uncommercials” listed in Resources.
2. With your class discuss methods on how to create a compelling video that tell the story of social problems deserving our attention and action?
3. Begin pre-production stage:
In your group:
a. Brainstorm a list of social issues/problems
b. Choose a topic to base an “Uncommercial”
c. Research the issue
d. Define your target audience (whose attention do you want to capture? i.e. Seniors, students etc.)
e. Groups decide on roles and responsibilities (i.e. narrator, camera person, script writer etc.)
f. Develop concept for uncommercial
g. Develop a storyboard
h.Create a shooting schedule
A storyboard is a paper version or visual plan of a media production.
Click to view an example of a video storyboard.
TIP: Choose an issue that really interests your group and is misrepresented or ignored by the media.
“Uncommercials”are informative "stories"/ public messages which produce an emotional impact.
Production Stage:1. Organise your props
2. Video tape your “Uncommercial"
3. Use video editing software to produce the final product
Uncommercials are typically designed to be short (e.g. 30 seconds to 1 minute, similar to Public Service Announcements or TV commercials).
TIPS: Include graphics, and transitions; create and add titles; add audio/sound track.
Be sure to save your work at regular intervals!
Checklist /55"Uncommercials"
/ / Creative Concept
/ / Audio
/ / Narrative Style/ Storytelling
/ / Technology Technique
/ / Conclusion
/ / References
Notes:
Post Production Stage:
Show videos to target audience. Receive critique and feedback.
Evaluate your group’s “Uncommercial" and those of peers.
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