Call For Entries
Have you ever wanted to be on TV or help produce your own television commercial? Now is your big chance to promote safe teen driving and be a TV star! Erie Insurance is pleased to announce we are now accepting entries from Lookin' Out schools for our annual PSA contest.
Scratching your head wondering what a PSA is anyways? PSA stands for public service announcement. A public service announcement is sort of like a commercial, but instead of promoting a product or service it promotes something for the public good. In this case, we're looking for ads that promote safe teen driving habits.
Entering is easy. Just get your Lookin' Out committee together to brainstorm ideas for a 30-second TV commercial. Then send in a completed entry form
along with a storyboard, tape or script describing your idea. Don't worry about being the best artist; it's the idea that counts!
Impress the judges
The judges look for a lot of things in a winning idea, but some of the big ones are originality, a strong message and audience appeal. The finished product must also fit within the 30-second time limit.
Originality
Sometimes the biggest challenge is sending an effective message in a way that is original.
Avoid producing a spot similar to a PSA or commercial that you have seen in the past. Get creative by including a unique element or presenting your message in a new way.
Keep it simple
A variety of issues can be addressed when it comes to promoting safe driving: seat belt use, distractions, impairment, speeding, risk taking... the list goes on and on. Don't try to cover everything.
Simplify your message and make a strong statement that will have a positive impact on teenage drivers.
Know your audience
The winning PSA will speak specifically to teenagers. Consider all the parts of your spot that will give it a lasting effect with newly licensed drivers. Consider the setting, language, main idea you are trying to convey, and the overall look and feel of the commercial.
Time is of the essence
Thirty seconds - that's all you have. When generating ideas you will need to keep in mind the limited amount of time you have.
Test your idea and time how long it takes to read your script. If it far exceeds thirty seconds, you might want to rethink your idea. If you are just a few seconds over or under think about how you might make slight adjustments to fit the time constraint.
For more ideas about what the judges are looking for, take a look back at the past winners of the annual Lookin' Out PSA contest.
The winning school will work with Erie Insurance's professional Media Services team to develop and produce the 30-second commercial. Then ERIE's team will come to your school to work with you and your friends and tape the PSA. The winning PSA will then be broadcast on the winning school's local networks.
Additional notes about the contest:
- All entries must include an official entry form and storyboard.
- Consider holding a separate contest at your school to select your entry. The greater number of ideas you consider, the better your chances are at finding a great one.
- Only one entry is permitted per school.
Note: The deadline for entries is Feb. 28, 2009. Only schools currently participating in the Lookin' Out program are eligible to enter.
