Posted on: Thursday, December 2, 2004

Teens asked to produce public-service videos

Advertiser Staff

The Hawai'i Medical Association, the Hawai'i Department of Education, Sassy/G Magazine and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are asking Island teens to use their creative talents and video technology skills to produce TV public service announcements to promote physical fitness and to address the problem of drugs, drinking and smoking.

All students Grades 6 through 12 are welcome to submit finished videos and written scripts. Videos cannot exceed 27 seconds in length. Students can pick up information packets at their schools or consult www.HMSA.com or www.sassymag.com.

The deadline to submit PSAs is March 15. Finalists will be notified in early April and winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on May 20 at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

Prizes will be awarded in five categories: Best Anti-Drug, Best Anti-Underage Drinking, Best Anti-Smoking, Best Health/Fitness and Best in Show.

Each school that produces a winning PSA will receive a DOE voucher to buy video equipment or software. First-place winners will receive $1,000 vouchers; those placing second and third will receive $500 vouchers. The "Best in Show" winner will get a $2,000 voucher. Top PSAs will be aired later in the year.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to attend two free workshops on creating PSAs: "Media Messaging," 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 8, HMSA Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 818 Ke'eaumoku St.; "Video Editing Workshop," 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 22, Wai'anae High School Searider Productions, 85-251 Farrington Highway.

To register for a workshop, call HMSA at 948-5084.