While I'm putting the finishing touches on the documentary (elsewhere in this section), I'm entering a PSA contest for the Champion Coalition on domestic violence - http://www.championcoalition.org/ .

A team of filmmakers shoot a 29 second PSA and if the coalition choose yours, it gets aired on television.

Yeah, I know, it's a way for them to get free PSAs, but it's also a way for me to practice and get my stuff on TV!

I've written the script, secured one location (need one more) and know the actors I want to use (now if they will just agree to work for free!).

It should be a fun little job! At least it's for a good cause.

My brother (a "real" actor) has agreed to do the PSA for me and is helping me find actor's for the other two adult parts. I have a child (almost) to play to 'lead'.

I've also written a second script (that I think is better than my first one), but I may shoot both and submit two PSAs!

I rewrote the script for this several times. I had three different ideas and finally settled on a fourth. I finished this evening. Here is the link if anyone would like to see it (39 seconds):

www.mdmoore.org - click on the PSA link on the main page under Current Projects. Keep in mind that I've highly compressed it for the web. Full compression has a really nice, warm soft-focus feel to it!

Feedback is welcome, but it is what it is, as I have to turn it in tomorrow! The music was from Magix Sound Pool DVD (10,000 stereo loops and FX) that I put together tonight. Maybe the best $29 that I've spent in awhile (my apologies to any "real" musicians out there!).

I had a little trouble with the titles, as white didn't show up too well on some scenes, so I compromised on the "gold" tone titles.

I was looking for a certain reaction to the piece, so I'll be interested if anyone reacts the way I was hoping.

There is a big social event next SAT and all PSAs in the contest (six teams) will be shown at the event.

Oh well. Wish me luck!

I liked it! I got the message and thought it was effective. You're 'still life' stuff was cool (with smart metaphors) and the child at the end really drove the point home.

If you want criticism, I'd say your pacing was really strong at first, but then wasn't as strong toward the end. Also, there was so much text to read, it was hard to see what was behind it--part of this problem is also your font layout ... too big, too much.

All of these are minor things for me. Really nice job overall. I used to love doing PSAs when I produced commercials for DMA 139 (Chico/Redding). It was so much more fun than selling carpet or cheezy car dealerships. I have two of my PSAs on my website if you want to have a look (and return the critique).

Thanks for the input. I wondered about the text style too. I don't have to turn it in until 8:00 tonight, so perhaps I'll change the font. What is a "usual" text font for TV?

I will check out your PSAs. Thanks again for the input.

Hey Joren. I watched your two PSAs and really liked them.

The one for Catalyst on domestic violence was really similar to one that was turned in tonight at our meeting - though slightly different. Good job on both. I really the one about the jacket.

Four teams finished PSAs and turned them in tonight and we watched all four. I would think my is #4, but the rep for the domestic violence group liked all four and intimated that all four would be used on TV.

There is a big gala event for domestic violence at the Greensboro Children's Museum on SAT with a bunch of movers and shakers and they will loop all four PSAs for showing at the party.

Ho hum. I guess it's networking time!

Thanks! ...but I can barely watch them now. –especially the one with me in it. So cheezy.

Sounds like you're movin' and shakin' I've always thought doing documentaries and PSAs is good for the soul. Being in a room with Museum patrons and PSA filmmakers must've been pretty cool.

I'm moving and shaking alright, but not to the bank! However, I feel like if I keep my hands busy and do good work, that good things will come out of it.

In fact, I'm quoting a corporate video tomorrow that will definitely help the finances!

As for the musueum party, it's on Saturday. Maybe I can charm a couple of contacts!

Big event tonight. This Children's Museum was my first time there. It was amazing and only about five minutes from my house! There must have been 500 people there and they looped the PSAs in a room so that people could walk in, view the pieces and vote for their favorite.

An email tonight indicated that mine came in second (out of four) and they may run all four on television in the next few weeks.

It looks like everyone wins!