30 Oct What Is a PSA? (Video Acting Lesson)
PSA is a Public Service Announcement
A PSA is used to highlight a community or world wide issue and persuade individuals to take action. PSA stands for Public Service Announcement. PSAs can help shape public opinion about serious topics. Non-profits, civic groups, voluntary organizations, charities and many businesses and institutions use radio and film (commercials) PSAs to reach a wide and diverse audience. Examples of PSAs may be to warn against smoking, and substance abuse. They can inform how to help curb the spread of a disease or teen pregnancy. Information about health is a very common topic. Many PSAs are a plea to help by donating money. For example, The United Way or the Cerebral Palsy Foundation create PSAs to ask the public to get involved with their cause and or to donate money.
Actors of all ages are needed to act in Public Service Announcements– including children and teens. Here a PSA, that an actor will voice:
Illinois State Medical Society
“In healthcare, misinformation can be as deadly as the most serious disease – and spread just as quickly. For years now, myths about childhood immunizations have been spreading on the Internet and social media. The physicians of the Illinois State Medical Society urge parents to know the facts and get your children immunized. Immunizations are scientifically proven to be safe and effective, and failure to immunize can harm your children and others. Talk to your child’s doctor to get the facts about immunizations.”
It is helpful, since so many PSAs are radio spots that you take some Voice Over classes. Actors, a good tip is don’t play the sadness or seriousness of the spot by getting too maudlin or the audience may tune out. You are in essence selling the cause and need to convince people with your charm to join up.
Getting booked for a PSA is a great way to get seen and will add a nice credit to your resume. I’m sure you have seen many of your favorite actors volunteer to be a part of a PSA. It is a great way to use your talents to help a cause. And remember to have FUN out there.
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