Producing Commercials for
Videotaping
Project URL: http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/is24/vnacionales/commercials.htm
How it works:
Students view, compare, and critique
television commercials: What do they have in common? How are they
different? What is the purpose of each commercial? The
students learn about different types of commercials and the various writing
styles used. They go online to gather relevant information. They also
learn about the importance of preparing a storyboard and script and work
with their teacher to produce an actual commercial for a product or
service of their choice, including rehearsing for and videotaping the
commercial.
Standards
addressed:
Students create, perform, and participate in the arts;
they use arts materials; respond to and analyze works of art; and
understand the cultural dimensions and contributions of the
arts.
Software or materials used:
Students use a computer
with Internet access, a VCR, television, video camera, and chart paper and
markers.
The
students:
Producing Commercials for Videotaping was prepared for
students in grade 7+. However, it may be adapted for younger and older
students. There are no prerequisites for this program, although you
may want to look at my other program: Producing Public Service
Announcements for Video. It may be easier to start with that
unit first.
Overall value:
This
program begins with students responding critically to a variety of
commercials, which enables them to really understand the purpose of
such commercials. It will change the way they listen to and watch
commercials, as well as how they respond to them, thereby strengthening their powers of observation and evaluation. Students learn
about the "messages" in commercial language--some subtle and some not so
subtle. It will transform a passive commercial watcher to a critical
thinker: "Do I really need to buy that?" "How is the commercial's
message being presented?" It will also enhance their communication
skills. Through script writing, students will learn how important it is
that their message gets across in 30 seconds or less. It makes them
focus on what they really want to say and gives them a better sense of
what is essential and what is not. This will have a lasting effect on both
their writing and public speaking.
Tips:
I
strongly suggest that you have sample video commercials to show the
class at the start of this program. If not available, turn on your
classroom TV and flip through the channels.
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About the teacher:
Vivian Nacionales has
been an educator for over nine years. She has taught Spanish, Italian, and
drama. Presently, she is developing a curriculum for a new
three-year Media Talent Program at her school, Myra S. Barnes, I.S. 24, in
Staten Island, New York.
E-mail: MrsNash106@aol.com
Subject Areas:
Arts
English
Grade Levels: 6-12
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