PROMOTION AND TELEVISION COMMERCIALS
 

An activity I used for the promotion unit was to have the class create a TV commercial promoting a school activity and shown during morning announcements. For example, my Sports, Entertainment & Recreation Marketing class promoted the Drama Club's annual production while my Marketing class promoted the Art Departement's annual Art Show. The students learned how:

to identify their target audience;

to generate & objectively evaluate ideas as to how to best to reach that audience & get its attention;

why & how to create a storyboard;

how much time & effort goes into filming to get the scenes just right;

how much film is left on the cutting room floor; and

how much everyone has to work together (show up to class, bring assigned materials, etc.) to meet production deadlines.

This activity allows all students to participate based on their abilities. You'll be surprised as several students unexpectedly choose to participate, take charge, & work together to pull off the class effort. The pride the students get in the finished product & from hearing other students talk positively about the commercial is priceless.
 
Budget at least 3 weeks (not necessarily consecutively) for this activity to ensure that all the filming, etc. gets done.
 
Access to Pinnacle or some other video software is not absolutely necessary but makes this activity a lot easier. Note: This is an area where some students can shine as the class depends on their computer expertise.

 

Steve Libassi
Cave Spring High School
Salem, Virginia