Perfect PSA

Can a PSA ever be done correctly. By correctly, I mean engaging and interesting, well thought out, not entirely dumbed down for the "comprehension of the general public".
Recently tonight I seen a commerical for food safety which was trying to encourage the general public to cook their food correctly to avoid illnesses, and to use food thermometer. It was terrible. It was horribly produced and cheesy. PSA's do not have to look as if they where produced in someone's basement. Properly done, PSA's can be memorable and effective. Maybe even make the public become active particpants and want to advocate for the cause that you are advertising for.



This PSA "Against Our Will" brings light to the situation in what I believe to be a refreshing way. Instead of showing a young girl victimized or some sort of dramatized situation, She is given a voice. There is also this interesting dichotomy of showing this girl being an "active" participant in these acts and showing her real feelings. Also, (in true MTV fashion) it is directed and cast in a way to appeal to a young audience. This ad was part of a series of campaigns.



"Blazed - Drug Driving in Aotearoa"
Scare tactics works. But not in the way people think they do. Sometimes allowing the viewer's mind to create something "scary" is more powerful than actually showing them something disturbing. This commercial takes the viewer from happy to sad in a matter of seconds but is realistic enough to make him or her uncomfortable.


And finally, because three is a nice number to end with, I give you PeeWee Herman's Anti-Crack PSA. 'Member kids, crack is wack.