Marcus L. Ruscitto Charitable FoundationWQED Film Academy and Marcus L. Ruscitto Charitable Foundation are excited to announce a Bullying Prevention Storyboard Contest for students in schools across Southwestern Pennsylvania in kindergarten, first, second and third grades.

Students are encouraged to use their creativity to reinforce anti-bullying behaviors and promote kindness, while learning how to storyboard and share their vision for a Public Service Announcement (PSA). A PSA is a short video that shows and tells an important message on TV and online. Winning entries will be made into PSAs that will be shared across WQED’s platforms.

One storyboard from each grade will be chosen to be produced into a video PSA by WQED Film Academy (WFA)’s Teen Film Crew. Winning contestants will be invited to join the video-making process along with WFA students at the WQED Studio in Pittsburgh during the PSA’s creation at the end of July 2024.

Educators & Schools

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

Sign up by May 10, 2024 for a special workshop which includes:

– A visit to your school comprised of 1-2 in-classroom workshops for up to 60 (total) students
– Lesson on storyboarding skills and creating Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
– Ruscitto-sponsored bags filled with all the necessary supplies for your students to successfully participate.

REGISTER HERE

COMING SOON

Schools and families will soon have access to all of the materials they need to aid in assisting students in the preparation of storyboards.

  • Downloadable Storyboard Templates
  • Rules & Guidelines
  • Educational Packet
  • Video Instructions

IMPORTANT DATES

May 10, 2024 — Schools & Educators Sign Up Deadline

May 13, 2024 — Notify Select Schools Host WQED Film Academy Kick-Off

May 13, 2024 — Materials & Guidelines Made Available

May 13, 2024 — Contest Launch

May 13- June 30, 2024 — K-3 Students Create their Storyboards with Kindness Theme

June 30, 2024 — K-3 Students Submit 5-7 Storyboard Panels for PSA Deadline

July 9-11, 2024 — Judging by WQED, Marcus L. Ruscitto Charitable Foundation and Local Filmmakers

July 12, 2024 — Winners Selected and Announced in Each Grade

July 22-25, 2024 — WFA Teen Film Crew (+ Winners!) Film the Four 30-second PSA Spots

Fall 2024 — Screening Event for Winners, Friends & Families

Fall 2024 — PSAs Showcased Across WQED Channels and Platforms

 

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