On the one hand, if they managed to film and edit an entire public service announcement in three days, their work could be featured on primetime television with a potential viewing audience of more than 600,000.
On the other hand, if they didn’t work quickly, the students could lose that chance.
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is planning to air a PSA alerting those still in need of help following Hurricane Matthew about an upcoming deadline to apply for assistance.
The agencies hope to air the PSA on ION Television, but first, they needed someone to create it. And the fast-approaching deadline to apply for assistance is Dec. 16.
The students have been racing the clock this week, filming and editing the PSA to send out for approval, which the message must receive before airing.
“Part of the deal is, if we get a decent product, ION Television will air it,” said Kevin Pullen, the broadcast and video production instructor at GICA. “That’s the carrot in the hand — we get primetime air time. The hitch to it is ION’s got to approve it, FEMA’s got to approve it, SBA’s got to approve it. Two government agencies and one television network need to approve it, before that time.”
On Monday, all nine students involved in the project were focused on the task at hand. Four were manning cameras, four managed audio and technical operations in the control room and one student kept time.
“It’s going great,” said Barbara Wilcox, SBA public affairs specialist, who was on set Monday. “I’m impressed with these kids.”
Wilcox and Robert Porreca, a FEMA spokesperson, were there Monday to go through dry-runs delivering the PSA message on camera.
“If we can get a few more people aware of the fact that if they’ve got storm damage they can register for help, that’s a plus for us,” Porreca said. “Because that’s what we’re supposed to do, that’s our job — to get as many people as possible to register.”
SBA is encouraging businesses, homeowners and renters to apply for a disaster loan before the Dec. 16 deadline.
“We are doing a 30-second PSA, so it’s very basic — who we are, apply by the deadline and here’s the contact information,” Wilcox said. “That’s about it.”
The disaster declaration covers 10 counties, including Glynn and McIntosh counties.
“Now our concern is, the deadline to apply is Dec. 16. So we want to get it on air as soon as possible,” Wilcox said.
To meet their clients’ needs, the students filmed on Monday and edited on Tuesday.
Sitting in the control room while Porreca was on camera practicing his part, senior GICA student Alexis Brown wasn’t worried about missing the deadline.
“We’ve got this,” she said.
Making the PSA involved some on-the-ground learning, Pullen said, and offered the students real-world experience.
“It’s probably the same (as your typical real-world job) because it’s a tight deadline project, and you’re really lucky if someone brings you a regular deadline in this business,” he said.
Brian Scott, a junior in the class, said this was their first major shoot for a client. But he said the class didn’t have a problem working under pressure.
“We have to get it approved, so we have to get it shot as fast we can,” Scott said “That’s what (Monday) was for. Then we have to edit as fast as we can. That’s what (Tuesday was) for. And then we send it in to be approved, and we don’t know how long that’s going to take.”
If all goes well, the PSA will be airing on ION television next week, Pullen said.
SBA disaster loans cover uninsured losses from a disaster. The interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.563 percent for homeowners and renters. Loan terms can be up to 30 years.
Applicants should register online at www.Disaster Assistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. Applicants can also call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362.
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