Safety Seymour is the superhero that helps you keep safe against the dangers of that invisible killer carbon monoxide – sometimes known simply as CO. He’s with Mimi and Loz from the CO Crew and they need your help.
He knows that you’re great at staying safe but some people aren’t as good – or don’t even know about the dangers… and he wants to get the message across to them. But he needs your help… he’s thinking a radio advert would be great to engage people and tell them all about CO! But what makes a great radio advert?
To help… he downloads a new app. It’s called… “A RADIO GAME”.
SAFETY SEYMOUR’S “A RADIO GAME”. CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CADENT. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE.
Hi there! Today’s challenge, we’re looking at the Script. A script is like a written plan for the advert. It tells everyone what to say, who’s saying it, and what sound effects or music to play. It’s important because it helps the people making the advert – from the voice talent speaking the words to the producer editing the words, effects and music together, to know exactly what to do. Ready? Let’s start!
Without a script, things could be rather chaotic and the message might not be clear. A good script makes sure your advert grabs attention and gets your message across in the best way!
CHALLENGE ONE – RESEARCH LIKE A DETECTIVE!
With such an important message about the dangers of CO, it’s vital your advert gives people accurate information. Here’s a challenge – can you name three places you could find the real facts about CO?
- Hmm… a library? – They’re full of trusted books and resources.
- A friend? Unless your friend is an expert, they may not be reliable.
- The local fire station? – Firefighters know a lot about safety in the home and can often help with accurate advice about CO detectors.
- A government website about safety? – Trusted websites, such as gov.uk or gas company websites like CADENTGAS.COM are perfect for getting up-to-date information. And remember, it can be a good idea to double-check your facts… so use more than one source if you can.
CHALLENGE TWO – WRITE IT RIGHT!
You can use your computer or tablet to write a script, or even just a pen and paper!
Let’s write a quick script for a pretend advert. Here’s the scenario – you’re warning people about CO. Write one line for yourself, one for me, and include one sound effect.
“Did you know CO is invisible and has no smell? That’s why you need a CO detector!”
Keeping your script clear helps the actors and producers get it right first time! And remember, describe your sound effects clearly. Saying “loud alarm” or “happy chime” can really help set the mood.
CHALLENGE THREE – REVIEW AND RECRUIT!
Find someone to help check your work, both to see how it sounds and to make sure you’ve got the detail right. First, who could read your script out loud with you?
Friends… Maybe a science teacher – they would be great at fact checking the science.
In summary – research, write it right, review and recruit.
And practice – practice makes perfect.
Now go out there and create an advert that saves lives!
To help you write your advert, here’s a tip from Safety Seymour’s CO clue-book – “Heating Health Check”
Things like heaters, stoves and fireplaces need check-ups too! If they’re broken or dirty, they can make CO – clean flames, for example, on your cooker hob will be crisp and coloured blue, dangerous flames will be orange or red, and look floppy. Ask a grown-up to get them checked by a professional every year.
You can discover more about CO with Safety Seymour here and with the CO Crew here.
How to enter
Now that you know how to create an advert, here’s YOUR chance to show off your imagination and make a real difference.
You can just write a script, send it in and we’ll make it for you OR you could create the advert yourself and send us a finished advert, ready for broadcast!
