It’s a Wrap!

Students from the Abingdon High School Lookin’ Out committee recently spent a day showcasing several risky behaviors that teenagers have a tendency to try to perform while driving.

Speeding, text messaging and not wearing seatbelts, to name a few.

But in this case it was for good measure and done in a safe, controlled environment as the students were filming this year’s Lookin’ Out pubic service announcement (PSA), titled “The Invincibles.”

As winners of the annual contest, in addition to developing the concept for the PSA, Abingdon students are featured in the spot. Students appearing in the spot include: Tiffany Davidson, Jody Goodson, Tiffany Hawkins, Alora McNutt, Benji Neece and Teresa Price. Their faculty sponsor is Mrs. Mary Beverly and Abingdon’s agent sponsor is Brian Wampler of the Wampler Insurance Agency.

The script

Abingdon’s PSA focuses on the idea that teenagers often believe they are immune from the dangers of driving recklessly. But the reality is their risky behaviors can have very serious consequences.

Scenes in the PSA include a driver text messaging, another driver accelerating through a stop light as it changes from yellow to red, and a car full of friends causing a commotion that distracts a driver.

The spot mimics a movie trailer in which the young drivers are “The Invincibles,” but in the end reminds viewers that teenagers put their lives in danger when exhibiting risky behavior.

The only spoken line in the spot, delivered by senior Benji Neece, speaks directly to young drivers about the misconception of feeling invincible.

“In reality, we’re not invincible,” he says.

Community cooperation

Several community organizations were willing to help make certain filming of the PSA went safely.

The Abingdon Township Police, Washington County Sherriff’s Department and the Virginia Department of Transportation all assisted with traffic control at three separate locations where filming took place.

The final spot will soon be complete and begin airing on local TV stations in the Abingdon area.

Shane Brown, cinematographer, sets up a shot while filming the 2007 Lookin’ Out PSA “The Invincibles.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the Virginia Department of Transportation discuss traffic control during the filming of the PSA.

Abingdon student Benji Neece is filmed speeding and running a red light. The intersection was closed to all other traffic during filming.

Shane Brown sets up a camera to film how a carload of friends can easily distract the driver.

The Abingdon High School Lookin’ Out committee and their agent advisor Brian Wampler of Wampler’s Insurance Agency.