[StBernard] St. Bernard Parish residents needed for PSAs

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Parish residents needed for PSAs

Published: Thursday, May 31, 2012, 7:01 AM

 By Becca Chapman 

If you've ever had dreams of being a television star for a day, then stop
what you're doing and read on.

St. Bernard Parish government's Office of Film and Television is seeking St.
Bernard Parish residents to be background actors in non-speaking roles for
an upcoming public service announcement.

A series of 30-second public service announcements promoting St. Bernard
Parish are being created to run on a variety of media outlets, including Cox
Channel 76.

St. Bernard Parish councilman Richard Lewis, chairman of the Cable
Committee, spearheaded the idea of the PSAs. He said by including residents
in the PSAs, "locals will be more proud and aware of the amenities of
Chalmette. It makes you appreciate your hometown even more."

For one of the PSAs, the Office of Film and Television will cast two females
between the ages of 25 and 35 to play young mothers. Background extras also
are needed to stand in line during a grocery scene.

Interested St. Bernard Parish residents are asked to send a head shot of
themselves to Ryan Fink, St. Bernard Parish government's Office of Film and
TV director, at rfink at sbpg.net. Applicants should include their name,
address, weight and height in the body of the e-mail.

Another PSA will be include a jingle created in collaboration with Chalmette
High School Band Director Jason Rusk.

Fink, who will direct the PSAs, said the segments are meant to promote all
that St. Bernard has to offer.

"We are one of the top fastest growing places in the nation," he said. "With
new schools, technology and an excellent police department, St. Bernard is a
wonderful place to live."

The Office of Film and Television also has been producing 30-minute shows
which air on Channel 76. Fink said the shows are designed to promote local
departments and government offices like the St. Bernard Fire Department,
Animal Shelter, Permit Office and Home Land Security.

"It is chance for them (these departments) to say what they do to help the
community," Fink said. "It lets people know why we pay taxes for these
departments."

Fink's department also promotes the parish by attracting motion picture and
television productions to St. Bernard. Fink said more and more film
companies are shooting in St. Bernard because of how simple is it to work in
the area.

"If they find the location they want, we make it easy for them so they come
back," Fink said.

Thank you, the St. Bernard Parish Office of Film and Television, for helping
us promote our community.

Becca Chapman lives in Chalmette and writes about people and events in
Chalmette. She can be reached at chalmettematters at gmail.com or 504.481.6516.

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