LOS ANGELES - The STD/HIV prevention PSA, "SO SMART SO SAFE," is making a major impact with youth in the Pacific Rim region, Muñoz McCoy Media just announced. The 30-second PSA and 8 1/2 minute video compilation of spoken word and dance performances, directed by ALEX MUNOZ, are hitting the mark with Asian and Pacific urban youth by incorporating a combination of hip hop, rap, and high-energy choreography.
"So Smart So Safe" was produced entirely in Guam by Muñoz McCoy Media for Prutehi Hao! (Chamorro for "Protect Yourself"), the island's dedicated STD/HIV prevention program. The campaign was created to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS and to encourage safe sex behaviors and healthier choices to the youth of Guam and the greater Pacific region.
The PSA and videos embrace a contemporary urban attitude, featuring performances by Guam's best spoken word artists, whose powerful and poignant lyrics speak to the Pacific experience while resonating strongly with the pulse of world urban youth culture.
In a standout performance, PETER SANTOS lays down compelling rhymes to convey his message of awareness, preparedness, and responsibility.
Emphasizing the project's Pacific roots, PETE "BADU" MAGOFNA performs his piece in Chamorro, Guam's indigenous and endangered language, with English subtitles.
Guam-based choreographer CLARE CALVO created the interstitial dance sequences, performed by an outstanding company of young local dancers whose energetic moves are enhanced by dynamic editing and high-powered musical tracks.
Director Alex Muñoz said, "It was very exciting to work with Guam youth on the 'So Smart So Safe' spoken word PSA series. This campaign is already resonating with Pacific Islander youth across Oceania. Munoz McCoy Media is always committed to enhancing the wellness of communities via digital media."
"So Smart So Safe" has been received enthusiastically by the target demographic of adolescents and young adults, as well as by health-related public agencies, throughout the Pacific region. It has been viewed widely via free broadcast, online and social networking outlets, making a particular impact in media markets in Hawaii, Australia, the Mariana Islands, and the Philippines.
The project was funded by Guam's Department of Public Health & Social Services and administered by Prutehi Hao, with assistance from PBS Guam.