Creative expression is a key component to Play Now Act Now. The competition asks young people to look creatively at the issues they face when using alcohol and other drugs.

You may wish to use the following creative activities to encourage your group to explore the issues and to further help initiate discussion and learning. The exercises are suggestions only. They aim to provide some activities that can be used with a group or individually.

SHORT FILM
DIGITAL DESIGN
MICROFICTION

SHORT FILM

Exercise 1: Storyboarding
A storyboard is like a visual script that filmmakers use to shot their film. Storyboarding is the process of producing sketches of the shots of a script. Choose one the films and draw a basic storyboard of the end scene of the film. Your drawings do not have to be detailed or 3 dimensional, professional pictures. Stick figures and basic outlines are enough.

Once you have drawn that scene, prepare a second storyboard of the same scene but with a different ending.

Exercise 2: Visual Story-Telling
In a group or individually, think of a short story that focuses on drug and alcohol issues. Quickly write down the basic outline of the story, then consider how you could tell this story through 20 still photos ie with no dialogue. Grab a stills camera (if you do not have access to a camera you could use your mobile phone) and take your 20 photos. Then upload them onto your computer or get them developed and see how well your 20 images tell your story.

Exercise 3: Shoot film
Using the story and images you prepared in Exercise 2, go out and make a short 5minute film. Your first step will be to prepare a short script with dialogue and then using your still images as a scene by scene guide shot your short film about the responsible use of alcohol and other drugs.

You do not necessarily need high tech equipment or fancy editing software. Use whatever camera you can get your hands on and shoot your film in sequence so you do not need to edit it. This is called ‘in camera editing’ and basically means you do not shoot multiple takes rather you shoot one take of each shot and your film is built within the camera. Hence when you playback your tape you will see a completed film.

Exercise 1: Art Diary
Put together a diary of all the images about alcohol and other drugs that target young people the press, on TV or in magazines. Consider which of these images work and why they are so successful. Also consider why the other designs are not as successful.

Exercise 2: Digital Design
Choose a digital design from Play Now Act Now that you think has an unclear message. Is it the wording that does not work or the image? Re-design the coaster to strengthen its message by changing either the words or the image.

Exercise 3: Information Card
Design an information card (approximately the size of the business card) that creatively educates your peers on either standard drink measurements or responsible use of party drugs. Your first step should be to read of the appropriate fact sheets to ensure you have your facts correct. (link to fact sheets could be inserted here)

Then put together your design, taking into consideration colour, pictures, simple but effective wording and message.

Exercise 1: Different Ending
Choose a story / poem from the resource that you think has an unclear message. Re-write the ending of the story to convey and different, clearer message.

Exercise 2: Part 2
Choose one of the stories from the resource either your favourite or the one that you think is most unclear. Choose one of the characters in this story / poem and write the next chapter in that person’s life. Keep your story to 500 words or less.

Exercise 3: Personal Experience
Write a short piece in any genre about a negative experience you have had or someone close to you has had with alcohol or other drugs. Having seen the negative impact this experience has had, can you re-write your story to show how the negative experience could have been avoided?

It is important to note that if you chose to use this exercise, there should be no pressure placed on your participants to share their story or experience. This exercise could be used as a chance for personal reflection and learning, rather then a large group discussion.