Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Whether you were cheering for the Falcons or the Patriots in yesterday’s Super Bowl, no doubt you also paid attention to the ads. They often end up being more entertaining than the game.
If you were paying attention to the ads right before the start of the 4th quarter, you may have seen the winner of the Zero Fatalities video contest proudly introducing his safety message to Utah audiences. This was just one of many submissions received and because the quality was so good, we wanted to showcase all five finalists, from #5 to the winning spot:
5th Place – Fayth Melton, Herriman High School
Fayth’s entry probably had the highest production value. Working with Unified Police, SWAT and her local school enforcement officer, her video shows the traumatic consequences of distracted driving. She includes a dramatic arc that starts with an innocent text from her mother to a visit no law enforcement officer wants to make.
4th Place – Isaac Bowen, Corner Canyon High School
Isaac’s spot was the most cinematic, including beautiful views of the western shore of Utah Lake. His creativity is on full display as he transitions from a teen driver out on a drive to his younger brother knocking a toy car off the table as he answers the vibrating phone.
3rd Place – Kyle Ransom, Logan High School
Kyle’s spot is easily the funniest of the finalists. Wouldn’t everyone drive differently if Grandma was riding shotgun? Interestingly, Kyle’s real grandmother is not in the spot. He asked his neighbor to play the role. She nailed it.
2nd Place – Amy Miller, Lone Peak High School
Amy’s video is an outstanding achievement. Well-crafted, well-written and hauntingly shot, Amy educates her viewers on the dangers that not buckling up can pose to not only the unbuckled passenger, but also to others in the car who may be hit by a human projectile. Be sure to stay for the darkly humorous and sober ending as the body bag delivers one last plea to the viewer.
1st Place – Sterling Jones, St. George
Sterling’s message shows the power of peers to influence driving habits, especially when it comes to teens. Despite Mom and Dad’s best efforts, they might get tuned out. But if your best friend is telling you to buckle up, how can you say no? Sterling made great use of music, a GoPro camera, rooftop locations and had the best closing tagline. You’re ready for the advertising business Sterling!
Congratulations to both Sterling and our four finalists. The contest generated over 70 submissions and clearly, our Utah teens are very talented and creative. It was extremely difficult to narrow the entries down, so visit the Zero Fatalities YouTube channel to see some noteworthy honorable mentions.
