Emmy-Winning Spot Features Local Kids

A public service announcement featuring Valley children revealing their dreams for the future has won a local Emmy award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Produced by L.A. CityView Channel 35 and directed by Richard Erbeznik, the “Dreams” PSA was filmed using Canoga Park students in the LA’s BEST program, an after-school education and recreation program, to show a need for after-school enrichment programs for latchkey children.

“We were looking for the best diversity we could find, because LA’s BEST serves all of L.A.’s children,” said Tammy Sims, spokeswoman for the school program. “Canoga Park was the best place because we wanted to show that kids of all colors need school programs.”

CityView was one of four this year to receive a juried award among producers of public service announcements, said Tony Ishani, the city’s cable television production manager.

The 60-second PSA was narrated by actress Barbara Bain, a program volunteer, but Sims said that instead of having adults talk about the importance of after-school programs, Erbeznik chose to highlight the children.

“He felt the public would respond to kids,” she said. “We wanted kids to say what they wanted and what they wanted to do when they grow up. The kids who were the most passionate and had the most to say were selected for the video.”

The announcement was used to solicit support for the programs, which include activities such as science clubs, computer training and art. Many responded to the ad, offering to volunteer their time or donate money, Sims said.

As a city-sponsored program, LA’s BEST serves more than 5,000 children at 24 schools in the city and within the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Support from the private sector can add programs to many of the 150 schools that would qualify if there were funds to establish them, Sims said.