From suicides involving LGBT youth to anti-gay slurs in pro sports, the prevalence of anti-gay language has been receiving increased national attention.

Last night our new PSA addressing teens’ use of anti-gay language debuted on TNT during the NBA playoffs. The spot features Grant Hill and Jared Dudley from the Phoenix Suns calling out that using “gay” in a negative context is unacceptable. It’s a compelling PSA and we’re grateful to the NBA for all of their support – from production to media placement. The spot is part of our award-winning Think Before You Speak campaign with GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network).

Check out the new PSA and a video we developed to show the making of it. A behind-the-scenes video can be a valuable extension of your message if it’s well-produced and promoted effectively. You have a greater opportunity to tell a story, with more time than a :30 TV spot. You can see interviews with all of the campaign partners, as well as the players who talk passionately about why they got involved. The video is an important component to our campaign and it helped amplify our messages.

A few tips if you’re thinking of producing a behind-the-scenes video:

- Develop Q&As beforehand so the sound bites aren’t too repetitive (but don’t be afraid to ask the same questions of multiple spokespeople so you have options)

- Interview celebrities that star in the ads, the creatives who produced them and the campaign partners so you get various perspectives (but don’t feel the need to include everyone on film)

- Shoot on an HD camera (or flip) and get lots of b-roll from the set

- Keep it casual – in terms of dress and look/feel

- Keep it under 4-5 minutes

The Ad Council, GLSEN and NBA are promoting this video and the campaign messages on social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter) and other video sharing sites.

Special thanks to the NBA and the Ad Council’s very own Kelly McBride for producing the video!