In honor of its 60th anniversary this year, the United Nations (UN) will debut a special public service announcement (PSA) at MIP-TV 2005. The 60-second spot, produced by Harmony Gold, is part of a broader effort to increase awareness of the work of the UN during this special period culminating with the 60th opening session of the UN General Assembly in the fall. The unique element to this PSA however is that, instead of featuring a celebrity, the PSA features characters from Harmony Golds classic anime series ROBOTECH, making it the first animated PSA for the UN in many years.
"When we approached the UN with the idea of doing an animated PSA," said Frank Agrama, Harmony Gold's chairman/ceo, they were very excited. They feel this is a unique way of contributing to the UN's message of peace at a time when the world really needs it and, because it is animation, it will ultimately be broadcast on networks catering to a younger audience who will benefit from hearing the positive message."
Harmony Gold approached Caroline Petit from the UN at last years MIP-TV offering to produce the PSA to commemorate its upcoming anniversary.
Having just begun production on an animated film, ROBOTECH: THE SHADOW CHRONICLES, a sequel to its hit anime series, ROBOTECH, Harmony Gold approached its production partners to help create the PSA believing that this would be a great way to honor the people of the United Nations.
The UN and Harmony Gold will begin distributing the spot at MIP-TV 2005 and it will additionally be available for viewing on the www.robotech.com website.
Contributors on this PSA include DR Movie, Korea (Animation); Titmouse Inc./Chris Prynoski (director); Scott Glasgow (composer); Krandall Crews (recording engineer); Intersound (sound design / post production); Kickstart Prods. (production services); Jim Garifi (Timing). At Harmony Gold: Frank Agrama and Alan Letz (exec producers); Kimberly Maxwell (producer); Tommy Yune (creative director); and Thomas Bateman (writer).
Harmony Gold has been active in the production, acquisition and distribution of international titles since its inception. See www.harmonygold.com/ for more information.
Founded in 1945, the United Nations is a unique international organization of sovereign states, representing virtually every country in the world. The 191 member states are bound together by the principles of the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security develop friendly relations among nations and promote social progress, better living standards and human rights. See www.un.org for more information.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
