Entertainment media has a profound impact on individual knowledge, behavior and society in general. The USC Media Institute for Social Change (USC-MISC) is a nonprofit organization made up of industry professionals at SCA who create entertainment media with impactful social messages.

At last week’s LA Emmys, USC-MISC’s collaboration with CBS2/KCAL9 to create “Power of the PSA” took home two golden statues. “Power of the PSA” won for Education and SCA student-directed “Help A Soldier Heal” won in the Public Service Announcement category.

“The Television Academy’s recognition of our work with CBS2 confirms that, if executed well, these kinds of stories do have the power to bring attention to world problems,” says USC-MISC founder Michael Taylor. “As filmmakers we have an opportunity, and perhaps even a responsibility, to use that impact for the greater good.”

Currently, USC-MISC is working with Viterbi School of Engineering and TESLA Foundation to support their efforts establishing regulations for camera drones, developing a project with Save the Children to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood education for America’s future, and has joined forces with MY HERO Project to host the 10^thAnnual MY HERO International Film Festival on November 22^nd.

MY HERO International Film Festival celebrates films that make a difference, honors storytellers who have become powerful heroes themselves and offers prizes for a wide variety of socially conscious categories. USC-MISC and MY HERO Project are accepting submissions until Sept. 1.

To subscribe to the USC-MISC newsletter and to find out more about USC-MISC's current projects and opportunities, please visit www.USCMISC.org or email info@uscmisc.org.