Howard Singer: Be Cool Don't Smoke

I just discovered this 2001 original PSA on YouTube. Howard's testimony is hard to forget. WATCH   There is also a second version (20 sec)
This film was produced independently by Paul Ballon of LA Based Steel City Productions. It has never been aired (but on YouTube). What organization will be the first to use it?

Here is part of an email exchange with Paul Ballon about the story of the clip:

"Here's the story in a nutshell:

I was smoking a cigarette on my balcony when I saw Howard enter our building from below.  Howard and I have lived in the same building for a year or so before we met.  There was a knock at the door and when I opened it, Howard was pointing his finger at me screaming "what the F is wrong with you?"  He then pointed to the inside of his mouth to reveal nothing but gums.  He had his teeth, tongue and half of his jaw removed due to cancer.  Needless to say, he was telling me that I was an idiot for smoking.  It was the last cigarette I smoked!  After Howard had his surgery in the early 80's, his wife continued to smoke right next to him (while he didn't) until she died of cancer four years later.  I was privileged enough to spend the next four years or so with Howard until he passed in 2003.

Because I am a filmmaker, a light went off in my head after I met Howard.  That was, to make a PSA...  From there my partner, Brian Berkowitz and I developed the idea and we later shot the video in 2001 here in Los Angeles. 

I tried very briefly to find distribution for the video.  I developed a strong contact at The American Cancer Society through Howard because he often went to schools to lecture children on the risks of tobacco.  He was sponsored by the ACS.   Can you imagine being a young child and seeing Howard while hearing his story.  The message is, If you don't die from smoking, you may end up looking like this.  Unfortunately, vanity plays a huge role in our society.  I was able to get the ACS to see the video, but nothing came out of it.

As time went on, I became very busy producing other projects and the "Howard Singer" video fell to the way side.  So, the video never made it to the air.

If you would like to discuss further, I can be reached at the number below.

Paul Ballon

Steel City Productions

323.573.6335

PS: some people were unable to understand Howard so here is what he says:

"My wife and I started smoking, because we thought that it made us look cool.
Eventually, I had to have all of my teeth, my lower jaw and my tongue removed.
I could no longer kiss my wife or eat a solid meal. 
My wife died about four years ago from congestive heart failure from smoking.
Think I look cool now?"

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