Two years after the last Marshall University advertisement, University Communications decided to produce a new advertisement for the 2021-2022 school year.

While the university typically implements an advertisement every year, Ginny Painter, senior vice president of communications and marketing, said the coronavirus prevented students from participating last summer.

“It’s really the only great chance we have [Marshall] have every year to make a very nice commercial spot. said the painter.

Annual advertising is used at fall college games and events. Painter said that since the games were televised, the university is sending its shortened 30-second ad to Conference USA in August, but the university is using the full 60-second ad on social media.

Painter said the ad message will focus on the Herd family, what Marshall provides and the men’s soccer team’s first national title.

“It’s pretty funny because the script was written before the championship,” Painter said. “They were going to use a photo of any student athlete, but after the championship it will be a football player.”

While the commercial has no dialogue and all clips will be quick, the university is looking for students to apply as an actor to represent Marshall. The university has currently received over 100 interest forms and will continue to accept applications until July.

“We’re looking for students who represent the entire spectrum of Marshall,” Painter said. “All sizes, shapes, colors and ages,” Painter said. “I encourage anyone who wishes to apply to do so as we may need you.”

The commercial will be captured by Filmanatix, a Charleston, WV-based film production company that has previously worked with Marshall with the Alumni Association.

With the freedom of production, Benjamin Mason, co-founder and creative director of Filmanatix, said he wanted to showcase all aspects of the Marshall community and attract potential students to join the university.

“With Marshall being so willing to help and support our concept, it makes for a fun project that has no restrictions,” Mason said. “That’s what makes it so different from the other projects we do. Our vision is to capture the spirit and lifestyle of Marshall students.

Xena Bunton can be contacted at [email protected]