SFA commercials shown in Texas theatres

A series of commercials highlighting SFA's attributes entitled "The Lumberjack Experience" played in movie theatres across Texas and some parts of Louisiana over much of the winter break. The commercials, estimated to have been viewed by more than 3 million people, portrayed students at various locations around campus stating what they like about SFA.

Shot in high-definition widescreen, the 15-, 30- and 60-second commercials were filmed over a four-day period in November. Each involved approximately 35 students with speaking parts in addition to many others in the background. Bob Wright, executive director of marketing and public affairs, said every single shot in the commercials was staged, and overall the production was time consuming.

"We had three or four students say the same line at every location. Every person (in the commercial) was an actor. It took about an hour to an hour and a half to set up and tear down," Wright said.

The students in the commercial were all hand-picked. Organizations were contacted, and they subsequently recommended students for roles. Meanwhile, some students were personally picked.

"It is generally hard to get students up at eight [a.m.]," Kayli Steger, marketing communications assistant. said. "I was amazed at how willing the students were to participate."

Although a commercial for SFA is not a new idea, the premise for this series was new. The Office of Public Affairs started taking bids from nine companies and narrowed it down to three finalists.