A song by the legendary Athens-based band R.E.M. and the iconic Chapel Bell will carry the message of UGA to national television audiences this fall in a new television spot produced by a group of alumni. The 30-second public service announcement will air during all televised Georgia games, with its debut during ESPN’s broadcast of the Georgia vs. Boise State Chick-fil-A Kick-Off Classic to be played at the Georgia Dome on Sept. 3.
In response to a call for bids to produce this year’s spot, a group of alumni who work in Atlanta advertising agencies and film production submitted a proposal to create the new PSA pro bono, proposing only that the university cover actual out-of-pocket costs. Calling themselves “The Bulldog Collective,” the team comprised of Mike Martin (ABJ ’95), Ron Huey (ABJ ’83), Jason Hatfield (ABJ ’95), and Glen Owen (ABJ ’90) was awarded the project. The soundtrack for the spot is an R.E.M. song entitled, “Oh My Heart,” from their latest album, Collapse Into Now.
The PSA will be supported by an accompanying Facebook page, (https://www.facebook.com/UGAChapelBell), where UGA supporters can share the reasons the university holds a special place in their lives. As an added bonus, if fans “like” the page, they will unlock a sneak preview of the new PSA.
