Bud Light returns to classic humor with Shane Gillis comic short

Shane Gillis’ debut appearance as a Bud Light rep revives an age-old brand joke—the guy who will do anything for a Bud Light—in a scene recalling Dean Wormer admonishing the Deltas in “Animal House.” Range Media Partners, Gillis’ agency, is behind the new ad, which the comedian co-wrote. “The Dean’s Office” shows a football player pressured to admit he cheated on an exam with the offer of a cold Bud Light. The move backfires when each of the onlookers in the room can’t resist confessing to their own embarrassing secrets. Frequent Gillis collaborators Steve Gerben and John McKeever (who also directed) also appear. Also read: Bud Light’s summer marketing centers on UFC and country music fan experiences Gillis will make additional ads as part of Bud Light’s college football campaign, infusing the comic’s humor into college settings and situations. “The Dean’s Office” resembles classic Bud Light ads like “Yes I Am” in which a Bud Light enthusiast impersonates a doctor for a cold beer. The beleaguered brand has been returning to its comedy roots after an Instagram partnership with a trans influencer last year enraged longtime fans and triggered a heavy sales decline. The extended cut shown online is above; a 30-second cut will air beginning Aug. 31 during college football games on NBC, ABC and ESPN. The college football campaign also includes packaging in the team colors and logos of 26 partnering colleges. A sweepstakes offers fans a trip to an away game. Gillis is a hot stand-up comedian whose special “Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs” and scripted series “Tires” were both top-10 Netflix shows. Bud Light was the presenting sponsor of his recent stand-up tour. More Creativity coverage from Ad Age: Sign up for our daily Creativity newsletter to see the best stories of the day.

Bud Light returns to classic humor with Shane Gillis comic short

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