Armed with an unforgettable name and an intense drive to succeed, Coyote Marino (MBA 05) just might be the next big thing on the Hollywood scene. Now in his second year of film school at the University of Southern California, he’s improving his craft and securing his spot in the future of the film industry.
Before he arrived at Ole Miss to pursue his MBA, Marino attended Colorado College where he received a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Shortly after his freshman year, he served as a production assistant for Everything That Rises, a Turner Network Television Original.
Though Marino worked the in the business world for a while after graduating, his experience in film production triggered a creative passion and he longed for a more creative outlet. Eager to pursue his education but mindful of time requirements, he decided to either go to film school or get an MBA.
“It’s something I’ve always been interested in. I enjoy the blend of business and creativity,” said Marino. “I went to Ole Miss with hopes of going to film school.” 
He knew he wanted to combine his love of business and the creative aspect of filming, but it was a role model in the form of Ole Miss grad Mike Edmonds (BA 84, PhD 90) who encouraged Marino to attend school at Ole Miss.
At Ole Miss, Marino found that the intensive MBA program was just what he was looking for, and he still was able to apply to film school in California.
Marino excelled while pursuing his MBA. He was voted class president, received the MBA Graduate Achievement award and served as a graduate assistant for the associate provost and graduate dean.
Though Marino lived most of his life in Montana and Colorado, he has a certain loyalty to Southern culture and Ole Miss.
“I loved my time at Ole Miss and especially Oxford,” said Marino. “I’d love to eventually return and live in the South.”
He maintains a connection with the university by serving on the board of directors for the MBA Alumni Board as well as returning to Oxford and participating in Ole Miss events whenever he can.
“From the day you set foot on the campus you feel like you are a part of something,” said Marino. “It’s the sense of commitment to the university and the people there that are amazing.”
In the fall of 2006, Marino’s dream of attending USC Film School came true. He was accepted and entered the university as a candidate for a master’s degree in film and television production. Involved in a non-stop curriculum, Marino said that his participation in the Ole Miss MBA program helped him to adjust to the fast paced L.A. scene.
“Having gone to Ole Miss and being involved in the MBA program, which is an intense program, prepared me extremely well for what I’m doing out here,” said Marino.
Most recently, Marino’s work as a producer was recognized on a national level when he and a team from USC took home the grand prize in the Coca-Cola Refreshing Film Maker’s competition. Their 50-second short film, The Morning Routine was recognized in Las Vegas at the ShoWest film event and will appear in 21,000 theaters this summer.
“The highlight of my career was being at the ShoWest awards, seeing the project on screen and hearing people clap for something I worked on,” said Marino.
Though he has a demanding routine, Marino still time finds for philanthropy. He has worked closely with the U.S. Paralympics team and even shot and produced a documentary film with the Challenged Athlete Foundation of San Diego. With each athlete he encountered, Marino’s outlook on life improved.
“For me it was a tremendous opportunity to see the human spirit of these people and the amazing positive outlook they have on life,” said Marino.
As a producer, Marino takes on projects ranging from commercials to documentaries, assuming the responsibility for putting together all the pieces necessary for production to take place. This includes casting, securing locations, managing the budget, logistics, equipment, crew and securing the rights to anything needed.
“You have to have the endurance to follow your dreams, because it’s going to be a grind,” said Marino. “You have to believe in yourself.”
Marino currently resides in Hollywood, California.
