Los Angeles-based Central Films North’s award-winning director Rodrigo Garcia Saiz examines the fundamental connection of man and dog that spans back centuries in the touching spot 'First Meeting' for Pedigree, out of BBDO Mexico. The spot shows a nomadic ice age man journeying through desolate lands alone, his knobby knees a telltale sign of his lack of luck foraging for sustenance. When he finally comes across another living creature, he takes an antagonistic stance at the approaching canine, raising his spear in preparation for attack. As the dog heels before him, he immediately lets down his guard, dropping his spear and crouching down to pet the friendly dog. The spot closes with the super “30,000 years bringing out the good in us.”
Garcia Saiz earned widespread online media buzz for his canine-themed work for FATH (Fundación Argentina de Trasplante Hepático) out of DDB Argentina. “The Man & The Dog” tugs at the heartstrings and has earned over 9 million online views and also took home a Bronze Cannes Lion in 2015.