2009 Budweiser Clydesdale Plays Fetch: A Heartwarming Tale of an Unlikely Friendship

When it comes to memorable commercials, Budweiser is known for creating some of the most heartwarming and entertaining advertisements. And one such ad that captured the hearts of millions worldwide is the “2009 Budweiser Clydesdale Plays Fetch” commercial. This commercial tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a Clydesdale horse and a Labrador Retriever. In this article, we will take a closer look at this iconic commercial and explore the behind-the-scenes details that made it so special.

The Story Behind the Commercial

The 2009 Budweiser Clydesdale Plays Fetch commercial was part of Budweiser’s ongoing series of ads featuring their famous Clydesdale horses. These majestic horses have become synonymous with the Budweiser brand, symbolizing strength, tradition, and the American spirit. The commercial was created by the advertising agency Anomaly and directed by Michael Mann, known for his work on films such as “Heat” and “The Insider.”

The commercial begins with a picturesque scene of a countryside barn, where the Clydesdale horse is seen playing with a bright red ball. It quickly becomes apparent that the horse is trying to play fetch, as it nudges the ball towards the Labrador Retriever, who eagerly retrieves it and returns it to the horse. This playful interaction between the two unlikely friends continues throughout the commercial, capturing the hearts of viewers.

The Making of the Commercial

Creating a commercial of this scale and emotional impact requires meticulous planning and execution. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that went into making the “2009 Budweiser Clydesdale Plays Fetch” commercial:

Casting the Animals

One of the most crucial aspects of the commercial was finding the perfect Clydesdale horse and Labrador Retriever to portray the characters. The Clydesdale horse, named Rocky, was selected for his gentle nature and ability to interact with other animals. The Labrador Retriever, named Buddy, was chosen for his friendly demeanor and enthusiasm. Both animals went through extensive training to ensure their safety and comfort during filming.

Training and Rehearsals

Before the actual filming began, the animals underwent several weeks of training and rehearsals. The trainers worked closely with Rocky and Buddy to teach them the specific actions and behaviors required for the commercial. This included teaching Rocky to nudge the ball towards Buddy and Buddy to retrieve the ball and return it to Rocky. The training process involved positive reinforcement techniques, ensuring that the animals enjoyed the process and felt comfortable on set.

On-Set Preparation

On the day of the shoot, the set was meticulously prepared to create a realistic and visually appealing backdrop for the commercial. The barn was adorned with vintage Budweiser signage, hay bales, and other props to convey a sense of Americana and nostalgia. The lighting and camera angles were carefully planned to capture the beauty and elegance of the Clydesdale horse and the playful nature of the Labrador Retriever.

The Impact of the Commercial

The “2009 Budweiser Clydesdale Plays Fetch” commercial quickly became a viral sensation, capturing the hearts of viewers around the world. The heartwarming storyline, combined with the stunning visuals and memorable characters, resonated with people of all ages. The commercial received widespread acclaim and won several awards, including the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

One of the reasons why this commercial struck a chord with so many people is its ability to evoke emotions and tell a compelling story in just a few seconds. The bond between the Clydesdale horse and the Labrador Retriever represents the power of friendship and the joy that can be found in unexpected places. It taps into the universal desire for connection and reminds us of the simple pleasures in life.

The Legacy of the Commercial

The “2009 Budweiser Clydesdale Plays Fetch” commercial is not just a one-time success; it has become an enduring part of Budweiser’s brand identity. The commercial’s popularity led to the creation of subsequent ads featuring the Clydesdale horses and their interactions with other animals. These commercials continue to captivate audiences and reinforce Budweiser’s commitment to quality, tradition, and the timeless values embodied by the Clydesdale horses.

Beyond its impact on the brand, the commercial also had a positive effect on animal welfare. The portrayal of the Clydesdale horse and the Labrador Retriever as friends helped raise awareness about the importance of animal companionship and the benefits of adopting rescue animals. Many viewers were inspired to consider adopting a pet or supporting animal welfare organizations.

In Conclusion

The “2009 Budweiser Clydesdale Plays Fetch” commercial remains a beloved piece of advertising history. Its heartwarming story, memorable characters, and stunning visuals make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences. The commercial’s success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the emotional connection that can be forged through advertising. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the simplest stories can have the greatest impact.

So, the next time you see a Clydesdale horse or a Labrador Retriever, you might just be reminded of the heartwarming friendship depicted in the “2009 Budweiser Clydesdale Plays Fetch” commercial.

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