Sloths, flamingos, alpacas, penguins, elephants, horses…Leo Hong Kong’s commercial for Cathay features some unexpected stars. The film imagines a modern-day “ark” – only with wings, not sails – to show the spectacular diversity of animals that can travel with Cathay Cargo’s Live Animal services, as well as the individual care they receive on every flight.
The eye-catching commercial was directed by Brent Bonacorso, who is known for his distinct style and mastery of VFX and AI. All the animals were created with the help of AI to ensure that not a single animal had to endure the stress of a production set.
The campaign underlines Cathy’s message that animals from champion racehorses and celebrity giant pandas to beloved pets, livestock or newly hatched chicks can be cared for. Cathay Cargo’s complete shipment solutions are tailored to each species’ varying needs, because no two animals are alike.
“Behind every trip is a team of genuine animal lovers committed to the well-being of every creature we carry. In this video, we aim to narrate the utmost care we provide in Cathay Live Animal solutions, connecting the importance of compassion with the beauty of these creatures. Whether welcoming a show horse, an endangered species, or a cherished pet, we pride ourselves on treating our guests not as mere shipments, but as living beings with heartbeats deserving of tailored, professional care as we help move them around the world,” stated Edward Bell, general manager, brand, insights and marketing communications at Cathay.
João Braga, global executive creative director at Publicis Groupe Hong Kong, commented, “Cathay Cargo not only has the expertise in transporting all kinds of animals, they genuinely care for each species on their watch. So when we landed on the idea of a modern-day ark, we saw an opportunity to be truly intentional with the use of tech. If we can use AI to avoid putting animals through the stress of a taxing shoot, then why wouldn’t we?”
Credits
Client: Cathay Cargo
General Manager, Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications, Cathay: Edward Bell
Head of Marketing, Cathay Cargo: Ricardo Lo
Cargo Marketing Manager, Cathay Cargo: Janet Cheng
Cargo Marketing Assistant Manager, Cathay Cargo: Amy Tam
Cargo Marketing Officer, Cathay Cargo: Kelly Cheung
Creative Agency: Leo Hong Kong
Chief Creative Officer, Leo Hong Kong: Christopher Lee
Global Executive Creative Director, Leo Hong Kong: Joao Braga
Executive Creative Director, Leo Hong Kong: Halo Cheng
Creative Director, Leo Hong Kong: Wai Wong
Associate Creative Director, Leo Hong Kong: Fiona Chow
Senior Art Director, Leo Hong Kong: Wing Ho Lam
Art Director, Leo Hong Kong: Timmy Lee
Head of Creative Service, Leo Hong Kong: Pelie Kwok
Managing Partner, Leo Hong Kong: Dennis Yeung
Director of Client Services, Leo Hong Kong: Kenneth Poon
Associate Account Director, Leo Hong Kong: Stacey Yam
Senior Account Manager, Leo Hong Kong: Tanya Yip
Strategy Director, Leo Hong Kong: Garron Chiu
Agency Producer, Prodigious: Armelle Sudron
Director: Brent Bonacorso
Production House: LuckySparks Films Ltd
