Bugger Commercial – Toyota Hilux Truck

Picture Source:   http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10746800

A series of farming mishaps each provoke the laconic comment — “bugger”.

This was the formula behind one of NZ’s most iconic advertisements. Made by Saatchis to follow up the beloved Barry Crump/Lloyd Scott Toyota ads, and directed by Tony Williams, it attracted 120 complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority (who ruled that “bugger” was unlikely to cause serious offence).

The shock value of that word, the role of Hercules the dog, and the performance of the hapless farmer (in the tradition of Dagg and Footrot), made for Kiwi pop culture magic.

Hercules The Star Dog Has Died
26/05/2004 08:50 PM
NewstalkZB

Hercules, the famous canine star of the infamous Toyota “bugger” ads, has died.

The Huntaway cross, who was 12, lived for some years at the Funny Farm at Clevedon in south Auckland.

He recently moved to the Rescue Zoo at Tuakau.

Hercules was famous for ending up spread-eagled in the mud in Toyota’s ute ads for which he won 17 international awards.

He began his film career in the original Hercules and Xena Warrior Princess series and starred in 35 feature films and 80 ads.

As well as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and What Became of the Broken-Hearted, Hercules was about to take part in the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe.

He died while working on a film set in Auckland.

His trainer Mark Vette says the 12-year-old was one of the world’s best known animal stars.

Source: http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?50059-New-Zealand-Dog-Star-Hercules-has-died