With music by GRAMMY® Award winner musician Lou Reed, "The Bridge" is inspired by a true story about a man who is struggling with his mental health after being left by his wife, and, in parallel, a story about a dog abandoned by his family and left on the streets of NYC. As these two characters experience lives filled with rejection, we see their paths cross and a quiet bond begin to grow. The film explores how this connection ultimately saves both of their lives.

Art direction was pivotal in depicting the main characters’ internal mental health struggles. The overall art direction of the film was developed to create a hostile world where our characters feel cramped and unwelcomed in the world they inhabit.Color plays an important role as blue and gray tones are a metaphor for the mental states of both characters, as they struggle with depression and loneliness.

Studies have shown that pets provide health benefits linked to our mental and physical well-being, including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression; and easing loneliness. With COVID-19 triggering a secondary loneliness pandemic, this topic has become increasingly relevant. PAWs NY needed an asset that would stand out from other animal organizations in order to increase donations and volunteers amongst potential donors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences on mental health, leaving a loneliness pandemic in its wake. It’s well-documented how the human-animal bond can positively impact mental health, and the role of pets in our lives has taken an even more important role.