Things I Learned as a Studio Trainer Part II: Animal Acting Studios

Let me explain about animal actors. Traditionally there were trainers that would keep and train animals for studio work. Or they would contract with a studio for a project and then acquire the animals needed and train them for the desired behaviors.  Some would keep horses, bears, wolves, Big Cats, monkeys and others would keep domestic animals. Some would do both. These ranches or farms as they were often referred as would be contacted by film studios to provide animals to them for a shoot and a trainer would be on set to work with the animals to get them to do the desired behavior. Often several of one type of animal was need to complete a whole movie or series. For example: many Dalmatians of all ages were needed to film 101 Dalmatians; and several dogs were needed to play Lassie, Benji, and Air Bud.  Animal look-a-likes were available so that several dogs would be available to complete the entire roll. I believe Eddie in the series Fraiser and Murry in the series Mad About You were the first dogs to ever do the roll  as a solo dog. But as Eddie had to be retired, it took many JRTs to fill the roll at the end of the series.

Then an interesting concept was developed. Probably because most ranches were borrowing certain dogs for certain shoots, and craig's list often had posts looking for particular pets for shoots so they wouldn't have to pay the large studio trainer fees for animals that didn't really have to have special training. The animal acting agencies were formed. There are several in all the big cities, but living in Los Angeles, I had access to many.  Rather than housing, farming, or ranching several animals; especially dogs and cats; why not use interesting looking and acting pets. People love to see their pets on camera. Studio trainers could keep a resource of animal available for shoots as needed. When the animal acting agencies were born it was a dual financial reward at times. Owners submit their precious pets to a production studio in hopes of making them a star, These same studios charge for training and studio etiquette classes. The fees and the breakdown varies and some negotiating  can be done. Then depending on how well trained your pet becomes, and how well you and your pet are at studio behavior, the animal acting agencies submit your pet for jobs that they are called upon to find animals for. Some agencies will take a percentage, and others charge the studio a flat fee for negotiating and providing studio trainers for your pet. Most studios do not have exclusive contracts so your pet could be represented by several agencies at one time. Petal was once submitted for the same job by three different agencies. The film studio will pick an agency based on schedule, availability of pets, and financial agreements. Some film studios do not allow the owner on the set and require only a studio trainer be there. This is just to keep the shoot professional and the number of people on set down. Others not only allow you on set with your pet, you are the studio trainer on set with your pet. Sometimes you can get a little extra this way, sometimes it is because the studio doesn't want to pay for a trainer and hope you can do it without one. That is when studio training is just as important for you as it is your dog.

So now you love your pooch or kitty and your think you want it to be a star. You submit your pet to the local animal actor and pet agencies. They most likely will call you. Just be sure you sign that big contract - again they are rarely exclusive-that this really is the thing for you and your pet and you are willing to negotiate the fees and do pay the price to get your pet on screen. Not just financially, but time consuming and work wise too.

Part III: Training you and your pet for studio work.

Things I Learned as a Studio Trainer

I rescued a dog, Petal, from near death one night while working at as a veterinary technician at an animal emergency clinic.  She is adorable & had a unique look.  I was certain I could find her a home. I had done this several times before with others before her and many since her.  But Petal is special and offered me a whole new world of opportunity.

Although she is adorable, her personality was not so desirable.  A friend with a habit of naming cars, animals, and such as flowers; Violet, Sweet Pea, & Tulip as examples; was suggesting names for me to give her: Lily, Rose, Iris, Pansy, etc. etc.  Following her lead, I joking suggested Snap Dragon since it suited her personality. She shot me a dirty look.  So I then suggested “Petal” since being only 5 lbs., she isn’t big enough to be the whole flower. And Petal she became.

I worked hard at socialization so she could be adopted without the fear of her drawing blood from her new owners.  She is a brave and bossy little thing and had to be trained to accept people and other dogs. The dogs were not such a problem, but people she would snap at constantly. I’d never had a small dog before and fund small dogs have earned the reputation they have due to small dog owners.  I took her walking around town, at shopping malls, and hikes. I was fortunate to be able to take her to work where I would ask everyone to pet her. I am lucky that she is very food motivated. She’ll do most anything for food; a trait most little dogs do not possess.   It took some time but she finally realized that people led to food as long as she was friendly and that being petted wasn’t really so horrific.

While on this training journey it became obvious to me that Petal is an attention grabber. People are drawn to her. Some feel she is adorable. Others think she is crazy cute. Some just smile at her oddly and interestingly. Whatever they are thinking, they are drawn to her and forced to smile. My friend saw Petal’s potential and had some connections with a pet magazine. She actively sought out photographers to get Petal into print. At the same time I saw and add in a pet newspaper for Animal Actors. I submitted Petal & shortly got the call. Within weeks our career had begun. Ours meaning Petal’s & mine.

 

Part II will discuss animal agencies and how they work.