17 Animals in Film

Question 1

before cgi

Answer 1

• trip wires used to make horses “fall over”
• dead animals were actual animals they killed
• in hunting scenes, animals were often shot, stabbed or required to actually fight

Question 2

American Humane Association

Answer 2

“no animals were harmed”

• set up due to ill treatment of animals in film
• just guidelines, not a legal req but can pay them to monitor your movie to get the symbol

Question 3

AHA ratings

Answer 3

1. outstanding
2. acceptable (as much as you can get if you have an animal in movie)
3. Unacceptable
4. special circumstances (do everything in power right but smth went wrong beyond your control (heart attack, bird fly into a window); cant prepare for it)

Question 4

101 Dalmatians (6)

Answer 4

• on site kennels were set up for the animal w adequate heat; thermometers were in all puppy areas to monitor temperature
• set was closed and only those directly involved with the puppies were allowed to be present
• no one permitted on the set where the puppies worked w/o first stepping into a disinfectant bath and washing their hands thoroughly; set was disinfected everyday
• all puppies used came from private homes as entire litters; if only one puppy was used out of that litter, they were all kept together and their owner was on site to care for them
• after each take the puppies were examined by the trainer and a vet
• for every dog there was at least 2 doubles to enable them to be switched out for res and exercise (prevent fatigue

Question 5

3:10 to yuma (special circumstances)

Answer 5

• horses rehearsed to split into two groups (5 and 6 each side) but during filming, the last horse and rider veered the wrong direction; collided with camera car
• suffered severe chest lacerations, shoulder dislocations and multiple fractures + extensively broken front leg > vet advised for euthanasia
• determined that the accident might have been caused bc the horse wanted to follow its pal

Question 6

criticism

Answer 6

• plenty of people think that we should not use animals for whatever (become emotional) BUT:
• circumstances must be taken into account (was it rly bc of the film? would itve happened anyway?)
• animals get sick whether theyre at home, working or in the wild
• working animals often get treated better than pets ( trainers spend 24/7 with them and form very strong bonds)

Question 7

producers must consult trainers on? (3)

Answer 7

• ability and availability of animals to perform
• procedures that should be adopted to protect the health and welfare of animals
• provide the animal trainers w details of the script, location/types of film sets and environmental conditions to be encountered

Question 8

responsibilities of the trainers (4)

Answer 8

• welfare of the animals should be separate from the interests of film production
• ensure animals are prepared for the conditions and experiences they will encounter on set
• only use animals that are fit and healthy, training methods that do not involve cruelty, and equipment that doesnt cause pain, distress or injury
• liaise with vet regarding the care and mgmt of animals during prep, rehearsal and filming

Question 9

Months before filming (3)

Answer 9

(ideally months)

1. wranglers contacted by casting agents/producers
2. run down of animals required and scenes given
3. wranglers will advice as to whether they have animals that are suitable

Question 10

training: before filming (4)

Answer 10

• all animals to be socialised, fit and healthy
• basic obedience
• liberty work (off lead)
• specialised tricks to be learnt and practiced

Question 11

basic obedience (4)

Answer 11

1. come to and stand on a MARK
2. stays
3. recall to handler
4. look at handler

Question 12

Working to a mark

Answer 12

• mainly use wood platform painted white for the mark bc they like the sound of it; has to be a safe spot for the horse
• often feed them on the mark to help them accustom

Question 13

responsibilities of trainers: on set (5)

Answer 13

1. inspect sites prior to each days filming for hazards (holes, rocks, sticks)
2. ensure animals are under adequate control on set (when theyre resting, away from set; quiet)
3. provide proper care adequate food and water, sufficient exercise, first aid
4. inspect all animals on set prior to and at the end of each session
5. remove animals from set/provide sufficient protection when special effects (frightened)

Question 14

Acclimatisation to set

Answer 14

• when working with dog at home, can be right in front of it and help him follow through with what youre asking him to do
• when on set, cant rely on how close you can work with it or how good he can see you while working
• a lot of times need to work with strangers and other actors; cant always be there to guide him
• can rely on verbal commands; talk through a scene without him having to look at u as long as it knows the action that has been rehearsed
• important to understand that the animals dont even know why theyre in the scene or the precision needed while performing; most impt is that the owner is always there on set with it

Question 15

Stills media

Answer 15

• often a lot of flashes and sounds; dogs will become uncomfortable and hard to stay still
• trainers will have to sit/stand next to it and be photoshopped out