Ensuring a set is safe and comfortable for animal actors is crucial for a smooth and successful production.
At The Animal Talent Ltd, we advocate for best practices that prioritise the well-being of our talented animals while maintaining professional and efficient workflows. After all, a happy animal is going to work better on set and be the picture of health and happiness, impressing your audience too.
Here are essential steps to create an animal-friendly set.
1. Pre-Shoot Planning and Preparation
A well-prepared set is the foundation of a stress-free shoot for animal actors. Before filming begins, it is important to:
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify and eliminate potential hazards.
- Establish clear guidelines for film crew and actors handling and interacting with the animals.
- Ensure a qualified animal handler or trainer is present at all times.
- Allocate a quiet, dedicated rest area for the animals away from high-traffic zones.
- Don’t call the animal to set several hours before they’re needed. Prepare timings so animals don’t have to wait around in an unfamiliar environment, eliminating confusion and stress.
2. Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Animals can be sensitive to their surroundings, and an unfamiliar set can sometimes be overwhelming. To ensure their comfort:
- Use non-slip flooring to prevent injuries, especially for dogs, horses, or other four-legged animals.
- Keep lighting and sound levels at moderate levels to avoid distress.
- Ensure proper temperature control to prevent overheating or cold-related discomfort.
- Avoid the use of smoke, fog, or other special effects that could negatively affect the animal. Speak to your qualified animal handler about which SFX are hazardous for the species you’re working with.
3. Establishing Clear On-Set Protocols
To minimise disruptions and maintain safety, it is important to set clear guidelines for cast and crew. These include:
- Limiting the number of people in the immediate filming area to reduce distractions.
- Prohibiting unnecessary touching, feeding, or sudden movements around the animals.
- Ensuring all crew members are briefed on the do’s and don’ts of working with animal talent.
- Keeping the area quiet so as not to disrupt or distract the animal, this is particularly important with noise sensitive animals such as cats.
- Allowing adequate breaks to prevent fatigue and stress.
4. Working with Professional Animal Handlers
A skilled animal handler is essential for maintaining control and ensuring the animal’s well-being throughout the shoot. Professional handlers:
- Understand animal behaviour and can anticipate potential issues before they arise.
- Provide cues and direction to achieve the desired performance.
- Ensure the animal remains engaged, calm, and responsive during filming.
- Act as an advocate for the animal’s needs and safety.
- Understand the importance of working with tight schedules in professional environments such as film sets.
5. Compliance with Ethical and Legal Standards
Every production must adhere to regulations that protect animal welfare. This includes:
- Following guidelines set by industry organisations, such as the American Humane Association (which cover a lot of TV series and film productions in the UK), the RSPCA and the BVA.
- Obtaining necessary permits for exotic or protected species.
- Ensuring ethical treatment at all times, with no forced or distressing performances.
- Animals should carry the necessary licensing in the UK: The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
6. Post-Shoot Care and Consideration
Once filming wraps, it’s essential to care for the animals appropriately. This includes:
- Providing them with time to rest and decompress.
- Offering food, water and any necessary medical attention.
- Transporting them safely back to their familiar environment.
Creating an animal-friendly set is not only an ethical responsibility but also a crucial factor in ensuring high-quality performances from animal talent. When animals feel secure and comfortable, they perform better, leading to a more efficient and successful production. At The Animal Talent Ltd, we work closely with production teams to guarantee the best conditions for our animal stars. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your vision to life while maintaining the highest standards of animal care.
