Capturing Elegance: A Guide to Filming Different Snake Species
Are you considering filming or photographing a snake for your upcoming media project? In this article, we’re discussing why it’s great to film snakes, how you choose the right snake for your project and how you complete the production successfully.
Commonly Kept Pet Snakes in the UK:
In the UK, several snake species are commonly kept as pets due to their manageable size, ease of care, and docile temperaments. Some of the most commonly kept pet snakes in the UK include:
Corn Snake: Corn snakes are popular among beginner snake keepers due to their gentle nature, relatively small size around 5ft, and vibrant colouration. They are easy to handle and typically have straightforward care requirements.
Royal Python: Also known as “ball pythons”, these snakes are known for their calm demeanour and relatively small size (around 4ft). They come in a variety of morphs, making them popular among reptile enthusiasts interested in colour variations.
King Snake: King snakes are hardy and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for reptile keepers. They come in a variety of colours, but usually have a large amount of black markings and have a rounded head. They are generally docile, though are definitely a bit trickier to handle than corn snakes and royal pythons.
Milk Snake: Milk snakes are closely related to king snakes and are known for their colourful banding patterns. They are relatively easy to care for and can make excellent pets for those with some experience handling snakes.
Boa Constrictor: Although larger than some other pet snake species, boa constrictors are still popular choices among experienced snake keepers. They are known for their impressive size, beautiful patterns, and generally calm demeanour.
Hognose Snake: Hognoses are popular among reptile keepers as they have an upturned snout which gives them cute appeal. They are often a sandy colour and stay relatively small (1-2ft) all of their lives.
Burmese Python: Burmese pythons are among the largest snake species commonly kept as pets. They can reach lengths of 15 to 20 feet or more and are quite robust in body size. They are often docile and manageable, though they are very strong and require more than one handler. They are very beautiful and come in a variety of colours.
Reticulated Python: The longest snake species in the world, capable of reaching lengths of over 20 feet in some cases. Like Burmese pythons, they are robust in body size. Reticulated pythons can vary in temperament, with some individuals being relatively calm and others more defensive or aggressive. Two to three handlers are required to work with this type of snake.
At The Animal Talent, we provide and handle all species of snake, not just those listed above. Of the thousands of species, morphs, colours and sizes there are available in the UK, we can certainly help you with your production. Check out the charts below depicting just some of the different species and colour options available.
Cultural depictions of snakes:
Snakes have held symbolic significance in various cultures and belief systems throughout history, often representing a wide range of concepts, characteristics, and emotions. While interpretations of snake symbolism can vary widely depending on cultural context, geography, and personal beliefs, some common themes and associations include:
Transformation and Rebirth: One of the most prevalent symbolic meanings associated with snakes is transformation and renewal. The shedding of a snake’s skin is often seen as a metaphor for rebirth and renewal, symbolising the cyclical nature of life, death and regeneration. In many cultures, snakes are revered as symbols of transformational energy and spiritual growth.
Healing and Medicine: Snakes have been associated with healing and medicine in many ancient traditions. The ancient Greek god Asclepius, for example, was often depicted holding a rod entwined with a serpent, symbolizing healing and the medical arts. Similarly, in some indigenous cultures, snakes are believed to possess medicinal properties and are used in traditional healing practices.
Wisdom and Knowledge: Snakes are often regarded as symbols of wisdom, knowledge, and intuition. In some mythologies, snakes are portrayed as wise creatures that possess secret knowledge or divine wisdom. The ouroboros, a symbol depicting a snake eating its own tail, represents the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery.
Guardianship and Protection: In certain cultures, snakes are viewed as protective guardians or spirit animals that offer guidance and protection to those who honour and respect them. The cobra, for example, was revered as a symbol of protection and divine authority in ancient Egyptian mythology, often depicted on the crowns of pharaohs as a symbol of their royal power.
Sexuality and Fertility: Due to their phallic shape and reproductive habits, snakes have been associated with sexuality, fertility, and creative energy in many cultures. In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, for instance, the serpent was often associated with fertility goddesses and depicted in erotic contexts as a symbol of sexual potency and vitality.
Deception and Temptation: Snakes have also been associated with negative qualities such as deception, temptation, and evil in some cultural traditions. In Judeo-Christian mythology, for example, the serpent in the Garden of Eden is often interpreted as a symbol of temptation and the fall from grace, leading to humanity’s expulsion from paradise.
Eternal Life and Immortality: Snakes are associated with the concept of eternal life and immortality. The symbol of the snake eating its own tail, known as the ouroboros, represents the infinite cycle of life, death, and rebirth, symbolizing the eternal nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things.
The symbolism of snakes is multifaceted and complex, encompassing a wide range of meanings and interpretations across different cultures and traditions. As such, snakes continue to fascinate and intrigue humanity, serving as potent symbols of both the light and dark aspects of the human experience.
How to set up the perfect snake production:
Snakes have long fascinated and captivated human imagination with their sleek movements, mesmerizing patterns, and mysterious allure. Whether slithering through dense undergrowth or basking in the sun’s warmth, these remarkable reptiles offer endless opportunities for captivating cinematography.
If you’re casting a snake for an advert, branding, commercials, social media or more, here are six things to consider:
- Talk with your animal agent:
Make sure you have a conversation with your animal agent and be prepared to answer the following questions:
- What colour snake do you want?
- What size snake are you looking for?
- What do you need the snake to do?
Your animal agent will advise you about the best species depending upon your answers and will be able to provide a qualified handler to help the filming run smoothly.
2. Understanding Snake Behaviour:
Before venturing on to set to film snakes, it’s essential to understand a little bit about their behaviour and preferences. For example, some are nocturnal and prefer working at night, whereas some are diurnal. Doing a quick bit of research on the specific species you intend to film will provide valuable insights into their movements and characteristics. Your agent and animal handler can also advise on any questions you have.
Here at The Animal Talent, we have herpetologists with expert knowledge who can provide further guidance. Some of our herpetologists are also Dangerous Wild Animals Licenced and can therefore assist with filming venomous species if required. Understanding how snakes interact with their surroundings will help you anticipate their movements and capture compelling footage.
3. Safety Precautions:
Filming snakes requires caution and respect for both the animals and yourself. Always prioritise safety by asking your agent for a risk assessment in advance and taking this information seriously. Ensure any actors and crew maintain a safe distance and avoid sudden movements that may startle or provoke the snake. Remember that snakes are generally more afraid of humans than vice versa and will typically retreat if given space.
4) Filming Equipment Essentials:
We don’t want to teach you to suck eggs here, but here are some things you might choose to consider:
- fast autofocus capabilities and a variety of lenses to accommodate different shooting conditions
- A tripod or stabiliser can help steady your shots, especially when filming close-up details or capturing intricate movements.
- A portable LED light or reflector can enhance visibility in low-light conditions and illuminate the snake’s features effectively.
5. Composition and Framing:
Again, we’re preaching to the choir, but when framing your shots, strive to capture the snake’s natural beauty and elegance while showcasing its unique characteristics and behaviour.
Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and focal lengths to create visually stunning compositions. Focus on capturing the snake’s eye-catching patterns, graceful movements, and subtle expressions to convey its personality and allure effectively. Close-up shots of the snake’s scales, eyes and tongue flicks can add depth and intimacy to your footage.
6. Environmental Considerations:
If you’re filming out on location, incorporating the snake’s natural habitat into your footage can enrich the storytelling and provide context for viewers. Experiment with wide shots that showcase the snake’s surroundings, such as lush forests, rocky outcrops, or desert landscapes. Your animal agent can advise you on the natural habitat for the snake you’re working with.
It goes without saying that you’ll need to pay attention to lighting conditions and weather patterns, as they can dramatically affect the mood and atmosphere of your footage, as well as affecting the snake’s behaviour. Golden hour and soft diffused light are ideal for capturing warm, inviting tones, while overcast days can produce soft, even lighting for more dramatic shots.
Rounding up:
Filming different snake species offers a unique opportunity to capture the elegance, beauty, and mystique of these remarkable reptiles on film. Filmmakers can create compelling visuals that inspire awe and appreciation for these fascinating creatures. When you’re working with snakes, you’ll always capture striking, attention grabbing footage.
Whether documenting the intricate patterns of a reticulated python or the stealthy movements of a sidewinder rattlesnake, each encounter presents a chance to showcase the natural wonders of the animal kingdom through the art of cinematography.
To read more about some of the snakes we have on our roster, check out the reptile section in our talent roster here.
To hire a snake, contact our professional herpetologists, snake handlers and agents here. We’d be delighted to help; and we’re not going to lie, snakes are one of our favourite animals to work with.
