In the world of advertising, captivating audiences and conveying brand messages effectively requires creativity, innovation, and sometimes, the use of animal talent. While dogs and cats may be popular choices for commercials and film productions, there’s another small creature that’s making a big impact in the industry: mice.
Mice are a very popular pet in the UK and “fancy mice” (those kept as pets) are particularly popular as pets, on the fancy mice show circuit and also a very trainable working animal for animal handlers in the film and TV business.
Something that’s wonderful about working with mice is the variety of options you have available; they come in a variety of colours and coat types which means there are so many film and photography options.
In this blog, we’ll explore why mice are used in advertising and the diverse roles they can fulfil when being filmed, highlighting the benefits of hiring mice as animal talent for TV and film productions.
Types of fancy mice:
- Standard: Sometimes referred to as the ‘wild type’ or ‘normal’.
- Angora: Sometimes can have longer hair and can comprise of other aspects of coat type such as Angora Satin, Angora Rex (known as Texel) and Angora Fuzzy.
- Longhaired: Can sometimes be classified as Angora. Colour can be of any standardised variety and the coat must be long and silky in nature.
- Astrex: A curly coat and curly whiskers.
- Hairless: as hairless as possible with clear, bright skin and bright eyes
- Abyssinian: Abyssinian mice are not standardised yet in the show world, so are primarily kept as pet. These mice have ‘rosettes’ or ‘swirls’ in their coat that can be of any size or amount across their body.
Colours of fancy mice:
Fancy Mice colours are usually divided into five varieties, as set in the Standards published by the National Mouse Club.
The recognised colour varieties are as follows:
- Selfs: The colour is the same all over the body. In the show world, the recognised colours are black; blue; champagne; chocolate; cream; dove; fawn; red; silver; white and lilac.
- Tans: The main colour (as listed in “selfs”) is on top of the body, and there is a tan belly.
- Marked: The coat colour is a variety of the standard colours (as listed in “selfs”) combined with various patterns of white. These varieties are known as: Dutch; Even; Broken; Variegated; Himalayan; Rumpwhite; Tricolour; Banded and Hereford.
- Satin: Satin mice have a highly glossy coat with a metallic like sheen. The varieties include: Argente Satin; Dove Satin; Fawn Satin and Ivory Satin.
- AOV (Any Other Variety): This encompasses all other standardised varieties that aren’t previously categorised and include: Agouti; Cinnamon; Silver Agouti; Sable; Marten Sable; Pearl; Argente; Silver Grey, Brown; Fawn; Argente Cream; Astrex; Silver Fox; Seal Point Siamese; Blue Point Siamese; Himalayan; Longhaired and Brindle.
- Non-Standardised: These colours include: Blue Agouti; Burmese; Blue Burmese; Sable and Stone.
Mouse eyes can be either black or red, with the term “pink eye” covering all shades between pink and red.
Famous Mice:
Mice have been featured prominently in film and television for decades, often playing memorable and beloved characters that capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. Here are just some of those famous mice from film and TV:
1. Mickey Mouse: Created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1928, Mickey Mouse is perhaps the most iconic and recognisable mouse character in the world. As the mascot of The Walt Disney Company, Mickey has appeared in numerous films, television shows, comic strips, and merchandise, becoming a cultural icon beloved by audiences of all ages.
2. Jerry (Tom and Jerry): Jerry, the clever and mischievous mouse, is one-half of the iconic cartoon duo Tom and Jerry, created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Known for his wit, resourcefulness, and ability to outsmart his feline nemesis (Tom), Jerry has entertained generations of viewers with his comedic antics and slapstick humour.
3. Stuart Little: Stuart Little is the titular character of E. B. White’s beloved children’s book and its subsequent film adaptations. A small mouse with a big heart, Stuart embarks on adventurous journeys and overcomes challenges with courage and determination, captivating audiences with his endearing personality and charming adventures.
4. Mighty Mouse: Mighty Mouse is a superhero mouse character created by Paul Terry for Terrytoons, an animation studio known for its theatrical cartoon shorts. With his superhuman strength, flying abilities, and unwavering sense of justice, Mighty Mouse fights crime and defends the innocent, earning him a place in pop culture history as an iconic superhero figure.
5. Danger Mouse: An iconic and beloved mouse character from both television and comic books. Created by British illustrator and writer Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall, Danger Mouse first appeared in a British animated television series of the same name, which debuted in 1981. Danger Mouse’s loyal sidekick is a timid and bumbling hamster named Penfold. Danger Mouse is known for his witty humour, clever wordplay and the series parodied spy and superhero genres.
These are just a few examples of famous mice characters that have left a lasting impression on audiences through their memorable stories, endearing personalities, and timeless appeal in film and television. So while at first thought, mice may seem like unlikely candidates for advertising roles, they actually offer a range of unique qualities that make them valuable assets for film and TV marketing.
Mouse symbolism:
Mice hold various cultural symbolisms across different societies and belief systems, often embodying a range of qualities and characteristics that reflect human perceptions and experiences.
1. Resourcefulness and Adaptability: Mice are often admired for their ability to navigate their environments and find sustenance. Mice often symbolise the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances and make the most out of limited resources.
2. Fertility and Abundance: Due to their prolific breeding habits and large litters, mice are sometimes associated with fertility and abundance. In agricultural societies, mice populations can quickly multiply, leading to bountiful harvests and an abundance of food; this is often viewed as a positive sign of fertility and prosperity. Mice are often pictured in harvest festival imagery and as a bountiful icon.
3. Stealth and Intrigue: Mice are known for their athleticism, quick reflexes and the ability to move swiftly, often evading detection by predators. In some cultures, mice symbolise cunning and have the intelligence to navigate through life’s challenges with grace and agility.
4. Curiosity and Exploration: In literature and folklore, mice are sometimes depicted as curious adventurers embarking on epic journeys of discovery and exploration. This mimics their real life attributes.
5. Modesty and Humility: Despite their small size and unassuming appearance, mice play an essential role in ecosystems and contribute to the balance of nature. In some cultures, mice symbolise modesty and signify the importance of recognising the value of all creatures, regardless of their size or stature.
6. Mischief and Trickery: In some folk traditions, there are stories featuring clever mice outwitting larger predators or stealing food from unsuspecting humans. This illustrates the cunning and ingenuity often attributed mice.
It’s important to remember these cultural depictions when we’re considering hiring mice for brand campaigns, marketing projects and imagery in creative media.
Why Hire Mice?
Mice are charming, versatile, and adorable creatures that offer unique opportunities for creativity and storytelling in advertising. Whether starring in commercials, short films, or educational content, mice bring a dynamic element to productions, captivating audiences with their cute appearance and engaging performances.
Mice truly have the cute appeal and are undeniably adorable creatures! With their tiny size, delicate features, and expressive eyes, their endearing appearance instantly captivates audiences, making them ideal for creating memorable and engaging advertisements.
Despite their small stature, mice are incredibly versatile animals that can be trained to perform a variety of tasks and behaviours. Our expert mice handlers can assist with training simple actions (like running through mazes or nibbling on props) to more complex actions, such as riding miniature vehicles or interacting with human actors. These adaptable creatures can work on a wide range of roles and scenarios on set.
This gorgeous animal has a massive visual impact. Mice add interest and dynamic movement to advertising campaigns, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the production. Whether featured in close-up shots to showcase their adorable details or filmed in action-packed sequences to create excitement and intrigue, mice bring energy to the scene.
Filming Roles for Mice:
When it comes to filming with mice, the possibilities are endless. These versatile creatures can fulfil a variety of roles in advertising campaigns, bringing charm, personality, and entertainment value to the audience. Here are just some ideas:
1. Product Endorsement: Mice can be featured in advertisements promoting a wide range of products and services, from pet supplies and food products to household goods and children’s toys. Their adorable appearance and relatable behaviour when anthropomorphised can help create a strong emotional connection with consumers and drive brand engagement.
2. Narrative Characters: Mice can be cast as characters in narrative-driven commercials or short films, playing roles that range from adventurous explorers and curious investigators to mischievous troublemakers and lovable companions. Their expressive faces and animated movements make them compelling protagonists or supporting characters in storytelling campaigns.
3. Educational Content: Mice can be used to illustrate educational concepts or demonstrate scientific principles in campaigns aimed at children, families, pet industry professionals and vets. Whether showcasing the lifecycle of a mouse or highlighting the importance of responsible pet care, mice can serve as effective visual aids in educational content for television, online platforms, or other educational materials.
4. Specialty Acts: Mice can be trained to perform specialised tricks or stunts for advertising campaigns, adding excitement and entertainment value to the production. Whether balancing on miniature props, navigating obstacle courses, or participating in choreographed routines, mice can showcase their agility, intelligence and intelligence in scenes set to captivate audiences.
Top Tips From our Animal Handlers:
Things to consider when hiring mice:
- Mice are nocturnal animals and prefer to work at night in their natural waking hours.
- Mice must travel with their colony in order for them to feel secure and confident.
- Such small animals do require frequent rest breaks.
- Consider hiring back-up mice for more complex roles.
- Once settled in their environment, mice work out their routine and preferred location, opting to stick to those boundaries in order to feel safe.
- Ask cast and crew members to keep noise to a minimum.
- Keep doors and windows shut, minimising the chance of escape.
- Mice will prefer to run and find shelter in an area of darkness; so ensure these areas are secure.
- Mice really can’t work alongside predators (such as cats).
Talk with our experienced handlers and agents to discuss the best way to work with mice and achieve the shots required.
As demand for animal talent continues to grow in the advertising industry, mice are emerging as valuable assets for brands seeking to create memorable and impactful campaigns. With their undeniable charm and versatility, mice are proving to be stars in their own right, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression on viewers worldwide.
If you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy and personality to your next advertising project, consider hiring a mouse – they’re sure to steal the show! Contact our professional team today.
