There are so many roles that animals can play in entertainment. From adverts and simple photoshoots to TV and films, animals are frequently used as actors or models. However, many people cannot tell the difference between these roles even though they are quite different.
In this article, we will explore the difference between these roles, particularly how animal training for acting is done as opposed to animal training for modelling in professional productions.
Training Animals for Films and Acting Roles
The first distinction between animal acting and modelling is that in acting, trainers focus on the versatility and responsiveness of the animal. Those who use ethical training approaches will rely on positive reinforcement techniques to teach animals various commands and behaviours.
To appreciate the difference between acting and modelling in animals, we will explore the different aspects of each role, starting with acting.
Here are some key aspects of training animals for acting roles:
- Obedience Training: Here, the foundation is first laid with basic commands. These include sit, stay, come, go, lay down and others. Sometimes, these commands are used in both animal acting and modelling. Animals that respond well to them are then given more advanced and challenging behavioural training.
- Behavioural Conditioning: The animals that make it to this stage are subjected to reinforcement techniques. Most trainers use positive techniques like clicker training for this. The conditioning trains the animals to respond to more complex verbal and visual cues.
- Custom Training for Scenes: The first major difference between training animals for films and acting roles and training the animals for modelling in productions arises here. Unlike modelling, where still poses matter most, acting requires animals to perform specific movements, such as jumping into a car, playing dead or barking on cue.
- Socialisation and Environmental Training: Whether acting or modelling, animals must be comfortable. In acting, that means being comfortable around large film crews, bright lights, loud noises and other distractions common on set.
- Emotional Expressions: Animal training for acting often requires animals like dogs to portray emotions like fear or excitement on command.
- Stunt Training: In action-packed films, certain animals undergo rigorous training for stunts, including running, jumping and even simulated combat.
In the distinction between animal acting and modelling, acting can be particularly challenging. It often requires long hours while expecting animals to stay focused and cooperative. Additional challenges include repeatedly holding the same pose, managing the unpredictability of even well-trained animals and adhering to animal welfare regulations.
Training Animals for Modelling
Unlike acting, where focus is placed on movement and behaviour, animal modelling focuses on static images and aesthetics. Here, animals are used in photoshoots, print, advertisements, fashion campaigns and digital marketing, where they need to pose in a controlled environment.
While there are a few instances where animal acting and modelling can have similar training approaches, such as basic commands, there are still some aspects that are unique to animal training for modelling in productions. These include:
- Posing for Extended Periods: Animals usually remain still in specific poses for photographers to capture the perfect shot.
- Tolerance for Accessories and Costumes: Since the animals are generally going to be posing with products, animals that are comfortable with wearing outfits, hats or even accessories are required for modelling assignments.
- Familiarisation with Studio Equipment: Unlike acting, animal modelling requires approaches that train the animals to remain relaxed in settings that have flashing lights, cameras and backdrops, which animals find intimidating.
- Calm Demeanour and Patience: Modelling training techniques prioritise calmness and the ability for animals to stay still for longer periods, which isn’t the case with training animals for films.
The challenges with working with animal models include having animals with short attention spans, sensitivity to studio environments and limited expressions. But when you find the right animal for your production that has had training in modelling, these challenges can be minimised.
Working with The Animal Talent Ltd for Your Production Needs
A fundamental distinction between animal acting and modelling is the level of bespoke training involved. Animal acting requires dynamic, scene-specific training, while modelling focuses more on conditioning animals to remain composed in artificial environments.
While this can be a challenge to achieve on your own, working with experts at an animal talent agency like The Animal Talent Ltd means you can capture the exact shots you want.
At The Animal Talent Ltd, our agents cast animals for film, television, adverts and print. We are fully licenced, insured and all our staff are DBS-checked.
Contact us for a free quote on your animal acting and modelling requirements.
