Animal actors have long captured audiences’ hearts on both the big and small screens. From the iconic performances of Lassie to modern, heart warming pet commercials, animals bring a unique appeal to film and advertising. However, the way animal actors are treated, trained, and valued has evolved significantly over time and today’s industry standards have transformed to prioritise animal welfare and professionalism.
Let’s take a look back at how animal acting has changed over the years and explore what sets modern animal talent agencies like The Animal Talent Ltd apart.
1. Early Beginnings: The Rise of Animal Actors
Animals first appeared in cinema in the early 20th century, often cast in supporting roles in silent films. In these early years, animals were typically trained by their owners, and the conditions on set were often far from ideal.
Many animals were not given the proper care or rest they needed, as there were few industry standards in place. On top of this, as a general rule, society wasn’t as educated as we are now about animal welfare and the emotional cognition. Their performances were often valued solely for entertainment without consideration for ethical training or mental and physical wellbeing, before, during and after the animal’s performance.
2. Golden Age of Hollywood: The Stars Emerge
By the 1940s and 50s, animal actors like Rin Tin Tin and Lassie became household names. These animals gained popularity not only because of their roles in film and TV but because they were among the first animals to have dedicated trainers and even some level of star treatment. Training practices, however, were still limited and were largely based on discipline, rather than the humane, reward-based methods used today.
During this time, some steps were made to safeguard animal welfare, though regulations were sparse. The American Humane Association began monitoring film productions in the late 1940s, particularly after high-profile incidents where animals were harmed. In the UK, PG Tips worked with chimpanzees from 1952-2002, but there were complaints from consumers from the 1970s.
The tide was beginning to change. However, a true standard for humane animal treatment on film sets was still a long way off.
3. The Shift to Ethical Standards in the 1980s: “No Animals Were Harmed”
The 1980s marked a turning point in the treatment of animal actors in entertainment. Regulations were introduced that required film and TV productions to ensure the safety of animals on set. Organizations like the American Humane Association became more involved, introducing the “No Animals Were Harmed” certification, which required productions to meet specific standards.
With these new guidelines, the role of animal talent agencies began to change as well. Agencies were now responsible for ensuring that not only were their animals well-trained, but also that they were treated humanely. This shift toward ethical standards required more specialised training methods focused on positive reinforcement and animal psychology.
4. Today’s Modern Practices: Emphasizing Welfare and Expertise
In today’s industry, animal talent is regarded with a high degree of professionalism. Leading agencies like The Animal Talent invest in the well-being and proper training of every animal, using only ethical practices that ensure their health, happiness, and safety. We do not work with any handlers nor employ the use of aversive techniques or so-called “balance training”.
Modern training methods are based on positive reinforcement, building trust between the animal and trainer. This approach not only safeguards animals’ well-being but also results in more natural and compelling performances because it comes from a place of honesty, trust and enjoyment.
Additionally, the roles animals can play have diversified as we have learned how capable and how much enrichment training brings to their lives. Now, animals are not only featured in movies but are stars of social media campaigns, virtual content, music videos, live events, theatre performances and more.
This versatility requires a diverse skill set from trainers and agencies, who must adapt training techniques to suit everything from short commercial shoots to complex film scenes.
But let’s not kid ourselves… Aversive techniques and “balance-training” has seen a somewhat ugly rise in the 2020s, blamed partly on the continued lack of regulation of trainers in the UK and also viral videos where marketers have been more proficient than the so-called “trainers” they represent.
5. Technology, AI and CGI: Complementing, Not Replacing, Animal Actors
With advancements in technology, many productions now use CGI (computer-generated imagery) to portray animals in scenes that may be dangerous or overly complex. While CGI and AI allows for remarkable creative freedom, live animal actors continue to play a vital role in the industry.
Authenticity and emotional connection are qualities that only real animals can bring to the screen, which is why they’re still widely used in close-up shots, interactions with human actors, and scenes requiring emotional expression.
Agencies like The Animal Talent work closely with production teams to create safe environments for animal actors, knowing when to rely on real animals and when to use CGI, AI or mechanical models for the animals’ best interests.
6. What Sets Today’s Animal Talent Agencies Apart
Today’s leading animal talent agencies go beyond simply providing animals for film and advertising projects. They serve as advocates, ensuring the highest standards of care and ethical treatment on set, at home, with their handlers and during training. At The Animal Talent, we’re committed to providing professionally trained, happy and healthy animals that can deliver outstanding performances in a safe environment. From our expert herpetologists to our dedicated cat trainers, for each species, we work with the best animal handlers in the business.
Our team of experienced trainers uses humane methods tailored to each animal’s personality and capabilities, so every animal not only performs well but also enjoys their time on set. By adhering to these practices, we ensure productions benefit from reliable animal actors who can perform complex tasks in ways that CGI and AI cannot replicate.
In conclusion, the evolution of animal actors in film and advertising reflects a growing respect for animals’ welfare and the expertise required to train and handle them professionally.
At The Animal Talent Ltd, we’re proud to be part of this legacy, promoting ethical standards and providing our clients with skilled, happy, and healthy animal talent. As the industry continues to evolve, we’re dedicated to leading the way, ensuring that every animal on set is treated with care, respect, and professionalism.
