The Rundown:
- It takes time to train animal actors and models so that they can perform when needed.
- It costs money to make sure the animals are being filmed in the safest possible environment.
- Reliability costs money, too, but reduces or eliminates risk.
- Supply and demand: talent is hard to find.
We hear questions like, “Why do animal actors get paid so much?” or “What do animal talent agencies do?” almost as often as the curiosity surrounding the cost of animal actors.
In this article, we will clearly discuss the reasons why this is the case, providing unique insights into the world of animal models and their associated costs.
Reasons Why Animal Actors Get Paid So Much
The Time Element
Training hours, rehearsal days and set resets all add up to so much time. A single “simple” cue on paper can take months to teach with positive, reward-based handling, then have the animal actor repeat it under hot lights and moving cameras.
So the question, “Why do animal actors get paid so much?” in this context comes down to the fact that you’re paying for reliability on the day, not just a cute face. It is this reliability that you need to avoid expensive overruns while protecting the animal’s welfare and keeping the crews on schedule.
Safety
Ethical agencies screen animal behaviourists, mandate humane methods and run health and safety briefings when working with animal actors. This means that handlers undergo thorough DBS checks on top of being licensed and insured.
Additionally, professional animal actors require premium nutrition for energy and appearance on set, regular veterinary care, professional grooming, appropriate housing and facilities, daily exercise and so on.
From the perspective of the “Why do animal actors get paid so much?” question, all these safety requirements for the animal actors and their handlers cost money, which is then factored into the cost of the animal actors or models.
Risk Management
This also answers the question of “What do animal talent agencies do?” If you were to somehow just get an animal that isn’t trained, you would run the huge risk of not getting the shots you need in time, if at all. This would then trigger overtime and unsatisfied production teams.
Well-trained animal actors, especially from animal talent agencies, reduce or entirely eliminate this risk with promises and guarantees, which is why these animal actors do get paid so much. These guarantees could be something like, “If you don’t get the shot you need, you don’t pay the bill.”
The agencies carry that risk for you, so their fees are high because you’re buying assurance, not just attendance.
Limited Supply, High Demand
While all the previous points have gone into what creates the high value that animal actors command, this point sums it all up with the truth that the number of truly professional animal actors is remarkably small.
This is very important if you are to really understand the answers to the question, “Why do animal actors get paid so much?”
It’s true that many people own well-trained pets, but animals trained for professional film and television are extremely rare. This scarcity drives up prices, particularly for animals with specialised or specific appearances.
Working With a Trusted Animal Agency
The cost of animal actors and models is an important factor to consider, and you’re really going to be paying a premium if you care about great results from an ethically well-trained animal. But having understood why animal actors do get paid so much, we should also note that there are ways to get competitive rates for the best value.
What do animal talent agencies do? This is it. A highly ethical animal agency like The Animal Talent Ltd not only provides you with the best of any ethically trained animal actors you need for your film, television, advert and print production, but we also do so at competitive prices.
Furthermore, our staff are fully DBS-checked, and even when it comes to exotics and dangerous wilds, we are the only animal talent agency with a Dangerous Wild Animal licence in the UK. Now that you understand why animal actors do get paid so much, contact us for a free quote to work with our professionally and ethically trained animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all animal actors earn the same rate?
Not exactly. Fees vary depending on the species, training level, type of production, role and so on. A cat trained for still photography will be priced differently from a horse used in a feature film. The cost of animal actors and models, therefore, varies a lot.
What if the animal doesn’t perform well?
This is why animal actors do get paid so much. The risk is shouldered by the animal talent agency. With us, you don’t pay if you don’t get the shot you need. It’s a safeguard that’s built into the higher rates and ensures that productions stay on schedule.
What do animal talent agencies do if an animal actor is stressed during shoots?
We’ve got professional handlers who monitor our animal talent continuously for signs of fatigue or stress. Our handlers schedule rest breaks and limit the animals’ working hours to make the whole experience a positive one.
How far in advance should I book an animal actor?
Part of the reason why animal actors do get paid so much is scarcity, so the earlier, the better. It also gives trainers time to rehearse specific cues for your scene and to handle travel paperwork or filming permits. For big campaigns or anything involving exotic animals, a few weeks’ notice can make all the difference.
