Can My Dog Be on T-V?

Making your dog a superstar isn’t easy…

Everyone at Dog Diaries is convinced that Scout has what it takes to be the next canine superstar. ‘Get lost, Lassie!’ we say. ‘Move over, Inspector Rex…’
Of course, almost all dog owners are biased when it comes to the qualities their pet exhibits. But just because a dog is super-cute or extremely well-trained doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she will have what it takes in front of the cameras.

Big dog, small pond
When it comes to film and television work, Australia is a very small producer. Just having a flick through your TV guide will let you know that there is a negligible output of locally produced content (especially content that would ever have need of a dog actor – Dog Idol, anyone?).

So while there are dedicated animal acting agencies in the US, there is nothing comparable in this country. However, a number of the US agencies have international databases – which makes sense given that Hollywood productions are often filmed overseas, with quite a number taking place in Australia.

For example, Hollywood Animals’ Animal Acting Agency asks for submissions from overseas as well as US-based pet owners. However, if you’re considering signing up your dog on the basis of looks alone, think again! the agency also stresses that ‘when a production company hires an animal for a shoot, they are hiring the animal for its ability. Trained behaviours are more important than “cuteness”… the director doesn’t want to see a cute dog run off the set every time “action” is called.’

Training is the key
Beau is a Labrador who has appeared in a number of advertisements and on television shows in Australia. On one occasion he was required to retrieve a ball and bring it back to his actor ‘owner’. He did exactly what he was told on the first take. The only problem was… the director then decided that he didn’t want Beau to run back, he wanted him to walk.

Many dogs understand the command ‘Come!’. But how they decide to act on it invariably comes down to personal preference. Some may rush up, others may stroll. In the end, Beau’s handler gave the command very slowly. It worked. Beau trotted sedately back to his mark and director was happy.

That’s just an example of the sort of direction canine actors may be required to take. Although there are no pet acting agencies in this country, there are training schools with links to production film/TV companies who keep an eye out for suitable animals. An example is the Queensland-based Animal Stars organisation. It trains pets to the highest standard, and keeps likely candidates on its database should a casting agent come calling.

Make sure your dog is happy
But the most important thing to consider has to be your dog’s happiness. Sure, it would be nice to see him or her on screen (and that extra bit of pocket money wouldn’t go astray, either!), but remember that film and TV sets alternate between being deadly dull and chaotic.

If your dog won’t take easily to waiting around doing nothing for hours, but has to be ready to go at a second’s notice, acting probably isn’t for him. Equally, if he’s at all timid of sudden loud noises or isn’t likely to appreciate the super-hot, super-bright studio lights, it would be best not to inflict that on him.

But don’t worry if that is the case – there’s plenty of extras work for humans!

Images by z.about.com and news.bbc.co.uk