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Hire a Dog!
Hire a Dog!
By Igor Pug Dog
As a service to the young filmmakers who submit films to the YoungCuts Film Festival, we will be featuring weekly filmmaking tips from YoungCuts Alumni, Partners and Friends.
Hey future filmmakers... Igor Pug Dog here.
When you make a film, you want it to be seen right? Well, what's the most popular type of films in the history of the Internet?
....
Who said cat videos?
Look, I know cats. I live with one. Cats are OK. I even let Thunder chase me around the house. But - and this is key - CATS ARE NOT ACTORS. There's a reason that W. C. Fields said, "You should never work with children or cats."
Hire a Dog!
Now, I am not saying that working with a dog actor is not without its challenges. In fact, you could say that the two most difficult things to work with in film are children and animals. I can give some tips about the animal side, you are on your own with the kids!
When considering working with animals have reasonable expectations, we are smart but we ARE animals. Patience is key to accomplishing the shot you need.
Hire a Dog!
To find your canine star, have a casting call or call a local talent agent. If you have your own casting call choose an animal not only with personality but with obedience skills, because unless you have a Disney budget you will want to get your shot in relatively few takes and without major editing. Or you know, hire me!
For best filmmaking results, your sets should be comfortable for your entire cast and crew, including canines!
Hire a Dog!
You may find using your animal star's image can be a great fundraising tool, as does using them for appearances at promotional events after your film screening. Careful though... your animal star may end up out-shining your human ones!
Igor Pug Dog is an Actor/Model Heading to the Big Screen. In his spare time he provides therapy to patients and he is a literacy dog who welcomes children to read to him. Follow Igor on Twitter: @IgorPugDog
Agree with Igor? Disagree? Have your own filmmaker tips, best practices or mistakes to avoid that you would like to share? Get in touch! E-Mail the YoungCuts Film Festival Director, Michael Ryan: Mike@YoungCuts.com