I have an amazing looking dog, and I want to get him into modeling in
New York.  Where do I start, and what do I have to do?

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Request for Question Clarification by politicalguru-ga on 10 Apr 2004 15:19 PDT

Dear Eddie, 

What do you mean by "modelling"? If you mean, dogs that appear in
commercials and advertisments, these dogs are usually trained to
handle it.

Hello Eddie!

Thanks for a great question...!

As an avid dog lover myself, I found researching this topic to be a lot of fun.

Open casting calls are not as common with Animal Actors as they are
with their human counterparts. Typically, a professional trainer is
contacted with a specific request. The trainer either fills the
request from their stable, or they find what they need from a network
of contacts.

One such contact is HollywoodPaws.  Some of these trainers use
HollywoodPaws to find what they need.

     HollywoodPaws, Inc.
     http://www.hollywoodpaws.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=casting


On the HollywodPaws web site, checkout the Ask Anne section, where
they discuss the process of getting your "Animal Actor" into show
business. You can create an online portfolio for your pooch, post a
note, include a link to photos of your dog, and leave your phone
number if you want to be included in their "Animal Actor Network."

     Ask Anne
     http://www.hollywoodpaws.com/ask_anne/

According to Anne Gordon, the most important qualities your pet needs
are "a high degree of training, an outgoing and friendly personality,
and the ability to accept commands and focus while many distractions
are occurring."   You can read more at the above link.

But clearly, a calm temperament and solid training are must-have's. 
You need a film trainer who is respected in the industry.  They can be
expensive, but if your dog has what it takes, it can be worth it.

Since you're in New York, my first recommendation would be to contact
All Star Animals.  They list themselves as "NEW YORK'S MOST BEAUTIFUL
TALENTED EXOTIC and DOMESTIC ANIMALS FOR STAGE, PRINT, and FILM." 
They are located in New York City, and their credits include: 
Dillards, Daniel Cremieux, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Nickelodeon,
Markus Klinko Photography, British, GQ, National Geographic TV, Today
Show,Neiman Marcus, Howard Stern Show.

     All Star Animals 
     http://www.allstaranimals.com/
     Phone: 516.569.5014
     Email: aatopdog@aol.com 


Also, here is a site that exists to help directors (and their
assistants) locate the resources they need when filming.  One category
they cover includes animal handlers, exactly the people who need to
know about your dog!

     AssistantDirectors.com
     http://assistantdirectors.com/Links/People/Animal_Handlers/index.shtml

And here is a site that lists several dozen show business trainers:

     Planet Pets - Animal Actors Trainers
     http://www.planet-pets.com/actors.htm


In addition to developing a rapport with an appropriate trainer, I'd
ask the trainer to make referrals to other animal owners who you might
be able to take to lunch, and share ideas / stories with.

Also, you may find the following articles to be of interest:

     DOG STARS & BEAR NECESSITIES: Hollywood and the Animal Actor
     http://www.thestranger.com/1999-03-04/film.html


Finally, consider creating (or paying someone to create) a web site
for your dog.  For example:

     "Ginger - the dog actor"
     http://home.earthlink.net/~boardman/index.html

Michele Boardman is Ginger's owner/trainer.  You might want to call
him and ask if he's be willing to take a look at your pictures, or
refer you to someone else in the business.  Mr. Boardman's email
address and phone number are listed on Ginger's web site.


I wish you all the best in your efforts to help your cute canine make
it big and get the attention he/she deserves!  Please let me know if
you need any clarification, or if I can answer any more questions!

Thanks again!

Boingo-ga


Some of my research included the following searches:

://www.google.com/search?num=20&hl=en&lr=lang_en&ie=ISO-8859-1&safe=off&q=animal+casting+call

://www.google.com/search?q=%22animal+actor%22&num=20&hl=en&lr=lang_en&ie=ISO-8859-1&safe=off

://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=animal+actor+short+notice+job

Amazing!!! Thanks for all your help.  I'll keep you posted.