Focusing On Improving My Pet's Behavior

If you are filming a movie, and you want to include reptiles in the film, you need to understand the process of including reptiles in the film before you sign off on any script that involves their usage. Adding reptiles and other animals to your film can make it seem more real; however, you have to be committed to treating the animals fairly, providing for their needs, and paying for their trainer.  

Treat the Animals Fairly

First, you need to make sure that the script involves treating the animals in a safe manner. You should not be doing any stunts with the animals or putting them in any situation where they will be harmed. You need to make sure that the way you plan on using the reptiles will allow them to be themselves and will not put them in harm's way.  

You need to speak to the actors that will be handling the reptiles to make sure that they are comfortable with being around the reptiles and that they are committed to treating the reptiles fairly.  

Provide for the Animals Needs

Second, you need to be prepared to provide for the reptiles' needs when they are on set. That means making sure that they have a cage or area to hang out in when not on set that is set-up correctly for them. For example, an iguana would need to be in a tank that offers the right amount of heat and light for their needs.  

You also need to make sure that clean water and food are on set for the animals at all times. You need to make sure they are being properly fed when they are on set.  

The Animals Come with a Trainer

Finally, you need to make sure that a trainer will come with the animals. A trainer will make sure that the animals are properly taken care of. A trainer will also be able to help direct and instruct the animals and make sure that you are getting what you want out of the animals when they are on camera. An instructor can provide instructions for the actors to help the shoots go better.  

Adding reptiles to your film can really take it to the next level. Using real reptiles in your film will give it a depth of realism. If you decide to move forward with having real reptiles in your film, you need to commit to treating the animals fairly, providing for their needs, and making sure that there is a trainer on-site to advocate for the reptiles need and to help control them during filming.   

For more information on using trained animals for film, contact a company in your area like Animals For Film by Teresa Ann Miller.