Animals in Films

[Jennifer Gray (Maurine)]

I recently visited the American Human Association's website on movies and tv shows. <BR> <BR><A HREF="http://www.ahafilm.org/index.html" TARGET="_top">http://www.ahafilm.org/index.html</A> <BR> <BR>Though I am aware that past abuses have occured, I was surprised to see that abuses still occure, and apparently not all film makers choose to abide by human laws and animal treatment. I of course became curious to the use of animals in both current films and even past joint projects with Centropolis...I felt certain no animals were abused, but was curious what the site had to say about your films. I was very surprised as to the leanghts that were taken, in particular with Stargate and The Patriot, to make sure animals were not hurt, and were very comfy on set. <BR> <BR><A HREF="http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=7423" TARGET="_top">http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=7423</A> for Eight Legged Freaks, <BR><A HREF="http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=6200" TARGET="_top">http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=6200</A> for Independance Day, <BR><A HREF="http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=191" TARGET="_top">http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=191</A> for The Patriot, and <BR><A HREF="http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=6551" TARGET="_top">http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=6551</A> for Stargate. <BR> <BR>I am curious as to what extent the film makers are involved in these decisions? It seems obvious that a lot of the proper use is directly related to the feelings of the film makers, as some films are not made to American Humane Association standards. Are you guys actively involved in the direction that the film takes in this regard, or is it just a process of filming in the US? <BR> <BR>I found it particularly interesting as to how the costumes were done for the horses in Stargate, and all the work that was done. It seems this film went to a lot of effort in both animal use and care. Also, I was surprised that the American Human Association was very specific in it's mentioning that horses in the filming of The Patriot were protected with fire retardant, special bayonet props, and even going into detail as to the digging of pits that were then filled with soft dirt for stunt horses to fall onto. I was also surprised as to the draining of the swamp so a road could be lade so the horses would not slip while walking. I like animals a lot, and even I would not have thought of many of these things.

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

And to think, here my little hoss is outside right now, living HAPPILY in 30 below temperatures, with nothing on but his fur and a smile. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> He's got a shelter, but he rarely goes in it. He loves being outside. He runs, bucks, kicks, and just plain seems to LOVE the cold. When I put the dog out there with him, they run around together, oblivious of the snow and ice, slipping sometimes, falling once or twice, but they don't care. They get right back up and do it all over again. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[Mike]

Stunt Yak and dog available for hire...?

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

Thats the Spirit! Brrrrrr...icicle whiskers. A new blanket of fresh snow when I lived North of here was an invitation to saddle up and hit the trails, and yes they do seem to love it. Thanks Jen, I was curious about that fuzzy cat scene in 8LF's. On some sets of The Patriot, there were even people checking to make sure the shore birds (cranes, egrets, pelicans etc) and 'gators were OK.

[Jennifer Gray (Maurine)]

Yeah...I am just curious how much of this was done at the concerns of the film makers... Or is someone just brought onto the set with the task of making sure all animals are ok and not hurt? I mean, does the AHA tell everyone what to do, or what?

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

I thought I saw in the credits of some films something about the ASPCA being there to oversee filming animals to be assured they weren't being mistreated?

[Mike]

That's the American Humane Association. In other counties it's overseen by the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. <BR> <BR>If the AHA (not to be confused with the American Hoteliers Association) handled people, it would probably read..."Jackie Chan did not harm himself during the making of this motion picture." Or, "Barry Sonnenfeld did not throw up during the making of this motion picture."

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

I'm sure there are rules and regulations that are required to be followed and from what I've seen, the filmmakers have shown a genuine concern for the well-being of any animals involved, as well as the people working near and around those animals.

[mike]

It's only the small independants that need to have the SPCAW (Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Actors and Writers - known as SAG Actors Equity and AWG) supervise their production.