With experience spanning from insects to eagles, we've had the blissful opportunity to work with many of the incredible animals that call this planet home.
As animal trainers and animal wranglers in the film and TV industry, we use this experience everyday.
At Fowl Play
Your success is our success
At script development stage, we offer insights into the natural behavioural repertoire of the species in question, creating believable animal action on screen.
In pre-production we provide scheduling advice to ADs to maximise the use of the animals, provide regular video updates to the creative team and of course, train our animals to the script.
During production we are on set working to make the magic happen during the work hours.
When the camera stops we're feeding, cleaning and preparing for tomorrow.
We liken ourselves to puppeteers & love creating behaviours & actions that evoke an emotional response from our audience, firmly establishing the animals as strong characters within each story.
We all know it's Jim Henson that brings kermit to life...the only difference being that we put our hands in our food pouches.
Script development
We know animals. We live with these extraordinary beings inside our homes. We see a variety of personalities, behave in fascinating ways, in diverse environments.
Contact us for all your 'how would an animal behave in this scenario' questions.
Script breakdown
We offer script breakdown for all animal action throughout your screenplay and offer up suggestions and realistic actions for each scene. This is were we can nut out what kinds of situations our animals will work in & begin a training plan tailored to the script.
Animal auditioning, casting and sourcing
Searching for that very specific 'look' for you project? Maybe you're searching for a Titular role scruffy dog for a feature film, or heritage breeds of chickens for a period TV production, or a group of dogs for a play in the Theatre.
Whatever your needs we can arrange animal auditions & source animals with the correct 'look' who can work comfortably on set.
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Pre-training
Once our animal roles have been cast, we begin training to create the animal character. Far more than just tricks, we focus on creating natural looking behaviours which are Actor lead, creating animals who are involved in the scenes, not focused on the trainers.
Pre-production
During pre-training and pre-pro, we send video updates of the training & begin to create the scenes from the script. This is an important time for the Director, DOP and 1AD to see and understand how we will work the animals on set in the scenes. Pre-production is the most important period for discussions between director, IAD & animal trainers. It’s here we can discuss specific shots, your wish list with our animals and how we are going to work together during the coming weeks.
Filming
The most important element from our perspective is to be present on set to watch blocking of any scenes the animals will be involved with. Think of us as puppeteers... you direct us and we direct the animals. This is such a great collaborative process, as good communication is the foundation for magical moments on screen.
Post-production
We can facilitate animal appearances at events, premieres, fundraisers and more! Want an extraordinary red carpet entrance?
Contact us to see what we can create!
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hello.fowlplay@gmail.com​​
0458973326​​​
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