"I can't speak American dog very well. There was a lot of improvisation with Uggie - like when I put the dog on the table or sometimes I follow him, sometimes he follows me. I had a lot of treats in my pocket. We worked with Omar Von Muller, the dog trainer. It was very easy because it was a big movie"
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Jean Dujardin's quote shows his experience dealing with an animal actor, Uggie the dog, throughout the shooting of a film. The quote uses a captivating insight into the unpredictability and delight of dealing with pet dogs in movie, in addition to a look into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of filmmaking.
When Dujardin states, "I can't speak American pet dog very well", he humorously acknowledges the language barrier in between people and animals, especially while working in an English-speaking environment, given his French background. This phrase underscores the universal challenge of communicating with animals, who can not comprehend human speech in the standard sense. It highlights the need of non-verbal interaction and the importance of gestures, treats, and improvisation when working with pet dogs.
The reference of improvisation suggests a versatile and adaptive method to scenes involving Uggie. In filmmaking, especially when dealing with animals, the ability to adapt to unexpected changes is important. Dujardin points out putting the canine on the table and sometimes following it, recommending a spontaneous interaction that reflects Uggie's natural habits instead of a rigidly scripted performance. This kind of improvisation can include authenticity and beauty to a scene, as it enables the animal's personality to shine through.
Dujardin's reference to having treats in his pocket is a nod to a typical method utilized by trainers and actors to preserve an animal's focus and encourage them to carry out particular actions on hint. It is a practical method that strengthens the bond in between the star and the animal, making the on-screen interaction more fluid and believable.
Last but not least, Dujardin's remark about working with Omar Von Muller, the popular dog fitness instructor, implies a collaborative effort to harness Uggie's skills and ensure his efficiency improves the movie. The declaration that "it was extremely simple due to the fact that it was a huge movie" suggests that the scale of the production provided the required resources and support for an effective partnership in between human and canine actors.
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