Certified Animal Action Overview

American Humane Society closely monitored every scene involving animals in this film. From playful dogs to majestic horses, every animal you see on screen was guided with patience and care. Trainers used gentle cues and plenty of treats to make each moment look natural, while safe sets and well-stocked pens kept animals comfortable behind the scenes. During the bustling carnival and exciting race sequences, handlers stayed close, making sure the animals were calm and confident. Thanks to this teamwork between production and our No Animals Were Harmed™ program, the animals could shine on camera while staying happy and safe.

Detailed Animal Action Report

In the scene where the actors walk into the library and a dog runs past them, prior to filming the trainer led the dog to the set using a lead. Then the handler sat the dog just out of the shot. On action, the handler called the dog and the dog ran into the room ahead of the actors and up to the trainer who stood behind the camera.

In the scene where the actors walk around a field preparing a carnival and we see horses in the background, including a man leading the horse talk to another actor and the horse leans down and nudges him lovingly, the horse was prepped by the trainer by turning his back on the horse and rewarding him with food and praise when he nudged him for more. The same action and reward was rehearsed with the actor, so it was almost second nature for the horse when they shot the scene. Throughout the day the trainers made sure all the horses were fed and watered.

In the scene where the actor walks on field with his dog with sheep in the background, prior to shooting the scene, the trainer led the dog to the set on a lead. On set, the trainer gave the dog some treats before cameras rolled. On action, the dog naturally trotted ahead of the actor. When the actor reached the camera, the trainer placed the collar and lead back on the dog. The sheep in the background belonged to the estate next to the one where they were filming.

In the scene where the same actor and dog walk into the village, before filming the trainer brought the dog to the set on a lead, gave the actor treats to get the dog’s attention and keep in his pocket. When the cameras rolled, the trainer took off the dog’s lead and went to his mark with the actor. On action, the actor walked with the dog with the dog following.

In the scene at the horse races, they filmed the scene at a real race course in England. The horses were well looked after throughout the day and lived in the facilities at the course. The scene showed jockeys walking around with horses in the background while actors talked in the stands. Throughout the day, the horses were fed, watered and provided hay.  Just before they filmed the scene, the jockeys and costumed grooms led the horses to their marks. On action, they walked to their determined marks.

When the race occurs, production filmed real jockeys riding their horses. Prior to shooting, production ensured all race posts, fences and gateways were closed. The day before the shoot, the jockeys were instructed on how to race their horses by an experienced film jockey, including being briefed on riding with slower speeds with a soft start and slow finish. On action, the horses galloped at half speed as they reached the finish line. After they called cut, all horses were checked by trainers and a vet.

In the scene that took place in a carnival in an open field where actors stand under tents and people lead horses and walk dogs in the background, trainers brought animals to the background actors and/or costumed grooms and placed them on their marks. On action, they walked with their animals naturally from point A to point B.

In the same scene where the actors watch a professional horse rider jump over obstacles in a small arena, prior to filming the professional rider mounted her horse and rode around the arena to prep for action. On action, she jumped the obstacles, which she’s trained to do as a professional show jumper.

In the same carnival scene, we also see pigs in a pen, sheep being sheared and cattle in a paddock, prior to filming the animals were moved from their pastures and brought to the pens on set. Each species and breed were placed in their own pen. The animals were moved and handled by their owners and trainers. The trainers were dressed in costume so they could always be close to the animals. Prior to filming, the pens were inspected for safety and cleanliness and to make sure all the animals had plenty of water and food. All the actors, including background actors, were instructed to not touch the animals. After filming the scene the trainers brought the animals back to their pastures.