Performing on a West End stage or under the dazzling spotlights of Hollywood may all be in a day’s work for some in show business, but what about an animal taking centre stage?
Ranging from dogs to donkeys and tigers to owls, animals have managed to land roles or make appearances on such sets as Blue Peter, Don Quixote and Harry Potter.
Also appearing on the Lloyd’s bank, Esso and PG Tips adverts, animals always seem to be a big hit among audiences worldwide. But what potential risks surround this issue on and off set?
According to Gerry Cott of A-Z Animals, a broker that writes its business through Lloyd’s insurer Novae, the approach to insurance and risk assessment has developed greatly and is far more sophisticated than it was 20 years ago.
“In order to establish a coherent risk on set, I look at the scenario from the animals’ point of view,” Cott says. “There are two aspects that need to be taken into consideration, Public Liability Insurance cover and Risk Assessment of the particular filming assignment.
“With Public Liability, the cover in place would be to protect the cast and crew if one of the animals accidentally trod on their toes or kicked a piece of scenery causing damage.
“Risk Assessment on the other hand, looks at what the animal is required to do and where difficulties in shooting may occur so therefore I am covering the performance of the animal, their welfare and safety to actors and crew members.
“I also insist on having an independent vet on set, which was initially questioned by film crews but now is seen as the norm. I wanted film companies to start treating the animals like actors or children as opposed to additional props.
Much work is done by an insurer before an animal is allowed to take part in filming. Cott continues: “If a film director approached me and wanted to use a horse in a restaurant then I would need access to the location the day before in order to familiarise the horse with the area and any loud noises that may exist in that environment. It is essential that I use a horse with a docile temperament.
“If there was a scene where I felt that it would not be safe for the animal, I would identify this with the film company in the planning stages. Around 95% of the decisions are made before the filming takes place.
“We always document what we’re doing so it is safe and secure and so that we can demonstrate what we have done. We go through everything with a fine tooth comb and in the 25 years of business that we have been running, we have never had a claim.”
But not all animal/performer relationships are plain sailing. Five years ago in the US, Roy Horn of magic double-act Siegfried and Roy was attacked by his 400-pound tiger, Montecore, during a show at The Mirage on the Las Vegas strip.
Audience members were shocked to realise the attack was not part of an illusion or magic trick. The seven year old tiger had been hand reared from birth so what provoked the attack is unknown. Horn has now recovered from the attack.
