Oversees all animal work on set. Coordinates trainers, ensures safety and animal welfare, plans logistics for performances and camera positioning.
What is an Animal Coordinator?
The Animal Coordinator is the head of all animal-related activities on a film production. They coordinate animal trainers (wranglers), ensure animal welfare regulations are met, plan animal scenes, and serve as the liaison between animals and the film crew.
Main Tasks
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Planning | Prepare animal scenes |
| Coordination | Lead the wrangler team |
| Animal Welfare | Adhere to welfare standards |
| Safety | Crew and animal safety |
| Communication | Advise director/production |
Areas of Responsibility
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Production | Animal selection, training planning |
| On-Set | Daily coordination |
| Compliance | Authorities, Humane Society |
| Logistics | Transport, housing |
| Budget | Animal-related costs |
Team Structure
| Role | Function |
|---|---|
| Animal Coordinator | Overall responsibility |
| Head Wrangler | Lead trainer for main animals |
| Animal Wrangler | Animal trainer, handler |
| Vet On-Call | Veterinary standby |
| Safety Rep | Humane Society representative |
Typical Animal Categories
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Pets | Dogs, cats |
| Horses | Riding, carriage |
| Exotic | Reptiles, birds |
| Wild Animals | Lions, bears (trained) |
| Insects | Bees, spiders |
| Aquatic | Fish, marine animals |
Animal Welfare Standards
| Organization | Role |
|---|---|
| American Humane | "No Animals Were Harmed" |
| PETA | Monitoring, criticism |
| Veterinary Office | Regulatory requirements |
| Insurance | Damage coverage |
On-Set Protocols
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Limited Takes | Max working time for animals |
| Rest Periods | Mandatory breaks |
| Environment | Climate, noise controlled |
| Handling | Only authorized personnel |
| Emergency Plan | Emergency protocol |
Workflow for Animal Scenes
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Bring animal to set |
| Blocking | Rehearse without animal |
| Rehearsal | With animal, without camera |
| Shooting | As few takes as possible |
| Break | Return animal to rest area |
Communication with Director
| Topic | Advice |
|---|---|
| Feasibility | What's possible, what's not |
| Alternatives | CGI, animatronics |
| Timing | How long an animal needs |
| Expectations | Realistic limitations |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Unpredictability | Schedule extra time |
| Noise on Set | Quiet requirements |
| Many People | Clear the set for the animal |
| Weather | Protective measures |
| Stress | Prioritize well-being |
Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Animal Experience | Years with various animals |
| Film Knowledge | Understanding of set procedures |
| Certifications | Animal training, handling |
| Network | Contacts with wranglers |
| Communication | Crew management |
Costs (approx.)
| Service | Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| Animal Coordinator | €500–€1,200 |
| Head Wrangler | €400–€800 |
| Wrangler | €300–€600 |
| Animal Rental | Varies greatly |
| Transport | Separate |
Legal Aspects
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Permits | Species-specific |
| Insurance | Mandatory |
| Documentation | All activities |
| Compliance | "No Animals Harmed" |
Today
The Animal Coordinator is indispensable for any production involving animals. In an era of heightened animal welfare sensitivity, they guarantee ethical standards and legal compliance while simultaneously enabling creative possibilities – a balancing act that requires expertise and experience.
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