Introducing our new campaign, directed by Sylvia Suli and featuring dogs from our community.
We’ve been shooting with dogs from our community for a while now, and they’re quite different from working with human models.
Everything about how we run a shoot is designed to keep things calm and low pressure. For the dogs, but also for their people.
In light of our newest campaign coming out, we thought we would share what we’ve learned about doing shoots with dogs and how to get the best out of them, and meet Banzai, Bonnie, Cherub, Chicken, Rocket & Tanuki.
How we set up the day
In the studio, we shot most dogs individually and staggered arrivals to keep the number of dogs in the space low. We kept crew numbers to a minimum, too. Even the friendliest dog can find it overwhelming if a room is suddenly full of unfamiliar dogs, new people, lights, and equipment. Less stimulation means calmer dogs - and a much calmer experience all around.
When planning the day, we always build in extra time into the schedule. The buffer means we can run a little late without new dogs arriving before we’re ready.
Arrival and settling in
The single most important thing we’ve learned: don’t rush.
Dogs need time to settle before you start filming or shooting. Skip that part and the whole thing can quickly become overwhelming and you don’t get the best out of your time with the dogs.
We give them time to work out where they are. To sniff the equipment, explore the corners of the room, meet the crew, and take in all the new smells and sounds.
Their owners stay on set too. Some dogs respond best when their person is the one speaking to them while we shoot. Others just like being able to check in now and then, a quick glance or wander over that helps them feel secure.
The result
When we work this way, you see relaxed, happy dogs in the images and free and joyful movement in the footage.
And just as important, the day itself feels good.
Watch the videos here.
Credits:
Director: Sylvia Suli
Production: Little Giant Production
Director of Photography: Simona Pranulytė
1st AC: Matilda Davy
Gaffer: Connor Adam
Editor: Nina Żabicka
Grade: John Layton
Online Editor & Sound: Millie Gray
Talent:
Banzai & Emily
Bonnie & Sylvia
Cherub & Sami
Chicken & Louise
Rocket & Krystal
Tanuki & Nina
