HOLLYWOOD PAWS
Launched in May 2001, Hollywoodpaws.com is the place to go online if
you think your dog should be in the movies -- or at the least, a magazine
ad! If you and your pooch agree on this but disagree on who's in charge
when it comes to commands, then better click your way to an obedience
trainer first. The how-to information at Hollywood Paws is clear on one
point: An obedience trained dog is a prerequisite to stardom. Notice the
word prerequisite. Don't get that confused with "guarantee."
Steve Kelley, president, Hollywood Paws, told us "We currently have
568 dog portfolios on the site. Many of the dogs have professional
experience and many more have achieved high levels of training."
Don't be put off by the caliber of the competition. Now you know
that the basics are required. Directors frequently look for animals who
know fundamental obedience (sit, stay, down, come), can bark on command,
lie down with head on paws, hold an item in their mouth, show teeth and go
to a target. Next, you'll need to mingle with the right crowd. Success is
dependent upon contacts. It's a whom you know business, even in doggie- wood.
"HollywoodPaws is a new concept in the world of animal actors. The
industry is very much geared towards contacts and previous experience,"
explained Kelley. "HollywoodPaws offers a tertiary market for directors,
casting directors, and trainers to find the dog or cat they need which they
are unable to find through their normal channels."
Kelley said that you can set your sites on film or TV if you live in
Los Angeles, but those living elsewhere have a better chance at getting
into print media.
If you have posted your dog's photo (free-of-charge) and finished the
wealth of information at hollywoodpaws.com on how to get your dog onto the
path to media success, you may want to make contact with Paula Ratoza of
the Feathers and Fur Talent Agency located online at:
http://www.rwworld.com/feathersandfur/talentagency/
A 30-year veteran dog trainer, Ratoza helps cast, train and handle
dogs in movies, theater, print ads, fashion shows and more. Her list of
credits are impressive. She charges a nominal fee to evaluate your dog and
shoot portfolio photos. Email her at:
feathersandfur2000@yahoo.com or
call: 503-255-1422.
VISIT THE SITE at:
http://www.hollywoodpaws.com/
