Good Boy: A Dog's Perspective in Horror - Behind the Scenes of the Award-Winning Film
The director of the horror movie "Good Boy," Ben Leonberg, emphasized that the lead actor in the film is his dog, Indy, who plays the main character in the story. Indy, an 8-year-old retriever, is the focus of the movie, which unfolds through his perspective as he navigates a creepy family home in the woods. The production process was not frightening for Indy, as the filmmakers projected a performance onto him using cinematography and sound design. The film won the Howl of Fame award at the South by Southwest film festival for its unique approach.
"Good Boy," a 73-minute film, was a labor of love for Leonberg and his wife, Kari Fischer, who shot the movie over three years while living with Indy in a North Jersey house. The actors provided voice-overs for the characters, but during filming, only Leonberg, Fischer, and Indy were involved. Indy, being a smart dog, started to enjoy the filming process and would get excited when the camera came out. The concept for the movie was inspired by the opening scene of "Poltergeist," where a dog senses a haunting before the humans do.
Leonberg experimented with using Indy in short films inspired by iconic horror movie scenes, such as a recreation of a moment from "The Shining." Controlling Indy's eye line and gaze was crucial for creating tension and suspense in the film. The filmmakers used the Kuleshov effect to convey emotions through Indy's neutral expressions. Maintaining a calm set environment and using food trails to guide Indy's movements were some of the techniques employed during filming.
Despite the challenges of working with a dog actor, Leonberg and Fischer were able to capture Indy's reactions to create a compelling narrative. Indy's character in the film is portrayed as brave and protective, although in reality, Indy's priorities lie with playtime and toys. The filmmakers ensured that the production followed guidelines for working with animals and registered with the American Humane Association. "Good Boy" showcases Indy's unique perspective in a horror setting, earning praise for his performance and the filmmakers' innovative approach.