Pet casting agency, Animal Direction says it enjoyed a record year with one of its clients being recognised by BAFTA.
The agency saw their client Chilli the fox red Labrador featuring in footage for Channel 4’s Late Night Lycett BAFTA nomination earlier this year. The Joe Lycett-hosted show went on to win in the best comedy entertainment category.
Media City-based Animal Direction has confirmed multiple roles for its clients in production with many household names, including shows like ITV’s Protection, starring Siobhan Finneran, and Harlan Coben’s new Netflix series Missing You starring Richard Armitage.
Director and Founder Davina Hamilton-Maddox says she set up the business as a hobby in 2012 after the completion of a catalogue for a pet-brand client. The casting agency has steadily gained success, with seven staff members spread across the country in order to meet national demand. This year, Animal Direction’s annual turnover broke the £100K barrier.
Ms Hamilton-Maddox said: “I’m thrilled with the unprecedented success of Animal Direction and we’re going from strength to strength collaborating with major producers and casting directors on high-profile shows.”
“The welfare of our animals is top priority for my agency and I’m proud of our nationwide availability of cats, dogs, snakes, rabbits, horses and more, meaning we can get to any location, ensuring the animals are not having to travel far, that they are looked after and therefore they can do their best for the shoot with minimal takes.”
The agency has worked with major brands such as Harringtons and Pets at Home, Wren Kitchens and Holland & Barrett. Their team are able to offer other services through their ‘Vet on Set’ and animal training offerings.
Art Director, Leila Alice Smith, says: “I have been working with Davinia and the team for a number of years casting different animals for tv shows. They are absolutely great to deal with and their genuine care for the animals and their owners is clear to see with an approach that is far from a transaction.”
The Animal Direction team, from left: Diane Hannon, Davinia Hamilton-Maddox, Rachel Bean, Vicki Dawe (Image: Animal Direction) Don’t miss the latest news and analysis with our regular North West newsletters – sign up here for free
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