Filmmaking's Furriest Friend: The Challenges of Directing a Canine Star

Filmmaking's Furriest Friend: The Challenges of Directing a Canine Star Los Angeles, CA – May 28, 2025 – Filmmaker Ben Leonberg recently shared the unexpected hurdles he faced while directing his new movie, "Good Boy." In an interview with Den Of Geek, Leonberg highlighted the unique challenges of working with a canine actor who, naturally, didn't grasp the concept of acting for the camera. "The biggest challenge is that the dog doesn't know he's in a movie, and he never will," Leonberg explained. This presented a significant obstacle, requiring the production team to adapt their methods. They built the production schedule around the dog's natural routine, and relied heavily on careful editing to create the final product. The result, however, is a film that maintains a sense of authenticity and naturalism, according to Leonberg. The film's success demonstrates the creative solutions filmmakers employ to overcome unexpected challenges on set.