Hepburn Shire’s resident animal trainer for film, television and theatre, Rebecca Faulkner, will be speaking to residents about her work at Trentham and Daylesford libraries next week.
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Ms Faulkner, who comes to the region from England, got into the animal training industry “by chance”.
“I started off my career by pure luck actually. Back when I was still living in England I applied for a job at the local safari park. The head keeper who interviewed me said I reminded him of somebody else he used to work with and gave me a chance.
“I often think back about that because if I hadn’t got that job, I don’t think I would have applied for other jobs with animals. I didn’t know that was my passion and I don’t know where I would be now. But that lead me on this amazing road to where I am now,” she said.
At Woburn Safari Park, in Buckinghamshire, Ms Faulkner worked as a trainer, working with parrots, sea lions, lemurs and other exotic mammals.
“I came out on a nine month trip to Australia to visit other training sessions along the east coast and ended up in Alice Springs. I there met my mentor and newly formed business partner. When my nine months were up, I decided to stay.”
Ms Faulkner has been training dogs since 2012, when she scored a position as a dog training assistant on the set of the Legally Blonde Musical, which toured Australia.
She has been living in Coomoora for three years and has freelanced during that time, working with dogs on kids TV shows, in advertising and on films.
One of the things I love is watching the confidence of an individual animal grow.
- Rebecca Faulkner
She said the key for a successful canine actor was for the dog to be comfortable and able to thrive in a busy, noisy environment like a film set.
“I like to use my own dogs as I know what they’re capable of and what they’re comfortable with, but people don’t always want a koolie or a terrier, so I have to find a dog that fits the brief visually and in their confidence abilities,” she said.
“I’d never put an animal up for a job if it’s uncomfortable or won’t enjoy it- that’s a really important part of my work.”
Both of her rescue dogs, Teddy and Daisy, are booked for a couple of jobs this year.
“One of the things I love is watching the confidence of an individual animal grow. Daisy is a typical feisty and bubbly terrier. But when I first got Teddy, he was a worry wart.
“I don’t think he left the farm until he was re-homed- he was scared of other dogs and of people. Over the years I have worked really hard to change his emotional response,” she said.
She said she also enjoyed teaching people, especially on set, that animals are versatile and capable of more than just tricks.
The event, on Tuesday July 3, is free but space is limited. Call 5348 2800 for more information or to book a place.
