Meet Indy, the Actor Dog Who Stars in ‘Good Boy’: A Film that Shows His True Passion for Napping
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Indy, a beloved middle-aged retriever, has taken the leap from being a family pet to a leading actor in the horror movie ‘Good Boy,’ directed by Ben Leonberg and produced by Kari Fischer. The film, which offers a unique perspective by narrating the story entirely from a dog’s point of view, was a labour of love for the duo who spent three years filming with their furry companion.
The idea for ‘Good Boy’ began to take shape back in 2017 when Leonberg, along with his co-writer Alex Cannon, started to develop the concept. Little did they know at the time that their loyal furry friend would play a crucial role in bringing the story to life. Indy’s performance in the film has garnered accolades, including acting nominations and a special ‘Howl of Fame’ award received at South by Southwest.
Despite his newfound fame, Indy remains blissfully unaware of his on-screen success. As Leonberg puts it, “He doesn’t know he got an award any more than he understands he was acting in a movie. So it won’t go to his head!” The transition from a regular family dog to a movie star was gradual, with Indy gradually grasping the cues of being in front of the camera and enjoying the daily stimulus that came with the role.
During the filming process, Indy’s natural reactions were key to conveying emotions on screen. Fischer explained how they would use unconventional commands like “chicken, pheasant” to evoke certain expressions from Indy, which, when combined with editing and music, translated into emotional performances that resonated with audiences.
Despite his success on screen, Indy’s true passion remains simple – napping. Leonberg jokingly mentions, “I think maybe his true favorite pastime is napping,” highlighting the laid-back nature of the talented actor dog when the cameras are not rolling.
The duo behind ‘Good Boy’ acknowledges the audience’s fascination with dogs in films and how they played with those expectations throughout the movie. Indy’s portrayal as the lead character challenged traditional horror tropes, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats and prompting many online searches regarding his fate in the film.
As the film hits theatres alongside major releases like Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl Release Party’ and Dwayne Johnson’s ‘The Smashing Machine,’ Leonberg remains confident in Indy’s ability to captivate viewers. Regardless of the competition, Indy’s performance promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences and reinforce the special bond between dogs and their human companions depicted in ‘Good Boy.’
‘Good Boy’ not only showcases Indy’s acting prowess but also stands as a testament to the dedication and creativity of Leonberg and Fischer, who turned a simple idea into a captivating film that celebrates the essence of man’s best friend. The heartwarming tale of Indy’s journey from a family pet to a movie star serves as a reminder of the special connections we share with our furry companions and the magic that unfolds when they become a part of our lives.