Even though AI can render almost any wild animal with absolute realism, it can never match the authenticity of live animals in movies. However, they come with their own set of challenges. Here is what you should know to avoid potential mishaps.
Does Georgia allow the use of wild animals in filmmaking?
Georgia laws generally allow featuring real wild animals in motion pictures. However, they have strict guidelines in place for that. In order to feature any wild animal in your movie, you have to hire a qualified animal wrangler who holds the film production wildlife (FPW) permit. These licensed professionals carry the primary responsibility for the safety and legal compliance of the animals on screen. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean the production house has zero liability.
Can you import wild animals to a film set in Georgia?
Georgia law prioritizes the safety of both wild animals and people on the set. Because of that, it has restricted permits for importing certain wild animals. Animals belonging to the Cervidae family (deer, elk) and those that have the potential to act as a carrier for rabies are usually restricted.
Potential legal and financial risks of using wild animals
Using wild animals in films comes with significant legal risks. In particular, productions frequently face the following critical legal and financial liabilities:
- Permit violations that may halt production.
- Liability for injuries to cast, crew or third parties.
- Insurance coverage disputes following an animal-related incident.
- Contractual disputes with animal suppliers and handlers.
- Regulatory penalties for improper transport or possession of wildlife.
- Production delays caused by investigations following injuries or escapes.
Beyond the immediate financial fallout, non-compliance can permanently damage a production company’s reputation within the industry.
Why you should consider a legal guide
Wild animals on a film set may sound nice, but a single unfortunate incident or procedural lapse can hit the brakes on the entire movie, incurring thousands of dollars in loss. To make sure the film production doesn’t go into jeopardy, it is important to have an experienced entertainment attorney as your legal counsel.