When it comes to animal performances, the idea of a dog taking center stage in a film often conjures up images of lovable pups in family-friendly roles. However, the filmmakers behind Good Boy—writer/director Ben Leonberg and producer Kari Fischer—have proven that dogs can also shine in darker, more complex roles. Their horror film, which recently premiered at SXSW, features Indy the Dog as the lead and delivers an exceptional performance that will tug at the heartstrings of any dog lover.
In Good Boy, Indy’s character faces the eerie experience of seeing strange shadows, family apparitions, and unsettling behavior from his owner, all set against the backdrop of a secluded family home in the countryside. Indy’s portrayal adds an emotional depth to the film that many human actors would struggle to replicate.
Leonberg and Fischer, who are also Indy’s owners, took a unique and intimate approach to filming. They spent three years crafting the movie, with much of the footage captured at their own home, where the production became a family affair. The duo’s dedication to authenticity extended beyond the visual aspects, with one entire version of the film including only Indy’s voice direction, showcasing how central the dog’s performance was to the narrative.
The Challenges of Working with Animals
Anyone familiar with the challenges of filmmaking knows the old adage: never work with animals or children. While the advice rings true in many cases due to the logistical hurdles involved, Leonberg and Fischer embraced these difficulties head-on, particularly when it came to capturing Indy’s performance.
“It’s costly and time-consuming,” says Leonberg. “Kids and animals can’t work full 12-hour days, and that means more time on set and longer schedules. It also means more patience—and we had to embrace the limitations as benefits.”
For the filmmakers, this meant adjusting to a slower pace of production and learning how to work within the natural rhythms of animal behavior. Instead of relying on multiple dogs or CGI, Indy’s real-time performance became the focus, even if it meant shooting many scenes multiple times to ensure his reactions were captured authentically.
Capturing Indy’s Performance (and Sound)
With Leonberg’s background in virtual reality, the team utilized immersive cameras to give audiences the low-to-the-ground perspective of Indy’s point of view. They also shot scenes twice—first with them interacting with Indy, and then with a blank plate for post-production editing.
Fischer emphasized how intuitive Indy was on set, quickly learning that the camera meant it was time to perform. A major challenge, however, came when capturing quieter moments, such as Indy’s naps and moments when he woke up. To ensure accuracy, the production often featured a closed set, with a great deal of verbal coaching and direction provided for Indy. The final film even contains an audio track consisting primarily of commands like “Good boy” as the crew guided the dog’s actions.
Stuntwork and Practical Effects
In a third-act sequence set in the rain, the filmmakers were determined to ensure that Indy’s safety remained the priority. While there were moments of action, the team used reverse techniques, speed ramping, and practical effects to create the illusion of danger without ever putting Indy in harm’s way.
“Sometimes it’s about the camera tricks—undercranking and overcranking—to make things look faster or more intense than they are,” Leonberg explains. “For the truly dangerous stunts, we used a stuffed version of Indy, ‘Findy,’ to avoid putting him in risky situations.”
What They Learned Making the Film
Despite the challenges, both Leonberg and Fischer found the experience educational. Leonberg reflected on the slower, more intentional approach to filmmaking that was necessitated by working with an animal actor. “It’s about using time as a resource,” he says, drawing a comparison to the quick-paced film production style most commonly seen in Hollywood. “Instead of making a film in a sprint, we made it like a marathon.”
Their approach to Good Boy was, in many ways, an act of patience and perseverance—a reminder that working with animals can create opportunities for unique storytelling and unforgettable performances.
So, should you make a movie with a dog as the star? If you’re prepared to embrace the challenges, work with a talented animal actor like Indy, and are willing to put in the time, effort, and creativity, the answer is a resounding yes.
And as for Indy, the good boy of Good Boy, he’s already proven he’s ready for the big leagues—paw shake and all.
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