Filmmakers David Siegel and Scott McGehee share the story of casting Bing, a 150-pound Great Dane, for their movie The Friend—and the careful training it took to make him a star.
A Surprising Search for a Star
Back in 2020, Siegel and McGehee were on the lookout for a leading canine for The Friend, an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel. They traveled to Newton, Iowa, where they met a two-year-old Great Dane named Bing, who seemed perfect for the role. The only hitch? He wasn’t the five-year-old, 150-pound dog described in the book. However, Bing’s youth ended up being a blessing in disguise, as delays due to the pandemic gave him ample time to mature into his role as the giant, lovable dog, Apollo.
Bing’s Path to Stardom
Despite his early immaturity, Bing grew into a remarkable film star over the next few years. With the help of his dedicated trainer, Bill Berloni, and his owner, Bev Klingensmith, Bing’s transformation into Apollo was a labor of love. In The Friend, Bing portrays Apollo, a Harlequin Great Dane who becomes a grieving writer’s unexpected companion after her best friend passes away.
Siegel and McGehee spoke highly of Bing’s ability to learn and be obedient on set, even as a giant dog in a cramped New York apartment. His chemistry with Naomi Watts (playing Iris) was central to the film’s emotional heart, and Bing’s playful yet serious demeanor made him an ideal partner for the actress.
The Audition Process
Siegel explained that casting a dog for a movie involves more than just physical appearance. “What is the countenance of the dog?” he asked. “Does his face express something? Does he seem approachable, yet capable of acting? And does he get along with people?” Alongside these visual and personality traits, Berloni assessed whether the dog was responsive and trainable—a crucial factor for working on a film set.
Bing’s Secret to Acting Success
One of the most intriguing parts of Bing’s movie-star appeal was his ability to stay calm and composed, even with the challenges of filming in a busy city like New York. With Berloni’s expert training and guidance, Bing was able to perform complex behaviors on cue, providing the film’s directors with a reliable and professional animal actor.
While Bing’s size and stature were key to his role, it was his gentleness and temperament that made him stand out. Whether he was rolling over, lying down, or interacting with his human co-stars, Bing captured the essence of Apollo’s character: an enormous, grief-stricken dog forging a bond with his owner.
The Final Scene-Stealer
Bing’s scenes in The Friend are some of the most heartwarming and memorable. His physicality was integral to the storyline, but it was his connection with Watts that truly brought the character to life. According to Siegel, “Bing’s ability to form that special bond with Naomi made all the difference in the world for the emotional core of the movie.”
From being a young pup to a giant movie star, Bing proved that, when it comes to casting and training a giant dog, patience and care are key to success on the big screen.
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