Good Boy: A Conversation with Indy (Yes, the Dog) | Set Stories w/ Ben Leonberg & Indy

Summary

Ben Leenberg, writer and director of *Good Boy*, shares the behind-the-scenes journey of making the film with his dog, Indie. Over three years, Indie became the star of the film, and the process was a unique family project, with Ben and his wife handling most of the crew roles. Indie’s natural charm and quirks shaped the film’s storytelling, with Ben learning to work around the dog’s unpredictable nature to capture compelling performances. The experience deepened Ben’s understanding of point of view in storytelling and reinforced the special bond between filmmaker and pet, making *Good Boy* a heartfelt and fun adventure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indie, the dog, doesn't know he's in a movie but plays a crucial role in the film 'Good Boy' over a 3-year production period.
• 🎬 The filmmaking process involved creating routines and adapting techniques to get the best performance out of Indie, who was unaware of the movie-making process.
• 🐾 Indie was closely involved in the production, inspecting equipment and responding to new commands, which helped in shaping the film's scenes.
• 🎥 The performance seen in the movie often blends Indie’s genuine habits with film tricks, creating a unique blend of authenticity and creativity.
• 🍽 Indie’s love for food, particularly his enthusiasm for meals, was a consistent part of the film’s production process and character portrayal.
• 🎭 Working with Indie required constant problem-solving, teaching him new tricks, and using inventive ways to control his movements and actions for different scenes.
• 🦆 To capture specific dog behaviors, such as the head tilt, the filmmakers had to use a variety of sounds and cues to elicit the right reactions from Indie.
• 🌍 The experience of working with a pet in a film changed the director’s perspective on storytelling, especially in terms of using point of view as a narrative tool.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Filming was a family affair, with Ben, his wife, and Indie handling most of the roles on set, making it a fun and intimate project over three years.
• 🍿 Indie’s favorite snack is popcorn, which ties in nicely with his role as a movie star, and reflects the playful relationship between the filmmakers and their pet.
• 🎬 Ben plans to focus on stories with unique points of view in his future projects, although he’s not necessarily planning a sequel, like 'Good Cat'.

Q & A

What is the relationship between Ben Leenberg and Indie, the dog?

Ben Leenberg is the writer and director of *Good Boy*, and Indie is the dog who stars in the film. They share a close bond, with Ben describing their relationship as genuine, often reflecting their real-life interactions on set.

How long did the production of *Good Boy* take, and who was involved in the process?

The production of *Good Boy* took three years. It was a family project, with Ben, Indie, and Ben's wife handling the majority of the crew positions and working together closely throughout the process.

How did Indie react to the filmmaking process, and did he understand he was in a movie?

Indie did not understand that he was in a movie. Ben mentions that Indie didn’t know they were on set stories or that he was part of a film. Indie was more focused on his environment, inspecting equipment and learning that the camera signaled him to do something, though he didn’t fully grasp the purpose.

What were some of the challenges Ben faced while directing Indie?

The biggest challenge was working with a dog who didn’t understand he was acting. Ben had to constantly problem-solve and figure out new tricks, commands, and ways to get Indie to perform the required actions for his character.

How did Ben and his team manage to get Indie’s performance on film?

Ben used a variety of techniques to prompt Indie’s reactions, including making silly sounds or saying funny words like 'neon sign' to elicit specific reactions, such as the famous dog head tilt, which was essential for the film’s scenes.

What did Ben learn from telling the story from an animal's perspective?

Ben learned the power of using an animal's point of view in storytelling, which opened his eyes to new possibilities for future projects. While he might not make *Good Cat* next, he is excited to explore different point-of-view characters in his upcoming films.

What was the significance of Indie’s love for food during filming?

Indie's love for food became a consistent element throughout the production. It also helped in getting Indie to perform, as Ben could use food to motivate him or as a familiar routine to help Indie feel comfortable and engaged on set.

Did the film's production have a regular routine, and if so, what was it like?

Yes, the production followed a routine, especially after three years of filming. Ben would start his day preparing the camera and lights, with Indie inspecting the equipment. Their daily interactions, such as Indie weaving between Ben’s legs, were also reflected in the film.

What was the significance of the film being a 'fun family project'?

The film being a 'fun family project' made the entire process feel special and personal. With only Ben, Indie, and his wife handling most of the tasks, the production became a labor of love, akin to a hobby, which made the filmmaking experience unique and meaningful.

What were some of the snacks that kept the team energized during production?

Ben's go-to snack was granola bars for quick protein boosts, while Indie’s favorite snack was popcorn, which became a fitting treat for a dog turned movie star.