When local filmmaker Romanus Wolter decided to make Doggie Boogie, a film about dancing dogs and unleashing one’s true potential, he turned to San Francisco-based dog trainer and handler Beverly Ulbrich to cast the canine characters.
She put out the word and 35 costumed dogs showed up to audition on October 18. Most landed at least a walk-in role and are excited to be working alongside Pijo, the Bichon Mix pup who is the star of the show.
Roles include two lead dancing dogs, six other dancing dogs and their human partners, ten doga (dog yoga) practitioners and their people, and a number of canine bit players – not to mention a goat and a cat.
Ulbrich did some star scouting for the key role of Razz. A couple of weeks before the auditions, she spotted a three-pound dog on the street who looked too small to dance, just what the role required. But dogs that small are often too timid to work with strangers or on movie sets. She invited the pup, Francis, to the auditions, where the itty-bitty dog made a big impression and, after a few more tests, landed the part.
Ulbrich’s own pup, Kompis, will play a starring role as personal pup of the dog dancing uncle, Peter. She is no stranger to show biz, having appeared in several other films, TV shows, and live theater.
Doggie Boogie is scheduled for shooting from December 12 through January 8 at locales in and around San Francisco. To learn more about the production, visit www.doggieboogie.com.
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