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G-FORCE “No Animals Were Harmed”®
Specially trained, genetically engineered guinea pigs discover a plot by an evil
mogul to rule the world using household gadgets. The animals set out to stop the
villain’s plot while hiding from the government agents who want their special
ops project shut down.
Featured Animal Action
The set was only open to limited cast and crew members, and they were introduced
to the animals and instructed on their proper handling before filming began.
Computer-Generated Animals
Mooch the fly, Speckles the mole, the snake attacking the glass, the tarantula,
the hamster, the worm fed to Speckles, the cockroaches and the guinea pigs were
all computer-generated, except for the few guinea pig scenes described below.
Guinea Pig Live Action
In a couple of scenes, real guinea pigs were filmed (such as at the pet store),
and used for “establishing” shots before showing the computer-generated
versions. Whenever real guinea pigs were filmed, trainers placed them on their
marks and either cued the action or allowed them to do whatever came naturally.
The actors were extremely well-rehearsed and instructed on the guinea pigs’
proper handling. The material seen at the bottom of the cages was their natural
bedding. For the scene in which Connor (Tyler Patrick Jones) picks up a guinea
pig and holds it upside down, the actor was instructed on how to gently hold the
guinea pig for a brief moment. When Connor places the guinea pig into a net and
catapults it into the snake and spider cage, trainers instructed the
well-rehearsed actor on how to carefully place the guinea pig into the net.
There were padded mats below in case the guinea pig fell, which it did not. The
rest of the scene, including the pig launching into the air, involved a
computer-generated guinea pig, snake and spider.
Pet Store Animals
A chameleon, rats, birds, puppies, dogs, cats and rabbits were placed in their
respective cages, perches or aquariums and allowed to do whatever came
naturally. They were separated according to species. All temporary housing was
inspected, secured and made comfortable before filming began. Several off-camera
trainers stood nearby. Snakes, lizards and frogs seen in cages were rubber
props.
Dogs
Several dogs stand in a front yard while a tire rolls down the sidewalk.
Trainers placed the dogs in sitting positions and cued them to stay while a tire
was rolled into the camera frame. Streets were closed off to traffic. The
Dobermans keeping watch outside the wealthy man’s home were well-trained dogs
accustomed to the action. Off-screen trainers cued walking with guards, barking
and digging using verbal commands. For the scene in which a dog sticks its head
into a mole hole, trainers had created a small hole in the ground, placed an
object in it and cued the dog to “find it.” For the scene in which Blaster the
guinea pig flies through the air and hits a dog in the head, the dog was cued to
react to a bait stick gently tapped on its head. The guinea pig was added in
post-production.
Squirrel
A trainer placed a squirrel on its mark on the ground and allowed it to eat a
nut during this brief and mild scene. As soon as it walked away, trainers
retrieved it. The area was secured so that the squirrel could not get away.
Production provided documentation that the fox pelts and fur coats were props.
American Humane’s On-Set Oversight
Find out how filmmakers work with American Humane and a get a complete guide
to our ratings system.
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