About Atlanta
Atlanta is a vibrant city, brimming with history and culture, making it one of the most popular cities in the south. In the 21st century, Atlanta has become a hub for production and content creation, having earned itself the title of "Hollywood South" for its strong film industry. The charitable efforts within the city are also on full display; there are numerous animal shelters across the metropolitan area representing an ever-growing commitment to protecting furry friends from harm.
If you're planning a photo shoot, production, or film shoot in an animal shelter, Atlanta is a fine place to do it. Not only is the city a pet-loving place with 1/3 of the homeowners having pets, but it also has numerous animal shelters. If you're considering an animal shelter scene, you'll have no trouble finding what you need in Atlanta.
Fun Fact: A little-known fact about Atlanta is that during the Civil War, it was burned to ruin in July 1864 but eventually rose again as a powerful regional force. Now, its energy and innovation can be felt far and wide.
Animal Shelter Options in Atlanta
- AV Equipment Rentals
There are many companies in Atlanta that offer AV equipment rentals, making it easy to find the perfect setup for your needs. From projectors and screens to sound systems and microphones, you can find everything you need to film or shoot in an animal shelter.
- Pet Grooming Services
Atlanta is home to many pet grooming services that can help keep your furry animal actors looking their best. These companies can provide shampooing, nail clipping, and other grooming services for your animal shelter shoot.
- Cleaning Services
The animal shelter may be able to provide cleaning services for your shoot. However, if you need a more thorough cleaning or if you require specific services (like carpet cleaning), you may need to hire a separate cleaning company.
- Veterinarians
It is always important to have a veterinarian on call when filming or shooting live animals, in case of any emergencies. This is especially true if you will have animals on set for extended periods of time. Many reputable veterinarians in the Atlanta area can provide these services.
Animal Shelter Vendors in Atlanta
- Aperturent
Aperturent is a camera rental company that was established in 2009. This company offers a wide variety of cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and accessories for rent. Aperturent takes pride in its comprehensive product list ranging from mainstays in the industry to the latest releases. Its mission is to provide you with quality camera equipment along with excellent customer service. At Aperturent they understand that camera gear is expensive, and they aspire to make access to that equipment as convenient and simple as possible. Aperturent's number one priority is outfitting its customers with the camera gear they need to capture amazing moments- no matter their level of experience.
- Fuzzie Paws
Fuzzie Paws is a pet grooming business that offers Full-Service Pet Grooming, which will provide your cat or dog with the full range of services they need to stay healthy and well-groomed. From full-body haircuts to nail trims, they offer everything you need to keep your pet looking and feeling its best. They also offer a pickup and drop off service so you don't have to worry about getting your pet to and from their appointment. Plus, they offer a 10% discount for first-time customers.
- Common Companion Vet
A Common Companion Vet's top priority is your pet's health and happiness, but they also want you to have the best customer service experience possible. They do this by collaborating with clients for optimum animal care, being engaged with customers for positive animal husbandry, and walking them through both the good and bad times of having a dog as a companion. The objective of Common Companion is to instill a sense of community into the veterinary clinic by incorporating a portion of that shared urban experience. They provide Wellness Plans as a service to their clients. This allows pet owners to give their pets the highest level of preventative healthcare at an affordable cost.
Pros and Cons of Animal Shelters in Atlanta
Shooting in an animal shelter in Atlanta can be a great choice for filmmakers who want to capture real-life stories of the pets who have been adopted from the facility. Here are a few pros and cons to consider when shooting at an animal shelter location in Atlanta.
Advantages
- The staff of the animal shelter is experienced with working with outsiders, so they will know how to best accommodate any requests or concerns that come up during filming.
- Animal shelters typically have plenty of space available for shooting larger scenes or interviews.
- Filming at an animal shelter allows filmmakers the opportunity to highlight the importance of rescuing animals and show the work done by these incredible organizations.
Disadvantages
- There may be limitations on when and where filming is allowed within the facility, as some areas may need to remain off-limits due to noise or other distractions that could cause harm to the animals.
- Some animals may not respond favorably to unfamiliar people and equipment, so filmmakers should be mindful of their actions around the animals in order to make sure everyone stays safe.
- Animals can be unpredictable and there is always a chance that some unexpected storylines could emerge during filming that wasn't planned for beforehand.
Tips on How to Organize Animal Shelter Filming in Atlanta
Before you film in an animal shelter in Atlanta, there are a few measures you can take to ensure a positive experience for both you and the animals.
- Research the animal shelter’s policies and restrictions before shooting: Ensure you are familiar with any specific rules or regulations that may be in places, such as noise level restrictions and limits on the number of people allowed at a given time. It is also important to bear in mind that some shelters may not allow filming at all, or need permission from their board of directors or other governing body.
- Respect social distancing guidelines while filming in the shelter. Make an effort to maintain a respectful distance between yourself and both staff members and animals, trying to keep an appropriate level of separation at all times. Be sure to check with your local government to ensure that you are adhering to proper safety protocols.
- Keep distractions to a minimum: Try keeping any additional noise down as much as possible when filming on site, such as using quieter cameras or limiting sound equipment that could startle the animals. Additionally, make sure any props used for filming are also kept away from the animals, as they can be overwhelmed by too much stimulation.
- Ensure everyone involved has been properly trained for working with animals beforehand: Animals can react unpredictably around unfamiliar people with loud noises and sudden movements. Have everyone involved educate themselves on proper handling techniques so they know how best to interact with the animals without causing distress or injury.
- Work closely with shelter staff during filming sessions: Ask questions if necessary since they know best how to handle different situations while still adhering to both safety protocols and maintaining an environment conducive to positive interactions between humans and animals alike.
- Provide your own food/snacks/water for yourself and anyone else coming along with you: As most shelters have tight budgets, it is best not to rely on them for food/water during extended stays – having adequate supplies of your own will help ensure everyone is comfortable without breaking the bank!
- Stay mindful of local wildlife laws: Georgia has strict guidelines regarding wildlife interaction which must be followed during filming sessions inside shelters (or outside!), even if it means taking extra precautions like getting liability insurance just in case something goes wrong while on set.
Famous Locations in Atlanta
- Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is, without a doubt, the most magnificent aquarium on Earth. With over 100,000 animals in its marine and freshwater tanks totaling more than 10 million gallons of water, it held the record for being the world's largest aquarium until 2012 when it was bested by Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. The aquarium also has two gift shops where visitors can buy mementos from their trip, as well as unique animal encounter programs that allow them to get up close and personal with dolphins, sea otters, and penguins. Whale sharks and manta rays may be swum or dived within the world's largest aquarium habitat, which is waiting for you to discover real encounters, hands-on exhibits, and other wonders unlike anywhere else on earth.
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River that runs through northern Georgia. It is one of the most popular recreation areas in Atlanta, visited by over 4 million people annually. The river offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and tubing - making it a favorite destination among locals and tourists alike. The river measures more than 700 miles long and flows from the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. The Chattahoochee River is a great place to spend a day outdoors with friends or family. There are several parks along the river where people can picnic, hike, and bicycle. Rafting and canoeing are also available on the river. Several companies provide guided trips and rentals if you're interested in those activities.
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History opened to the public in 1967. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums as well as being a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers. It is one of Atlanta's most beloved museums, with over half a million people coming each year. At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, you can explore the Lophorhothon octopus sculpture in its picturesque grounds, or the almost 50-foot Giganotosarus statue framing the entryway. The "Fantastic Forces" area of the STEM exhibit lets you make a wax volcano or fly an airplane, while the grounds boast a rain garden, sensory wall, IMAX theater, and walking paths through 65 acres of the ancient forest. Grown-ups can enjoy live music and cocktails at Fernbank After Dark events just as much as kids.