People often ask us what it’s like taking peacocks onto a film set.
The honest answer?
It’s exciting, unpredictable and enormous fun!
Peacocks are beautiful birds, but they are also very much their own characters. They don’t necessarily understand that there is a director waiting for them to hit their mark!
That’s why experience is so important when you’re filming with peacocks.
The first rule: work with the bird
When we take a peacock to a production, our job isn’t to force it to do something unnatural.
We work with the bird’s behaviour.
Sometimes the peacock will wander exactly where you want it.
Sometimes it will decide that somewhere else looks much more interesting.
And sometimes it will simply stand there looking absolutely magnificent – which is often exactly what the camera needs.
Sussanne knows both sides of the camera
Sussanne Chambers isn’t just a peacock expert.
She is also media trained and has appeared on television with the birds.
Her experience includes working on Bridgerton, House of the Dragon, Rivals and Queen of the Castle.
That means she understands what it’s like to be involved in a production from both the animal and television side.
And that can be incredibly useful when working with a busy crew.
What happens on filming day?
Before filming, we discuss the production requirements and make sure we understand what is expected.
We consider the location, the birds required, the scene, timings and any special requirements.
When we arrive, the birds need time to settle into their surroundings.
Our experienced handlers stay with them and work with the production team throughout the shoot.
The welfare of the peacocks is always our priority.
A relaxed, happy bird is far more likely to behave naturally – and that generally makes for much better footage.
From Worcestershire to the screen
Our media peacocks have now appeared in productions including Bridgerton, House of the Dragon, Rivals, Queen of the Castle and Alien: Earth.
They have also appeared in films featuring Gal Gadot and Jude Law.
Our website confirms that Peacocks UK provides peacocks for photography, film and documentaries and can work at the farm or on location in the UK with experienced handlers.
Could our peacocks star in your next production?
We work with production companies, booking agents, animal coordinators, researchers, photographers and directors looking for peacocks for filming.
Whether you need a single magnificent bird for a close-up or several peacocks to bring a scene to life, talk to us.
We’re based in Worcestershire and travel throughout mainland UK.
And if your production needs something a little different, don’t be afraid to ask.
We’ve learnt over the years that when it comes to peacocks, the most unexpected jobs can sometimes be the most fun.
📞 07711 119888
📧 info@peacocksuk.com
Peacocks UK – experienced media peacocks for film, television, photography and productions.
