PRODUCTION NOTES The Ferocious Pit:

Working with animals

by director Martina Zemlicka

At first, shooting Rain was quite a challenge. She had to get used to the camera. Animals, like kids, give you the greatest gifts and do the most unexpected things. This is partly because they are not easy to control, and because you must learn how to program them. Rain didn't understand at first why I suddenly held this squared thing in between us still expecting the same results.

I spent a lot of time on my belly/all my fours in order to get the best perspective and to show how beautifully a pit bull can evolve if held in a respective, loving environment. The essential ingredient was a strong hierarchy above her which provided consistent conditioning.

The best shots were a result of Rain's curiosity and spontaneity since she saw the whole experience of being a "star" as a game. By the end, her ability to understand and just to know what I wanted or needed.

She definitely knows how to pose. She has a very gentle aura, would always look back - as if making sure that everything was as the director wanted. My conclusion is: she must be able to read thoughts. But off the record, I can tell she is a little disappointed that so far no one asked her for an autograph.

Producing situation in which the film has been realized, referring also to the indicative cost or to the fund raising:

The production started out as an UCLA-Filmschool assignment with very limited budget. Director Martina Zemlicka originally created a five-minute documentary using techniques learned in class. Based on audience questions and reaction the filmmaker was inspired to do extensive research about underground Pit bull fighting. This led to a co-operation with Eric Sakach, director of the Human Society of the US. His experience as undercover agent for ten years helped to create this powerful piece. In a painstaking process of focus and effort – Martina Zemlicka has created an edgy, beautiful short documentary that reveals both, her talent and dedication to good film making.

Location blessing:

by director Martina Zemlicka

In the process of creating The Ferocious Pit we were able to discover the spectacular Hollywood Hills residence of Business Week account manager, Pit bull owner and former motocross rider and racer, Kelly Daugherty.

This beautiful location is since used regularly by the top location agencies in Los Angeles and was featured in the February issue of Los Angeles Magazine.