Almost two years were spent raising and training a total of 27 ducks for the movie Love Birds. Prior to the movie shooting, the ducks underwent six months of intensive training with their trainers, going home with them at night, travelling in cars, bonding while watching T.V and even having baths together.
A range of tricks and behaviors were required of the ducks, including: staying down, flying, sleeping, preening, feeling comfortable in general with the actors and crew, and of course, remaining calm while sitting in a box or man bag.
All our duck actors provided their own special talents, but Arny and Trey were selected as the most unique. Arny was our hero duck, who fell in love with the camera and his co star actor Rhys Darby.
When you see a duck ‘talking’ in the movie, pecking Doug, dancing, being carried in a box or man bag, that’s Arny.
Trey played his parts like a true professional: getting cuddled, standing, lying down, grooming himself and even wearing a silly hat.
There were a also variety of other ducks used, including Laiko, who went for the iconic ride over the Auckland harbor bridge, and Boone who played Pierre sleeping.
Chay played Pierre taking off and flying from the lawnmower and Matt was the duck running around the house at the beginning of the film.