MUMBAI: From Free Willy to Benji, animals have always been a part of the movie industry whether as stars of the show or simply filling their role as "man's best friend." But few people think about the trainers who work with them and prepare them for their spot in the limelight.
This month Animal Planet takes its viewers behind the scenes for exclusive access to the animals and their trainers who are rehearsing for their latest big picture roles. The series Animal Planet At The Movies airs every Sunday at 8 pm.

Some movies featured in the series include The Hawk is Dying (featuring Paul Giamatti), the remake of The Shaggy Dog (starring Tim Allen and Kristin Davis) and Greyfriars Bobby (starring Christopher Lee).

Following the filmmaking process from beginning to end, the series aims at providing viewers with an insight into the relationships that develop between director, trainer, actor and animal. Featuring scenes from the actual movies and personal interviews with animal trainers and the animals' human co-stars, the series looks at the on-going care that animals receive, the problems that some species pose and favourite anecdotes from veteran trainers.

Viewers learn how the animals get familiarised with equipment, different locations and actors, as well as how they are maintained, fed and handled.