In an industry where the ethical treatment of animals has increasingly become a topic of concern, a recent film has set a new standard in animal welfare on set. Black Bag Film, known for its creative and often boundary-pushing work, has demonstrated that prop fish can be just as effective—and much kinder—than using real fish in a restaurant scene.
The Ethical Dilemma of Using Real Fish
For years, filmmakers have used real animals in their scenes, from livestock on a ranch to fish swimming in a restaurant tank. However, the practice of using live animals in film production, especially in scenes involving food or cuisine, has come under scrutiny due to concerns about animal welfare. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for real fish to be brought in for restaurant scenes, with the illusion that the fish were simply part of the meal. While many of these fish would be treated humanely, it often raised the question: Was it really necessary to use real animals for such scenes?
That’s where Black Bag Film has made a meaningful change. Instead of opting for real fish, the team decided to use realistic prop fish, crafted with incredible detail to mimic the look and feel of live fish. Not only did this allow them to avoid any harm to real animals, but it also proved that with the right artistry, prop fish can offer a convincing performance on screen.
A New Approach to Prop Fish
The use of prop fish in Black Bag Film’s restaurant scene wasn’t just a moral decision—it was a creative one, too. The team worked closely with prop designers and experts in the art of creating lifelike replicas. These props are made from materials that replicate the texture and appearance of fish, from the scales to the fins. By using these realistic-looking models, the filmmakers were able to capture every shot perfectly, without compromising on the authenticity of the scene.
The prop fish not only look convincing but are also durable and easy to work with in a film set environment. Unlike real fish, which might require special care and prompt handling, the props were designed to withstand the rigors of filming without the need for any ethical concerns about animal welfare.
The Kindness Factor
The move to use prop fish aligns with the growing push in the entertainment industry to adopt more humane practices when it comes to animals. Today, animal welfare on set is being prioritized more than ever, with many productions turning to alternatives like CGI, animatronics, or realistic props to replace real animals in scenes.
Black Bag Film has proven that it’s possible to make ethical choices without sacrificing quality. By using prop fish, they avoided the ethical concerns of harming real animals while still delivering a scene that looked just as convincing to the audience. Their decision to use realistic fish props also highlights an important message: that kindness to animals doesn’t need to come at the expense of creativity or authenticity.
The Future of Animal-Free Filmmaking
The film industry is starting to recognize the importance of making kinder, more responsible decisions when it comes to the use of animals in production. The use of prop animals—whether it’s fish, dogs, or even larger creatures—is becoming an increasingly popular solution. While CGI and visual effects are often used to create animals that are too complex or dangerous to work with on set, props offer a more tangible and environmentally friendly alternative.
Black Bag Film’s approach demonstrates that filmmakers can take a more thoughtful and ethical route when it comes to animal depictions on screen. By choosing to use prop fish for their restaurant scene, the film has set a positive example for the industry, encouraging future productions to consider kinder options when depicting animals.
In the end, no real fish were harmed for this scene, and that’s a victory for both the animals and the art of filmmaking. Black Bag Film has proved that with a little creativity, compassion and the right prop, a compelling story can be told without compromising the welfare of the creatures that share our world.