Robin's Nest from American Humane
Episode: Marean Spero Steen, National Director of American Humane Hollywood
Host: Dr. Robin Ganzert
Release Date: June 5, 2024

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Robin's Nest, host Dr. Robin Ganzert welcomes Marianne Spiro Steen, the National Director of American Humane Hollywood's iconic No Animals Were Harmed program. Marianne shares her extensive experience and passion for ensuring the humane treatment of animals in the entertainment industry. The conversation delves into the intricacies of animal safety on sets, the challenges faced by American Humane, and the profound impact of their work on both animals and filmmakers.

Personal Connection: Marianne's Dog Lily

Marianne begins the discussion by introducing her beloved rescue dog, Lily. At [01:31], she recounts Lily’s challenging beginnings and their adventurous cross-country journey to Los Angeles:

Marianne Spiro Steen [01:31]: "I flew to Oklahoma to pick her up, and the plan was to bring her back by plane in a little crate, but she was so big that she wouldn't fit properly into the crate, and the airline would not let me fly with her. So I ended up renting a car and we drove cross country from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles."

Lily’s spirited and sweet nature underscores Marianne’s deep love for animals, highlighting the personal commitment she brings to her professional role.

The "No Animals Were Harmed" Program

At [03:04], Marianne provides an overview of the No Animals Were Harmed program, emphasizing its comprehensive guidelines for the safe use of animals in filmed media:

Marianne Spiro Steen [03:04]: "The heart of the No Animals Were Harmed program is our comprehensive guidelines for the safe use of animals in filmed media... it sets rigorous species-specific protocols and is regularly reviewed and updated by our scientific advisory committee."

She explains the meticulous process American Humane follows—from script reviews and pre-production consultations to on-set inspections by certified animal safety reps. This ensures that animal welfare is prioritized, culminating in the certification that appears in film credits.

Species Diversity and International Expansion

Marianne elaborates on the vast array of animals American Humane works with, spanning from ants to tigers ([05:01]):

Marianne Spiro Steen [05:01]: "It really runs the gamut from ants and insects to big tigers. Our philosophy is that no animal, whether it's a little insect or a big tiger, should be harmed for the sake of entertainment."

With the globalization of film production, Marianne discusses the program’s expansion beyond traditional hubs like Los Angeles and London to locations such as Eastern Europe, Thailand, and Korea ([05:59]). This international growth necessitates a larger team of certified reps and increased educational efforts to align global productions with American Humane’s standards.

Challenges in Implementing Animal Safety Guidelines

One of the primary challenges Marianne identifies is ensuring that productions understand and adhere to the stringent guidelines set by American Humane ([09:54]). Early communication and involvement are crucial to prevent disruptions during filming:

Marianne Spiro Steen [09:54]: "The biggest challenge is having production understand what it means to meet our guidelines and to be in touch with American Humane as early as possible."

Additionally, the rapid increase in content production, especially post-COVID with the surge in streaming services, has stretched the team’s capacity to cover more sets globally ([18:33]).

Trends in Hollywood: Balancing Real Animals and CGI

Marianne observes that animals will continue to play a significant role in films due to their emotional impact on audiences ([10:52]). However, she notes a trend towards integrating CGI to enhance animal action safely:

Marianne Spiro Steen [10:52]: "We see CGI being used to enhance animal action... This keeps it safe while still utilizing real animal performances."

This balance allows for creative storytelling without compromising animal welfare, showcasing the adaptability of the No Animals Were Harmed program in the evolving landscape of filmmaking.

Marianne’s Career Path and Passion for Storytelling

Marianne shares her journey into the animal acting space, rooted in her love for movies and storytelling ([12:25]). With a background in film and television production, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector, ultimately finding a role that combines her passions for storytelling and animal welfare:

Marianne Spiro Steen [12:25]: "This role allows me to pull all those elements together— a love of storytelling, a love of animals, and a desire to promote the human-animal bond."

Her decade-long tenure at American Humane underscores her dedication to preserving the privilege of working with animal actors while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Hero Dog Awards: Celebrating Remarkable Canines

Marianne highlights the Hero Dog Awards, an event that honors service dogs and their impactful relationships with their owners ([14:18]). She expresses immense satisfaction in meeting these extraordinary animals and showcasing their stories:

Marianne Spiro Steen [14:18]: "To honor these animals and their stories is just so powerful. It touches the hearts of everyone involved."

The awards not only celebrate the dogs but also emphasize the profound bond between humans and animals, reinforcing the mission of American Humane.

Impactful Stories: The Difference Made by American Humane

Several compelling anecdotes illustrate the critical role of American Humane in safeguarding animal welfare on sets. At [20:16], Marianne recounts a situation where a rep noticed a horse losing weight due to seasonal changes and intervened to ensure the animal received adequate nourishment:

Marianne Spiro Steen [20:16]: "Our rep noticed that a horse was losing weight and quickly coordinated with the producer to provide additional nourishment, making a significant difference in the horse's well-being."

In another instance ([22:00]), a rep assisted a low-budget filmmaker in responsibly handling ducklings by establishing care protocols and securing forever homes for the animals post-production. These stories underscore the proactive and compassionate efforts of American Humane to protect animals beyond the immediate filming needs.

Humorous Anecdotes: Light-Hearted Moments

Marianne shares a memorable and humorous encounter with an A-list director who insisted on delaying production due to extreme heat, highlighting the sometimes challenging but necessary negotiations to protect animals:

Marianne Spiro Steen [23:38]: "I listened, I heard the director out, and I said very calmly, this is non-negotiable. We have to protect those animals, and you have to protect your cast and crew."

This anecdote not only adds a lighter tone to the conversation but also emphasizes the unwavering commitment of American Humane to animal safety, even when faced with high-pressure situations.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Marianne expressing gratitude for the opportunity to educate and advocate for animal welfare in the entertainment industry. Her dedication, illustrated through personal stories and professional challenges, highlights the indispensable role American Humane plays in promoting a more humane world for all animals.

Notable Quotes:

• Marianne Spiro Steen [03:04]: "It establishes the standards that need to be met to keep animals safe in film media... it is our North Star and it also is a living document."

• Marianne Spiro Steen [05:01]: "It really runs the gamut from ants and insects to big tigers."

• Marianne Spiro Steen [12:25]: "This role allows me to pull all those elements together— a love of storytelling, a love of animals, and a desire to promote the human-animal bond."

• Marianne Spiro Steen [18:33]: "With COVID and the explosion of streaming, there has been an explosion of content. We have anywhere from 20 to 25% more sets to cover."

• Marianne Spiro Steen [20:16]: "Our rep noticed that a horse was losing weight and quickly coordinated with the producer to provide additional nourishment."

This episode of Robin's Nest offers a comprehensive look into the vital work of American Humane Hollywood, showcasing how dedicated individuals like Marianne Spiro Steen are making a meaningful impact on animal welfare in the entertainment industry.