BEHIND THE SCENES

Annie Malee and real-life Black bears star in the "Abandonment" film.
Annie Malee co-stars with two real life black bears in the "Abandonment" film.

Abandonment is the first film in movie history to use real bears close to and touching the actors. Every film in Hollywood history has either used fake bears – CGI, VFX, puppets, people in bear suits, etc. – or in the rare films where real bears are used, they are kept very, very far away from the actors. No film has ever had real bears anywhere near the actors. Until now.

Behind the scenes footage from "Abandonment". The first film to use real life bears in such close proximity to actors.

Two adult male black bears were used in the shoot. The bears were trained by renowned animal rescuer Corkey Miller, who features rescue animals that have found their “furever” home with her. Miller is a champion for the humane treatment of all animals and is also a huge advocate for teaching children how to care for their pets properly. Not only were real bears close to the actors, they actually touched star Annie Malee, who risked her life by being that close to a full-size black bear, with all of his claws and teeth. Even though the bears were trained, no amount of training can ultimately prevent a giant, male black bear from killing a human if he wants to.

Raw production stills of actors Annie Malee & Richard Dreyfuss are color-graded. Color-graded shots give the film a gritty, naturalistic feel.

Annie Malee prepares for another take on set for the "Abandonment".
Annie Malee and Richard Dreyfuss spend time together on set for the "Abandonment Film".

Neck wound makeup is applied to Annie’s neck as she preps for the next shot. Co-stars Richard Dreyfuss and Annie Malee have fun on set.

Annie Malee shown on the floor of a real cave in a behind-the-scenes photo on the set of the "Abandonment" film.

Annie Malee and the crew shoot in an actual cave. Annie gets soaked with a rain machine while dragging herself across the forest floor.