From First Inquiry to Final Shot
Casting a Bear with TV Bears International
A clear, production-ready process for bringing a lifelike bear or animal character to film, television, commercials, online content, and controlled live events.
Based in Toluca Lake, California, with a UK service hub in Watford, London. Available for productions worldwide.
A Straightforward Route to a Practical Animal Character
Casting one of our bears or other characters in your production is more straightforward than you might think. At TV Bears International, we specialize in delivering lifelike bear characters for film, television, commercials, online series, social media campaigns, and live events. With decades of combined experience in entertainment and production logistics, our process is designed to be clear, efficient, and flexible.
Our team is passionate about in-camera practical effects and the unique authenticity they bring to a production. Nothing compares to the presence of a real, physical character in front of the camera, interacting naturally with sets, props, and talent.
Because sometimes, you just need a bear.
Getting Your Project Started
Step One
Explore Our Bears
Start by browsing the wide variety of bears and other characters available on our website. From realistic grizzlies and polar bears to family-friendly teddy bears and whimsical mascots, each character offers a distinct presence on screen and can adapt to many types of production.
Step Two
Provide Key Information
To prepare a fast and accurate quote, we will need:
- Location of the shoot
- Estimated shoot dates and number of shoot days
- Storyboard, deck, or action list for our involvement. Drafts are fine and can be finalized in the contract.
We are happy to sign an NDA before receiving sensitive information if required.
Once you have an idea of which bear fits your project and the key information above, contact us for a quote and availability.
Step Three
Pre-Production Communication and Planning
Strong results come from detailed collaboration in advance. During pre-production, we work closely with your creative team to:
- Understand how our character will interact with your talent, set, and environment
- Plan blocking, entrances, and exits to align with your storyboard
- Advise on camera angles and movement that best showcase the bear when required
- Discuss whether hybrid CGI markers may be required and where they should be applied
- Coordinate wardrobe or prop integration so the bear fits seamlessly into your vision
- Identify and address potential health and safety concerns
Our team is happy to assist with creative direction and staging ideas. We are passionate about what we do and committed to helping your production shine.
Step Four
On-Set Coordination
Working with us on set is straightforward. Each booking includes a dedicated coordinator who ensures that:
- The bear is always looking its best for each scene
- A safety briefing is provided so everyone understands our protocols
- The bear is guided safely to and from marks or resets
- Cooling fans and internal systems are powered as needed
- Costume adjustments are made quickly and discreetly
- Health and safety issues are managed with practical, on-the-spot solutions
Our coordinators act as a bridge between your crew and our bear, helping the character integrate smoothly into your production schedule.
Character Appearances and Scene Types
Our characters can fit into a wide range of productions, including:
- One-time guest appearances in commercials or special episodes
- Recurring roles in television series or online content
- Promotional campaigns for digital and social media
- Red carpet premieres and controlled live activations
- Comedic, dramatic, or choreographed sequences
We do not rent our bears separately. A standard booking includes the bear, an experienced actor, and a dedicated on-set coordinator. By prior agreement, we may allow an experienced choreographer to act in one of our bears, provided our coordinator is on set as asset guardian and our handling and character rules are respected. This arrangement is subject to our approval and protects the integrity of the character.
Protecting the Character and the Actor
Maintaining Character Integrity
To protect the immersion and integrity of our characters, behind-the-scenes videos or photos of incomplete assets are not permitted. We are always delighted to take photos with cast and crew, but only when the character is fully dressed or when the actor is directly present out of costume. Preserving the magic is part of what makes TV Bears International unique.
Space and Facilities
Each booking requires a private and undisturbed changing space. A restroom is not suitable. The space must provide enough room to assemble and maintain the bear safely. Please also provide access to a power outlet for the blower and internal systems, drinking water, cooling, and suitable breaks, especially for physically demanding scenes or warm conditions. Our coordinator remains with the character throughout the booking.
We are happy to work outdoors when a pop-up tent or talent trailer is provided. If needed, we can offer our own solutions. Please raise logistical concerns during pre-production so they can be resolved before the booking is confirmed.
Ownership and Image Use
All bears shown on this page are exclusively the property of TV Bears International. Our proprietary assets are not for sale through this website or through any other seller, website, or marketplace.
Images and videos displayed on this website may not be copied, reproduced, republished, or used elsewhere without express written permission from TV Bears International. Our imagery may not be used with generative AI tools, including for training or image generation. Please contact us to request permission for other uses.
Flexible Packages
We can discuss the requirements of union and non-union productions where applicable. Rates, usage rights, any buyout terms, and licensing are reviewed for each project and agreed in writing as part of the quote and booking.
Supporting the Next Generation of Filmmakers
We are passionate about supporting the next generation of filmmakers. Under certain circumstances, we offer reduced-cost packages to student films or independent productions in the UK and Los Angeles area. These arrangements may include access to specific bears, guidance on staging, or flexible appearance terms that make high-quality character work more achievable on a limited budget.
Even at a reduced cost, you can expect our on-set coordinator and the same standards for actor safety, character integrity, and production value.
Selected Clients and Collaborators
Client Testimonials
Our company, Dare Foods Ltd., worked with Matt and his company on an advertising campaign in the summer of 2023 for our Bear Paws brand, and I have nothing but positive things to say about the experience! Matt and his team are talented professionals who have produced incredibly lifelike bear suits. The added bonus is that Matt M. and his colleague have the capability and experience to act in the suits, which is no easy feat. Our production shoot went exactly as planned, and the creative output was business- and brand-building. We value our partnership with Matt’s team, and we look forward to doing more work together.
Scott Chapman
Category Manager, Dare Foods Ltd.
Matthew and his bear were absolute champions on a hard one-day shoot. Everything hinged on him, and we never missed a beat. The client was over the moon and happy with him and the final product. I hope I am able to bring him back for many more projects.
Michael Sapienza
Executive Producer, Lowes Foods
Matthew was collaborative, flexible, and extremely helpful on a project I worked with him on, a short film about a bear invading a neighborhood. I’m proud to say that our collaboration has created great success for the film, which has been celebrated across the world. Matt’s ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot is excellent, as is his ability to communicate with his team, who executed our project to the utmost perfection. 10/10 would recommend!
Jessica Redish
Director, Exit, Pursued by a Bear
Ready to Cast a Bear?
Contact us to discuss availability, request a quote, and begin planning your project with one of our realistic animal characters.
Because sometimes, you just need a bear.