Kari Fischer and Ben Leonberg brought Indy home when he was just a puppy and gave him a life filled with happiness.
The pup grew up knowing only love. His favorite things were chasing toys and curling up close to the people who adored him. He felt safe and understood.
Indy had no idea that he would start a path that would change everything. His little world was about to open in a way he never expected.
A Family Project Turns Into A Star Performance
Fischer and Leonberg adopted Indy while living in New York City. He lived a happy life with his humans, and acting was never a part of the plan.
Ben told The Dodo, “He was just meant to be our friend and family member, and that is his main job..”
However, things changed when the couple decided to make “Good Boy,” a different twist on a ghost story.
Indy stepped into a role without knowing it, and his parents started filming him inside their home in New Jersey, capturing scenes from his point of view, close to the ground.
The camera became part of the household. To Indy, it meant playtime. He learned that whenever it came out, something exciting was about to happen.
Leonberg explained, “It’s not like he knew he was acting, but he just knew, ‘The camera’s out. My parents are going to ask me some sort of dog riddle that I have to solve.’”
Indy wasn’t trained for movies, but he loved making his family happy. His love is what makes his performance feel real.
Fischer and Leonberg came up with creative tricks to get the reactions they needed.
When Indy needed to look confused or surprised, the couple made quacks, moos, anything that would make Indy tilt his head and look curious.
In some of the most profoundly scary parts of the movie, it’s actually us off set, quacking or saying nonsense words,” Leonberg shared.
Indy connected with the camera. He expressed his emotions well, even though he never knew he was part of a film.
Indy’s presence became one of the most memorable parts of the movie.
Leonberg said, “I think the reason his performance is so special is because we made the movie entirely around him.”
Although it was a small project, “Good Boy” made its way into theaters in October, and Indy’s role stole viewers’ hearts.
Back To Normal Life
After the movie was released, Indy returned to the things he enjoys the most: long walks on hiking trails, deep naps on soft furniture and quiet evenings where he feels safe and loved.
“He turns into a total couch potato when he’s not working,” Leonberg added.
Although Indy is the star of a horror film, in his heart, he is still just a family pup who wants to be close to his humans. After enjoying his short time in the spotlight, the pup is happy to return to the warmth of everyday life.