"Thought I would let you know that Stockings the rat passed on a few weeks ago. Thanks for the great opportunity we had!"So, this blog post is in memory of our smallest cast member... an interview with Stockings' owner and handler: Dana O'Connor. (Note: This Q&A was done in the Fall 2009.)
Film: Under Jakob's Ladder
Name: Dana O'Connor
Role: Rat Handler
Q: What did you enjoy the most about working on this film?A: I enjoyed having my rat in a movie and being on the set. We both had a lot of fun! I enjoyed seeing how a movie was made. It was interesting how many shots it took to make just one scene in the movie.
Q: What was it like to be on set with the actors?
A: It was amazing! I actually got to meet lots of the actors, and they all loved my rat! My favorite part was meeting Yasha [played by Quentin McCuiston], the character who worked with Stockings, my rat. Yasha was very nice and he loved Stockings just as much as me and my family do.
Q: Were you nervous at all?
A: I was nervous that Stockings wouldn't participate, and I was also nervous that the people wouldn't like Stockings and would be scared of her. But it all worked out better than I ever expected!
Q: What was your job when Stockings was on camera?A: My job was to hold Stockings until her scene came up. One of my favorite jobs was when I had to lay on the floor during the scene and release her out of my hands when it was time for her to come into the scene.
Q: Do you think Stockings enjoyed the experience?
A: Stockings must have enjoyed the experience so much because, during the movie, she always acted happy and never did anything wrong. She wanted to be a movie star and did a perfect job! Whenever I bring up "Under Jakob's Ladder", Stockings licks my fingers and acts so happy.
Q: Why do you think rats make good pets?
A: I wanted a rat as a pet because rats are more happy and affectionate than mice, hamsters, or gerbils. I definitely feel rats make great pets! My rats have made the best pets yet! Rats are very intelligent and bond with people better than all other rodents.
And a few questions for Dana's mom, Sandy Essington...Q: How did you hear about this film?
A: From an ad on Craig's List.
Q: Did Stockings have to audition for the role?
A: Yes. The director and production coordinator came to my house to meet Stockings. They particularly liked her friendly personality.
Q: Tell about being on the film set.
A: This was our first time being on a film set and it was really exciting! It was myself and my two daughters Dana (11) and Kaitlyn (8). Stockings is Dana's special pet and the two are quite bonded. We were all very excited to have the opportunity for Stockings to be a star! The crew seemed a little ambivalent at first about working with a rat. But as soon as they met Stockings, everyone fell in love with her, especially the actor [Yasha] who played the character who would befriend the rat. All his time off set was spent playing with Stockings! One day, Stockings even crawled onto his shoulder and under his T-shirt with her face sticking out and fell asleep! The two of them got along great! During a scene when Stocking was to walk through a bunch a prisoners sleeping on the floor, she walked over and sniffed the noses of a few of the actors! She is quite a natural at acting!
Q: Do you think Dana had a good experience?A: This experience was an awesome experience for Dana. Dana loves animals and is a young animal activist. When her special pet got the chance to be in a movie, she was so excited! She actually got the chance to help in a few scenes, like when the rat was to walk out from behind a log, Dana lay on the floor on her stomach, behind the log, and released Stockings at the appropriate time.
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