Andy DehnartAnimal Planet’s focus on people-centered reality TV continues with a show that’s currently being filmed in Arkansas and focuses on a taxidermy business that freeze-dries dead pets so their owners can keep them around forever. So, yes, it’s about dead animals.
Xtreme Taxidermy and its owner Daniel Ross are currently being followed by camera crews in Romance, Arkansas, for the show after being approached by producers, who found them online. The company’s web site says “Freeze dry preservation affords pet owners the opportunity to make a lasting memorial. … Your pet will look very natural and even close up it will be difficult to tell any difference at all except for the lack of movement. With a little care, your pet can be held, carried, or even gently petted.”
An Arkansas CBS affiliate did a report on the show, which includes footage of the freeze-drying process and the camera crews at work.
After filming a pilot over eight days last year, which is now being tested, the 13-episode series is now being filmed by Collins Avenue, the producers of CW’s Fly Girls; its lead, Jeff Collins, previously produced WEtv’s Bridezillas and A&E’s Billy the Exterminator at September Films.