In the Chevy commercial, the cat named Walter is indeed a real cat. However, it is important to note that there were not just one, but nine identical tabby cats used to portray the character of Walter. Each of these cats had their own unique talents and abilities that they brought to the set during the filming of the advert.
The agency responsible for the commercial, Commonwealth/McCann, carefully selected these nine cats to ensure that they all closely resembled one another. This was done to maintain consistency in the appearance of Walter throughout the commercial. By using identical cats, the agency was able to seamlessly transition between shots without the audience noticing any changes in the cat’s appearance.
To create the illusion of Walter performing various actions and behaviors, the agency likely employed the use of trained cats and clever editing techniques. Trained cats are often used in commercials and movies to perform specific actions on cue. These cats are typically taught through positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and rewards, to associate certain behaviors with specific commands.
During the filming of the commercial, the cats were likely given clear instructions and cues to perform certain actions, such as sitting, jumping, or pawing at objects. The agency would then carefully select and edit the footage to create a cohesive narrative that showcased Walter’s adventures.
Finding nine identical cats may seem like a difficult task, but it is not uncommon for commercials or movies to use multiple animals to portray one character. This is often done to ensure that the animal remains comfortable and stress-free during the filming process. By rotating the cats and allowing them breaks, the agency can ensure that each cat is well-rested and ready to perform when needed.
The commercial was filmed on a massive 100,000-acre ranch in Utah, providing a picturesque backdrop for Walter’s escapades. This location would have allowed the cats plenty of space to roam and explore, further enhancing the authenticity of the commercial.
While Walter is a real cat in the Chevy commercial, there were actually nine identical tabby cats used to portray the character. Each of these cats had their own talents and abilities that they brought to the set, and the agency carefully selected and trained them to create a seamless and engaging narrative.