"The reality is, I was told by everyone, all my producers, my AD's, like, working with a cat, it's going to destroy the day, and I'd literally get it in one or two takes with this cat."
Darren Aronofsky on working with Tonic
(INT and EXT New York City)
"I was the Line Producer / UPM of CAUGHT STEALING and working with Melissa and her team was a game-changing experience. Her deep and intuitive training process with her animals delivered near miraculous cat performances."
Ann Ruark, Line Producer/UPM
"It's really about the trainers, it's really what it comes down to. Cause they actually, you're really collaborating with them. They're kind of like controlling what the cat does. Melissa Millett is just an unbelievable artist."
Darren Aronofsky on working with Tonic and Melissa Millett
"He's a scene stealer, he's so present, it's amazing."
Austin Butler on working with Tonic the cat
"He's amazing, that cat is so smart and well trained. Honestly, like, never had a problem."
Zoe Kravitz on working with Tonic the cat
"It is my pleasure to recommend Melissa Millett and Ultimutts as top-tier animal trainers for film and television. I have worked with them on several commercial projects, where they brought well-trained, happy, and confident dogs and cats to set.
Melissa combines kindness, professionalism, and a deep understanding of both animals and on-set demands. The animals clearly trust her, and their focused, engaged energy helps filming run smoothly and efficiently. She is also highly skilled at matching the right animal to the right job."
Karen Tameanko, Circle Productions
"I highly recommend Melissa Millett as a trainer or coordinator for your next project. I hired Melissa as the animal trainer for FRACTURED with her dog Jellybean. Jellybean was well trained and provided an exceptional performance! Melissa is a great collaborator and is easy to work with. She has excellent communication skills. She would be a tremendous asset to your project if you are looking for animals and has my highest recommendation."
Neal Edelstein, Producer
"I have had the privilege to know and work with Melissa Millett as a skilled and talented animal trainer for the past 5 years. Melissa’s skills are unique and not something easily found in the professional training community. Not only are her positive reinforcement techniques extraordinary in the working animal field, but her ability to also work in such a skilled manner with cats definitely sets her apart from the rest of the community.
Perhaps most notable, is that when attending conferences or workshops, one can find the most skilled and knowledgeable leaders in the animal training community in attendance at her workshops.
In sum, Ms. Millett is not just a great animal trainer; she is a visionary leader in the community whose passion, creativity, and dedication make her a true star in the world of animal performances. I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire and innovate in whatever she pursues next."
Ken Ramirez, Executive VP & Chief Training Officer, Karen Pryor Clicker Training
"And to any other directors out there, if you're looking for a brilliant dog actor, I would highly recommend Jellybean."
Lindsay Anderson Beer, Director of Pet Sematary Bloodlines