OwlKitty’s latest leading feline film role is a parody of the Titanic, appearing with Leonardo DiCaprio in place of Kate Winslet. This time, “your favorite movie kitty” is acting in scenes of one of the highest-grossing Academy-Award-winning films of all time.
Some background: The adopted shelter kitty named Lizzy is a “4-year-old floof” from Portland, Oregon. When she was born, her hoomans were there to witness it in foster care on March 3, 2017. Her mother Licorice was black, but she was the only black kitten among 4 white and one tabby.
“We just want to make it really clear that any cat can be a star, and also reduce the stigma for black cats, because they defintiely still have a harder time being adopted,” explains cat mom Olivia Boone. “She’s a shelter kitty, and it’s really the best breed,” says cat dad Thibault (Tibo) Charroppin.
Lizzy as a wee kitten via YouTube/OwlKitty the Adoption Story
OwlKitty’s nickname comes from her owlish big round eyes and pear-shaped body. Charroppin, her movie director, is a lifelong cat dad and a senior video editor for the ACLU.
“[OwlKitty] stars in all your favorite movies and tv shows and gets lots of treats and cuddles in return,” states the official website. “Offscreen, Lizzy loves her laser pointer, her adoptive mother (a 12-year-old tabby) and the taste of cream cheese. She’s never caught a bird.”
Images: screenshots via YouTube/OwlKitty
Titanic with a Cat
In the first scene, we see Leo as Jack Dawson coming down the Grand Staircase of the RMS Titanic.
“Wanna go to a real party?” he says, as OwlKitty appears quite interested.
From there, Jack and OwlKitty are together in memorable scenes, dancing in circles and standing at the bow for the famous “King of the World” scene. He even draws kitty like one of his French girls, revealing the completed sketch to someone you’ll recognize.
And, what would Titanic be without the dramatic ear-worm theme by Celine Dion, My Heart Will Go On? It’s all here, and OwlKitty shines like the regal movie star she has become. Could it earn OwlKitty more Academy accolades?
Video by OwlKitty (click to watch on YouTube):
OwlKitty Behind the Scenes
In a behind-the-scenes for the Titanic with a Cat, Charoppin shows how he did it, and it’s pretty technical. Whenever you see DiCaprio holding OwlKitty, he holds the cat against a green screen (or sheet in this case), moving precisely in the same manner and speed as the actor’s scene. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be seamless.
“All the shots where I have to hold Lizzy in my arms are actually pretty complicated,” Charroppin explains. “And, unfortunately, this video has a lot in them.”
Thibault (Tibo) Charroppin
Other times, things weren’t so technical. For example, OwlKitty’s director plays with a mouse on a stick to get the right expressions. Often, cat mom, Olivia Boone, helps with this part.
Charroppin and Olivia Boone
Then, he used advanced computer imaging skills and editing software to place OwlKitty in the desired scenes. When the cat’s big round eyes light up at the right moments, it all comes together.
“And, like a joke it’s all about anticipation and good timing,” he said.
OwlKitty’s birthday is March 3, 2017, so let’s all wish the cat star a wonderful one!
To support OwlKitty and her fabulous cat pawrents, who make these homemade videos independently with help from fans, you can follow them on YouTube and see their website for everything OwlKitty. We know her star will go on and on.
