By Open Book
How did penguins get 12 films produced in Hollywood? Is it their natural black and white tux that makes them so darn appealing? Perhaps what started all the fuss was the French documentary March of the Penguins in 2005. Costing 22 million to produce it grossed over 127 million at the box office. Soon to follow was the animated feature Happy Feet, which took in almost 390 million worldwide in 2006 according to boxoffice.com.[1] Needless to say after seeing those numbers no wonder penguins are in big demand.
Here are a few facts about the beloved bird. There are at least 18 different species of penguins. Some penguins live in Antarctica, Coast of South America, South Africa, Galapagos, Southern Australia and New Zealand. Penguins mate for life and they don’t fly they swim. They are very social, foraging and nesting in groups etc… Penguins are the unofficial symbol of the Libertarian Party and the hockey team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is named Pittsburgh Penguins. So why are we so fascinated with the birds in readymade suits? When Linux was trying to select a mascot for its computer operating system in 1996 they explained the reason for choosing a penguin to be their mascot.
“Now, when you think about penguins, first take a deep calming breath, and then think “cuddly”. Take another breath, and think “cute”. Go back to “cuddly” for a while (and go on breathing), then think “contented” [2].”
Alright, so maybe that wasn’t enough to go on. But consider this? Penguins mate for life; they are very social animals and love nesting in groups. Who does this remind you of? Yes! They are a lot more extreme but there are some similarities in how humans and penguins interact. Perhaps that’s why we find them so fascinating.
So what films are there featuring penguins? The list is as follows: (source) SenseList.com [3]
- 1971- Cry of the Penguins (British Lion Films Corp.)
- 1992- Batman Returns (Warner Bros.)
- 1995- The Pebble & the Penguin (MGM)
- 1996- Wallace & Grommit (Dreamworks)
- 2005- March of the Penguin’s (Warner Bros.)
- 2005- Madagascar (DreamWorks)
- 2006- Farce of the Penguin’s (FOTP Productions)
- 2006- Happy Feet (Warner Bros.)
- 2007- Surf’s Up (Sony Pictures)
- 2008- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (DreamWorks)
- 2011- Mr. Popper and the Penguin’s (Fox)
- 2011- Happy Feet 2 in 3-D (release date November 18th Warner Bros.)
After seeing the documentary film March of the Penguins rake in a ton of money at the box office, movie studios began turning out penguins left and right. Everything from live action to animation penguins were no longer black and white but green. Yet, after a constant stream of films over the last six years did Hollywood over saturate the market with the cuddly birds? Adapted from a 1938 classic novel Mr. Popper and the Penguin’s opened in theaters on June 18th came in at number three at the box office. Costing 55 million to produce its earned 18 million and appears to be doing better than expected. Happy Feet 2 which comes out this fall may be in for a rude awakening if Mr. Popper and the Penguin’s is the final straw for moviegoers love affair with penguins. What do you think? Has Hollywood over-saturated the market with Penguin movies?
Please join us for a live discussion on Tuesday: June 21st, 2011@ 7pEST
[1] : http://www.linuxscrew.com/2007/11/14/why-penguin-is-linux-logo/#ixzz1PkdKkR9w
[2] http://senselist.com/2007/02/27/9-films-featuring-penguins/
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Yes, yes it has. LOL!!!!
Well when doing the research I could not believe how many penguin films there were in the last six years. It was mind boggling.
They should start making movies on armadillos. LOL!! Those creatures get no street cred! haha! 🙂
Open Book,
This is an interesting article. Honestly, I can’t take another penguin movie. Just can’t. Its like eating to much candy. To much of it can make one sick.
LB,
Armidillos…LOL
I’m with Parisienne no more penguin movies. I can see them at the zoo when I feel like going. I did however purchase a painting for my nieces birthday that was a fundraiser for my local zoo. They have the pengiuns step in paint, then walk on canvases. The painting was very cool.
OB,
From super heroes, to vampires, to penquins; seems Hollywood can’t resist an easy formula and you’ve done an excellent job of making this very clear. In regard to subject matter, can any original ideas find their way to screen? I’m only asking because you, in different ways, have spent some time probing this question?
I agree with you CR. I asked the question a couple of articles ago. What ever happened to the orignal screenplay?? I know throughout movie making they have always adapted books and plays, but any more it seems that is all we see. Maybe that is why I really enjoyed the movie Super 8 it was an original screenplay. Now get me wrong there were definately ET and Close Encounters similiarities but couldn’t you say that about alot of original screenplays? We as movie goers seem to make it easy for studios since we pay for the “unoriginal”.
CR and Francesa,
Great question! Doesn’t Quentin Tarantino write most of his movies?
LB,
I always thought that.
Suppose a fairly well-educated someone told you sometimes they only wanted to be entertained?
Suppose they said, believe it or not, shallow formulaic films might protect them from being assaulted by viewpoints they could not see by the general description of the film or trailer.
Theirs isn’t an argument against people being able to express themselves, or original screen plays yet it might be against being unable to know what they were about to consume.
Hope this doesn’t sound too prudish, but I wondered what you thought?
Sorry, last statement directed toward Francesa.
CR
As for wanting to be entertained that was in regards to 3-D movies. IMO why do studios think that the movie going public wants to be part of the movie? Not all of us do, with respects to wearing the glasses and things popping out at them.
It is not as though I only see movies that I have seen the trailer or read something about it. I see all kinds of movies. I guess my question back to you is what are you getting at? I thought this site was to provoke thoughts and different opinions about movies etc.
I personally like original screenplay movies and IMO there is not enough of them.
Francesa,
I’m asking because I have read many of your posts but because I was unsure of my own opinion; if it is not too annoying: I chose to wait until now before asking about your own views. Sorry, I’m just getting around to asking….
Frequently yours is an ambitious mix of literature comments, forward thinking cinema interests, and grounded opinions (such as your response to supposedly 3D interactive theatre experiences). I certainly agree the site now, as well as when it was named the Hollywood Intellectual, has tried to be a place to intelligently discuss contemporary cinema and entertainment.
I don’t pay attention often but I’ve noticed young Hollywood actors and acting celebrities frequently discuss the projects “they want to do.” A very well-known young actress does this all the time. It only occurred to me recently after hearing her that I did not care what projects she wanted to do but wondered why she did not care what projects her audience wanted to see her in. This would explain the question about audience members “who just wanted to be entertained.”
I suggested I did not like them myself, but most of Hollywood’s penguin product certainly would not help most consumers adapt to your suggestions for a more challenging popular culture. I was wondering whether you had any ideas of how to bring them along. This would explain the question about audience members who like “shallow formulaic films.”
Going by your posts, you yourself seem very worldly. And somehow if you got your way I imagine the range of new ideas available in the theatres would be larger than we currently see. I was wondering if you have considered how individuals less worldly than yourself would cope with what they are less familiar with. This would explain the question about audience members who do not know what they “were about to consume.”
I’m trying to refine my own ideas. Hope this isn’t a surprise, I suspect you are holding on to more opinions than I’m sure I’ve heard previously.
Hi Everyone,
I see a lot of great dialogue has started already. Sorry, I missed out on all the festivities today. However, let me give everyone some information as to why I selected to write about this particular topic? Like some of u have mentioned and ITA I’m exhausted by all the penguin films being churned out by HW. However, with this topic, I hoped to spark some dialogue regarding why consumers continue to support conventional subject matter? Even though, “Mr. Poppers Penguins” came in third at the box office this weekend, it still did better than expected. This only tells HW we want more films about Penguins etc…. So why do the majority of consumers want to support the mundane rather than original content these days? Granted the poor economy has a lot to do with moviegoers trepidations about the unknown. But I also believe it has to do with social media, I will elaborate on this statement later. For all of our new and returning visitors welcome and please join in on the discussion. All views and opinions are welcomed!
Take Care
Hi OB!
I just posted and I think I even confused myself. I’m trying to organize my brain a bit better as I sit here. 🙂
Hi LB!
How are u? I just popped in quickly to give everyone a couple links to help during our discussion. I did read your post and thought it was great! See u @ 7pE.
Sweating my brains out. It’s 105 degrees today so I’ve been inside all day trying to keep myself sane. I think we may head to the pool soon. 🙂
CR,
I apologize for intruding on your discussion with Francesa, but you brought up a very good point. You mentioned that actors and actresses discuss projects they want to do. I honestly never considered them thinking about projects “I” or my “neighbor” may want them to do. Well maybe not, unless wanting to see them play a particular role or do a particular genre of movie would be in that category. But even them, it’s fleeting thoughts. 🙂
I used to do musical theater professionally for about 10 years. Honestly no one really cared what role or musical I was in, except for my mom. 🙂 I often chose musicals or roles that I wanted to play because 1) it was a challenge, 2) I got to play someone completely opposite of myself, which gave me a chance to experience a part of me in a safe environment , or 3) both. If I could ever sit down with an actor or actress (preferably of my own choosing), my first question would be why they picked particular movies and roles. Did it fulfill something within them. Honestly the only time I’ve ever heard an actor mention picking a movie or role for someone else is when they started having children and wanted movies their children could see.
I would consider myself fairly “worldly” and am very open minded about almost anything. I absolutely love this site because of the wonderful movies and discussions that have opened my eyes and fueled me to see movies I would never have thought of just because I simply did not know they were out there. I know a lot of people who have no taste in the same movie genres as me. They don’t like breaking out of their shell, which I completely respect. They like to stick with what they know, but how will you ever know if there is something better out there if you don’t take the chance. Maybe that’s why there aren’t as many original screenplays????
Ok, now I have completely gotten so lost in my thoughts I don’t even know where I was supposed to be going with this!!!! LOL! I hope you do!
LB,
You (or anyone else) are never interrupting.
One of the things that allows us to get absorbed in Penguin movies is many of the personell who bring us our entertainment frequently do not care what consumers want. The actress (who shall remain nameless) confirms this by reminding us that we want to know the films she wants to appear in. Of course our interest is greatly appreciated. Then we’re told we want Penquins which before this article I never, never, never, day dreamed about. Francesa with her passion for original screenplays might have thought about this; I’m asking because I haven’t thought about it. That’s the only reason I asked.
Sorry all for the confusion.
LB,
I thought I heard you say you danced, but musical theatre too. I’m extremely impressed. I didn’t realize there were so many multi-talents on this site.
Oh, no worries. 🙂 It was me confusing me! haha!!!
This is some great info that will help in our discussion tonight please read.
http://www.gointothestory.com/2011/04/original-screenplays-vs-other-sources.html
THanks OB! That is very interesting….:)
This is an interview on original screenplays.
http://www.5min.com/Video/Screenwriting-for-Hollywood-273161512
Cool sites.
Hi CR!
Glad u liked it.
I think social media has a lot to do with why remakes do better in theaters than original screenplays. For consumers it’s easy to gain access to books or reference remakes then it is to have access to original works. In other words consumer’s converse about familiar material then go out and see it. That’s harder to do with original screenplays. Original screenplays undoubtedly right now are only using big marketing campaigns to get consumers attention. So my Q: How can original works get the attention of consumers without gimmicks or pandering, which ultimately makes people skeptical about supporting them.
can you give me an example?
Hi LB!
Yes! U saw Black Swan? What inspired u to see it?
Holy crap, yes I saw it!!!!! It’s sitting in my mailbox right now from netflix!!! 🙂 The previews, Natalie, and word of mouth intrigued me. Same as with Super 8. Far exceeded my expectations!
LOL!
O.k. Why did u see The Notebook?
LB! I’m sorry to put u on trial. What I was getting at by asking u those Q. Typically remakes and book adaptations come with a ready made fan base which we’ve talked about. Well with social media like twitter and facebook etc… it has caused remakes and book adaptations to outperform original works at the box office. Why?
IMO! due to the easy access of books and remakes consumers are discussing them on social media sites then going to see them in theaters. Today most consumers are only becoming familiar with original screenplays by way of previews (which occurs three or four months prior to it’s release date). This is way too late to compete against a book out two or more years with a ready made fan base. Does that sense?
I apologize CR, I obviously took your post way to personal. I has been a very taxing few days from every turn I take and needless to say am downright tired.
LB interesting about the musical theater. You are a better person than I. I cannot sing to save my soul (well maybe in the shower, then I sound just fabulous, Ha).
In regards to CR’s young hollywood actress comment. I understand and respect that she does not care what an audience thinks, but if the roles she chooses do not make money, doesn’t she become a financial risk to studios if they cannot even recoup their production costs? I also understand that it does boil down to script, director etc. but when each of those are different and the one common denominator is the actress doesn’t the finger point at her?
LB’s comment in regards to this site opening up her(I’m assuming) eyes to new genres of movies etc. which is what I am hoping to get out of this site as well. ITA agree with moguls not caring about what the consumer wants and we as consumers send mixed messages I guess by continuing to purchase the tickets. I know that 44% of movie goers are in the 12-24 range and they see movies more frequently than the other demographics, so therefore we get tween movies and no original screenplays. I am part of the new pop culture generation, but really cannot understand it. I wish i could, but I don’t understand the infatuation
Not a better person by any means! 🙂 Showers have great acoustics btw. heehee!
I agree with your comment about the actress. I think in those situations, sticking with smaller films/indie films is probably a safer bet in regards to the studios. I think many great actors do tend to think what their fans think about their work. They may still choose what they WANT to do, but still want to give a performance that pleases the audience. Then there are those who don’t give a flying fig and they let you know it, in so many words. I think their careers are the short lived ones and they pretty much fade away into obscurity. Plus I don’t like ungrateful attitudes, especially when they are living high on the hog. Grr!
I see the Blockbusters and I see the small “never heard of it” movies. Lately it’s been my wallet and not studios that determine what I see in theaters. 🙂
Oh, and I was never really part of my generation either. Go figure. I think I’m an old spirit. *shrugs*
Francesa,
No big deal. Instead of asking questions out of the blue, I’ll try to give notice it’s likely to happen.
Francesa,
I’m only huge fan of Hollywood’s work. That doesn’t mean I don’t take exception frequently, but you don’t have to tell me why Hollywood is the largest exporter of entertainment in the world. Even with all of its problems, Hollywood manages to produce a product that many people consider irresistible. Ultimately I think the United States constitution and the freedom’s it permits, expressed in movies seduce even the most skeptical foreigners.
Pertaining to the actress, Francesa your assessments, (pertaining to this kind of entertainment producer), are so finely expressed they provoke even more questions. How long will she be able to speak this way? Doesn’t anyone ever check her regarding this attitude? Has she finally grasped the delicacy which these considerations have to be balanced? I was talking about recent yet older interviews after all. Certainly your grasp of both the artistic and business nuances that these artists juggle boggles my mind. I’m glad I asked you about this. And I will do better to be clearer regarding other questions in the future. Thanks for the reply.
I still believe it is a cop out on the studios part in regards to adaptations. It’s easy for them, the movie already has a fan base, marketing is easier, and movie goers continue, no matter how bad the script or even book might be still buy tickets and go. Almost a catch-22.
Yes it is, but at the same time, so many books that I have loved have been turned into films and I admit, when they are done correctly, it so amazing to see the book come alive. 🙂 The book adaptations I have really enjoyed have been:
WFE
Carrie
The Joyluck Club
Fried Green Tomatoes
The Shining (way different from the book, but Nicholas is hands down freaky awesome!)
The Notebook
Apollo 13 and
Full Metal Jacket
Just to name a few……
Hi Frances,
How are u? ITA HW will go with what’s tried and true rather than take a risk. How can original screenplays compete? IMO! I think social media has ultimately caused this problem.
Sorry, I botched your name again Francesa. I need coffee bad.
Gosh darn, when it comes down to it, as long as my interest is piqued, I’ll just go about see anything! Original or not. 🙂
OB what exactly do you mean by social media? I’m confused. Shocker, huh?
LB Sorry,
I’m referring to what we are doing now as social media. But a lot of comic book sites are great examples of it.
Oh, ok! Gotcha!
Open Book you are correct, social media has caused this and at this point can it go back? I am just very passionate about originality and being original. My mom always told me I danced to the beat of a different durmmer and I guess that is reflected in all areas of my thought processes.\
And I agree with LB, I will read or see just about anything that piques my interest.
Francesa,
Sorry for the long pause!
I admire people who push themselves beyond their limit. I think it takes a lot of creativity and courage to be original so please don’t change. I hoped to open up the dialogue and discuss original material as well as adaptations here on LIH. I think one of the weaknesses I see with those creating original content is the lag time on exposing it to the public. IMO! The days of marketing a film three months before it’s released is too late. Social media has changed all that. Today, I think what is sending out mixed messages about what consumers want to see is social media. Consumers today are using content that is readily available to them to discuss. Like I said original works don’t have that as an advantage. Instead they need to find something else that is familiar to consumers to stir discussions and debates. Does that make sense?
OB,
makes sense to me, but boy will the future be strange.
Furthermore,
What I like too add. Francesa what u are doing now in discussing original works with us is exactly what I think needs to happen to make people aware there are other options to choose from.
Ok ladies, my kids want out of the house and in 105 degree heat there’s only one place to go: the POOL!!! Thanks for a great discussion and I;ll come back later to check out the other posts. 🙂 Have a great night!
See u later LB! Stay cool…..
Bye LB,
(Wow, just missed her.)
Hi all. ….got caught in traffic
OB,
are any other animals giving the penguins competition?
Hi Everyone!
I’ve pretty much caught up on the comments. IMO, the reason why films are so formulaic is because its easy revenue for the studios. They are piggybacking off each other, there is no demand for original work from consumers so they don’t give it.
Hi Paris.
Hi CR!
How are you?
…very good and even better article.
I’m sure you are correct. I wonder how we woulddemonstrate that we’re interested in new material?
Hi Paris!
ITA! Hopefully that will change the more people bring more attention to it. At least that’s what I’m trying to do.
CR,
ITA. How to get enough people to want to see original screenplays?
Hi Open Book!
how are you?
I’m in need of coffee. I’ve not had any 2 days. Not good!
You need a keurig.
Honestly, here’s how i see it. Consumers are seen as animals. Original screen plays are seen as gourmet meals. Formulaic films about vamps, penguins, what have you is seen as garbage. If the handlers (studios) keep feeding the animals garbage then the animals will get used to eating the garbage and not demand the gourmet meal. Studios are counting on consumers becoming complacent. IMO. I hope I made sense.
Paris,
…great analogies.
thank you. 🙂
Yes! ITA…. What I think is the problem consumers are using familiar material as a way to socialize then they go out and see it. Not thinking what they are saying to studios give me more crap. So I hope creators of original works enter into discussions with consumers a year before a film is to be released. Find something they can relate too be it actor, director, social issue etc…. Does that make sense?
It makes perfect sense.
but I also think if an actor/director or whoever is going to be able to be found to relate the public. The writer and who ever else involved at that time needs to make sure that the person they are using is not strung out or anything like that and will respect the material as it is written.
LOL! So true… That’s a huge problem. Case in point what happen to Kirsten Dunst at Cannes.
I felt so bad for her.
Wait? I think I misinterpreted your comment. Please elaborate.
That’s ok. The way I see it. Let’s say for example, I write a screenplay. I would sit down one by one with my actors or whoever I wanted to promote my film and ask them questions about the film and other things i would find pertinent. Like the director’s Hitler comment and judge based on their answers whether I wanted that person to do promotion for my film. Does that make sense?
In other words, I would want to make sure they don’t look bad so I don’t look bad. i’d be covering myself. This is all my opinion of course.
Yeah! O.k. That’s what I thought u meant but did not want to assume. Yes! I think actors are the most liable because they have direct contact with the public.
IMO, the way an actor represents himself/herself to the public is a direct reflection on the production. Why would people want to come see it?
So not going there……:)
I think you and i have gone there a million times already. 🙂
Great! I can get sorta out there sometimes. LOL!
LOL great minds think alike.
I know that we can all name at least one actor/actress that should not be doing any type of promotions for any film. Not only does that actor look bad but he/she brings down the entire film. I don’t see how people put up with that but thats JMO.
Ditto!
Double ditto!
hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!
Paris, Francesa and CR!
I have to go but I would love for us to continue this discussion. This is only the first stab.
I will check back tomorrow and respond as well.
Take Care!
Have a good night Open Book and CR. I have to head out as well.
night.
I was called away for work. Am going to read comment and respond tomorrow as well.
I think the general consensus is the same all around. It’s easier for the studios, the consumer doesn’t demand anything less and we need to continue to use social media (like this site) to get the word out.
Wow what a great discussion tonight. Am looking forward to seeing Cars 2 with my nephew and to be back home with family. Somewhere which i have not been in a while. Oh and one more an original screenplay, well original animated screenplay that it is, but still original. Yeah!
Francesa-
U can leave your review of “Cars 2” on Movie Buzz or the Chat area this week. Looking forward to reading your review and enjoy your break.
Take Care!
OB to answer your question about The Notebook. Honestly, I hadn’t read the book. Still haven’t because if I sobbed at the end of the movie, well I’ll be a lake in my own house with the book. 🙂 Actually it was a “girls night out” kind of thing, but I couldn’t go. I really wanted to see it because those that are pretty crusty on the outside said they cried. I rented it and well you know the rest! What about you?
Francesa, please tell me how Cars 2 is! I loved the first one and really hope the second is as good. 🙂
Paris, you said earlier that with an original screenplay, the actors will respect the material as it is written. I think that even goes with adapted movies and it is extremely important. While actors may have some good ideas they want to share with the writer, it’s the writer’s story, not theirs. If they don’t like it, don’t do it. If you do it, be a professional, portray the work as it is written and do your job. I hate when I hear about actors and actresses demanding changes to a script because they disagree or don’t have the chops to actually act!!!! They are getting paid a *bleep* load of money to make the film so be respectful and do your job!!!
*deep breaths*
sorry for the rant. 😦
LB-
The Notebook I saw on DVD. I read the book years before the film came out.
Everyone-
I wanted to say thanks for contributing to this discussion. I think we’ve only skimmed the surface on this issue regarding original screenplays. Like I said this is only the first attempt of many.
Paris, Open Book, and all,
I think looking to social media to alleviate some of the more alienating aspects or unfamiliar aspects of original screen plays is a very progressive and proactive role for film enthusiasts to play. A great example of this is the way this site presented layered previews of the most aspects of WFE months and weeks before its premiere opening.
Didn’t understand some the finer issues involved in animal handling for entertainment? LIH detailed and informed. Didn’t understand that there is a history of clown craft? LIH detailed and informed. Were you curious about Hollywood’s romance with circus films? LIH detailed and informed. Confused about the economics of circus development and maintenance…
I’m sure as all these topics pertaining to patronage, communication, and entertainment mature we’ll see more advanced strategies for serving, coping, and revealing. I’m glad to be a part of this.
FT, that’s how I have felt about the super hero. LIH gave me more history and insight to better appreciate the films. I think its great when movie goers take a more proactive role and discuss the topics in films that are in theaters or soon to be in theaters.
Stupid phone. Ft is supposed to be CR. 😦
Francesa-
What are your thoughts on Fox’s Emerging Writer’s initiative they just launched this year?