The perception of orcas has changed a lot in the past few decades. Though revered by some cultures (such as several Native American tribes and the Ainu of Japan), they've historically shared the bad reputation of sharks — there's a reason the name "killer whale" endured.
Then in the 1960s, scientists began studying these animals up close and perception slowly changed. While orcas are apex predators, they have no documented interest in hunting humans; if anything, they're playful. They're also some of the smartest animals around, with intelligence comparable to great apes; they communicate with each other and different pods have different languages.
This change in perception can be seen in film. In 1977, "Orca" was a "Jaws" knock-off that depicted a killer whale as a modern Moby Dick. By 1993, an orca became the star of a family movie: "Free Willy." I've not revisited "Free Willy" in over a decade, but it is a childhood favorite.
Then in the 1960s, scientists began studying these animals up close and perception slowly changed. While orcas are apex predators, they have no documented interest in hunting humans; if anything, they're playful. They're also some of the smartest animals around, with intelligence comparable to great apes; they communicate with each other and different pods have different languages.
This change in perception can be seen in film. In 1977, "Orca" was a "Jaws" knock-off that depicted a killer whale as a modern Moby Dick. By 1993, an orca became the star of a family movie: "Free Willy." I've not revisited "Free Willy" in over a decade, but it is a childhood favorite.
- 10/3/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
In today’s Global Bulletin, The Apartment and Castlefield team on “Death at SeaWorld” series adaptation, Series Mania opens the call for series and projects, MTV U.K. commissions “Celebs on the Farm,” Love Nature announces streaming plans for “Nature of the Beast,” and ViacomCBS Networks Intl. promotes long-time exec Wincie Knight.
Series
Fremantle companies The Apartment (“The Young Pope”) and recently launched Castlefield have scooped the rights to David Kirby’s popular book “Death at SeaWorld,” and will produce a 10-part series headed by showrunner Simon Allen.
The Apartment’s Lorenzo Mieli will produce along with Hilary Martin and Simon Judd for Castlefield, with shooting planned for late 2021. The book and series draw on investigations done ahead of the 2013 BAFTA-nominated documentary “Blackfish,” and the real-life story of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, who was killed by a captive killer whale during a performance.
“‘Death at SeaWorld’ will not only be...
Series
Fremantle companies The Apartment (“The Young Pope”) and recently launched Castlefield have scooped the rights to David Kirby’s popular book “Death at SeaWorld,” and will produce a 10-part series headed by showrunner Simon Allen.
The Apartment’s Lorenzo Mieli will produce along with Hilary Martin and Simon Judd for Castlefield, with shooting planned for late 2021. The book and series draw on investigations done ahead of the 2013 BAFTA-nominated documentary “Blackfish,” and the real-life story of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, who was killed by a captive killer whale during a performance.
“‘Death at SeaWorld’ will not only be...
- 10/19/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Catherine Pearson Feb 22, 2017
Documentary fans are well served by these 11 great documentary series and features, currently available on Netflix UK...
In recent years, even months, Netflix has upped its game. No longer just a site to instantly stream an old title you might have once picked up in Blockbuster, it's become a hub of quality new and original film and television and this is by no means limited to its vast selection of fiction.
See related The world of the Peaky Blinders
With the scope of possibility in visual effects and the boundlessness of imagination there are very few places we cannot explore in fiction nowadays… that is unless we explore stories that are stranger than fiction. There is a tangible thirst for the real; the overwhelming response to recent Netflix documentary Making A Murderer in the news and social media, as just one example, exposes the desire for and...
Documentary fans are well served by these 11 great documentary series and features, currently available on Netflix UK...
In recent years, even months, Netflix has upped its game. No longer just a site to instantly stream an old title you might have once picked up in Blockbuster, it's become a hub of quality new and original film and television and this is by no means limited to its vast selection of fiction.
See related The world of the Peaky Blinders
With the scope of possibility in visual effects and the boundlessness of imagination there are very few places we cannot explore in fiction nowadays… that is unless we explore stories that are stranger than fiction. There is a tangible thirst for the real; the overwhelming response to recent Netflix documentary Making A Murderer in the news and social media, as just one example, exposes the desire for and...
- 2/19/2017
- Den of Geek
The SeaWorld whale that inspired the controversial documentary Blackfish died from bacterial pneumonia, it was revealed on Friday.
SeaWorld spokeswoman Aimée Jeansonne Becka announced the cause of death in an email to the Associated Press.
Tilikum was receiving treatment for a persistent bacterial infection when he died in captivity last month. He was about 36 years old.
In March 2016, it was announced that the infamous whale had fallen ill, suffering from a bacterial infection in his lungs that was resistant to treatment.
The whale was the subject of controversy when he killed trainer Dawn Brancheau at SeaWorld’s Orlando park in...
SeaWorld spokeswoman Aimée Jeansonne Becka announced the cause of death in an email to the Associated Press.
Tilikum was receiving treatment for a persistent bacterial infection when he died in captivity last month. He was about 36 years old.
In March 2016, it was announced that the infamous whale had fallen ill, suffering from a bacterial infection in his lungs that was resistant to treatment.
The whale was the subject of controversy when he killed trainer Dawn Brancheau at SeaWorld’s Orlando park in...
- 2/4/2017
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
In 2013, “Blackfish” changed the way SeaWorld was perceived around the world. Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s documentary about the mistreatment of killer whales in the theme park focuses on the circumstances that led Tilikum, an orca responsible for the death of three people over the course of more than 30 years in captivity. (One of them, trainer Dawn Brancheau, was drowned in full view of a crowd.)
Last week, SeaWorld announced that the 36-year-old whale had died of a bacterial infection, news that brought “Blackfish” and its critique of the park back to the headlines.
In the years since the film’s release, Cowperthwaite has continued to spread its message nationwide, and has kept busy as a filmmaker. She recently directed a narrative feature “Megan Leavey,” about the real-life efforts of a marine who bonds with her combat dog. However, her movie’s alarming depiction of whales struggling under the boundaries of captivity...
Last week, SeaWorld announced that the 36-year-old whale had died of a bacterial infection, news that brought “Blackfish” and its critique of the park back to the headlines.
In the years since the film’s release, Cowperthwaite has continued to spread its message nationwide, and has kept busy as a filmmaker. She recently directed a narrative feature “Megan Leavey,” about the real-life efforts of a marine who bonds with her combat dog. However, her movie’s alarming depiction of whales struggling under the boundaries of captivity...
- 1/9/2017
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
While everyone's crying for Tilikum, the family of late SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau wants the world to remember he killed their daughter 7 years ago -- and the tragedy's still fresh for them. Dawn's mother, Marion LoVerde, tells TMZ she doesn't want the orca's death to overshadow Dawn's. She says, yes ... "It's sad nature took Tilikum's life, but he lived 7 more years than Dawn did, and we have to live with it." Marion admits having...
- 1/8/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
On Friday morning, Tilikum the orca whale died at the SeaWorld park in Orlando, Florida.
Long before his passing, the 36-year-old killer whale made headlines for his part in the controversial documentary Blackfish, in which his behavior was profiled — and for killing SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.
These events encouraged a new era at SeaWorld, where the interest shifted from breeding whales and making them perform to focusing on the animals’ natural behavior, and also bolstered the movement to end whale captivity.
In a timeline of his brief life, it is easy to see the challenging world Tilikum lived in,...
Long before his passing, the 36-year-old killer whale made headlines for his part in the controversial documentary Blackfish, in which his behavior was profiled — and for killing SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.
These events encouraged a new era at SeaWorld, where the interest shifted from breeding whales and making them perform to focusing on the animals’ natural behavior, and also bolstered the movement to end whale captivity.
In a timeline of his brief life, it is easy to see the challenging world Tilikum lived in,...
- 1/6/2017
- by kellibendertimeinc
- PEOPLE.com
Plenty of documentaries earnestly seek to create change in the world, but Blackfish arguably accomplished that goal better than most. The 2013 documentary—which, to put it extremely reductively, opened the world’s eyes to how fucked up SeaWorld is—led to an 84 percent drop in business for SeaWorld (although the company claimed the drop was due to outside factors), and the suddenly controversial chain of marine parks halted its orca breeding program last year. Now Tilikum, the killer whale profiled in the documentary who killed SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010 and was linked to two other human deaths over the course of his 25 years in captivity, has died.
The news was announced on the SeaWorld website, which said, “Tilikum passed away early this morning, January 6, surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care.” He was estimated to be about ...
The news was announced on the SeaWorld website, which said, “Tilikum passed away early this morning, January 6, surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care.” He was estimated to be about ...
- 1/6/2017
- by Katie Rife
- avclub.com
TMZ reports that Tilikum the orca whale, the embattled SeaWorld resident and subject of Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s revealing (and often heartbreaking) documentary “Blackfish,” passed away earlier today. While it’s “unclear what killed him…he had been treated for a nagging bacterial infection.” He was approximately 36 years old.
In an official comment (provided by the New York Daily News), SeaWorld President & CEO Joel Manby said, “Tilikum had, and will continue to have, a special place in the hearts of the SeaWorld family, as well as the millions of people all over the world that he inspired. My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family.”
Read More: ‘Born to Be Free’ Documentary Hopes To Draw ‘Blackfish’-Level Attention To Beluga Whale Plight
Cowperthwaite’s groundbreaking documentary premiered at Sundance in 2013, where it stunned festival audiences, and was subsequently shown repeatedly on CNN, reaching millions of viewers...
In an official comment (provided by the New York Daily News), SeaWorld President & CEO Joel Manby said, “Tilikum had, and will continue to have, a special place in the hearts of the SeaWorld family, as well as the millions of people all over the world that he inspired. My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family.”
Read More: ‘Born to Be Free’ Documentary Hopes To Draw ‘Blackfish’-Level Attention To Beluga Whale Plight
Cowperthwaite’s groundbreaking documentary premiered at Sundance in 2013, where it stunned festival audiences, and was subsequently shown repeatedly on CNN, reaching millions of viewers...
- 1/6/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Tilikum, a male orca whale, has died after 25 years at SeaWorld Orlando.
"The SeaWorld family is deeply saddened to announce that one of its most well-known orcas, Tilikum, has passed away," the theme park says in a statement on their website. "Tilikum passed away early this morning, January 6, surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care."
News: SeaWorld Announces an End to Orca Captivity -- But There's a Catch
The cause of death has yet to be determined, though SeaWorld's website says Tilikum, who was estimated to be 36 years old, "had faced some very serious health issues" due to his older age.
Tilikum was profiled in the documentary Blackfish, which addressed the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its possible dangers for both humans and mammals.
More: SeaWorld Expanded Killer Whale Environments After Blackfish, But Is It Enough?
In 2010, Tilikum killed trainer Dawn Brancheau when he pulled her into the pool...
"The SeaWorld family is deeply saddened to announce that one of its most well-known orcas, Tilikum, has passed away," the theme park says in a statement on their website. "Tilikum passed away early this morning, January 6, surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care."
News: SeaWorld Announces an End to Orca Captivity -- But There's a Catch
The cause of death has yet to be determined, though SeaWorld's website says Tilikum, who was estimated to be 36 years old, "had faced some very serious health issues" due to his older age.
Tilikum was profiled in the documentary Blackfish, which addressed the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its possible dangers for both humans and mammals.
More: SeaWorld Expanded Killer Whale Environments After Blackfish, But Is It Enough?
In 2010, Tilikum killed trainer Dawn Brancheau when he pulled her into the pool...
- 1/6/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Tilikum, the SeaWorld whale that inspired the controversial documentary Blackfish, has died, according to SeaWorld.
The park announced the death of the 36-year-old orca on Friday.
“The SeaWorld family is deeply saddened to announce that one of its most well-known orcas, Tilikum, has passed away. Tilikum passed away early this morning, January 6, surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care,” SeaWorld said in a statement.
In March of last year, it was announced that the infamous whale had fallen ill, suffering from a bacterial infection in his lungs that was resistant to treatment. It...
The park announced the death of the 36-year-old orca on Friday.
“The SeaWorld family is deeply saddened to announce that one of its most well-known orcas, Tilikum, has passed away. Tilikum passed away early this morning, January 6, surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care,” SeaWorld said in a statement.
In March of last year, it was announced that the infamous whale had fallen ill, suffering from a bacterial infection in his lungs that was resistant to treatment. It...
- 1/6/2017
- by kellibendertimeinc
- PEOPLE.com
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50 fabulous documentary films, covering hard politics through to music, money and films that never were...
Thanks to streaming services such as Netflix, we’ve never had better access to documentaries. A whole new audience can discover that these real life stories are just as thrilling, entertaining, and incredible as the latest big-budget blockbuster. What’s more, they’re all true too. But with a new found glut of them comes the ever more impossible choice, what’s worth your time? Below is my pick of the 50 best modern feature length documentaries.
I’ve defined modern as being from 2000 onwards, which means some of the greatest documentaries ever made will not feature here. I’m looking at you Hoop Dreams.
50. McConkey (2013)
d. Rob Bruce, Scott Gaffney, Murray Wais, Steve Winter, David Zieff
Shane McConkey was an extreme skier and Base jumper who lived life on the edge, and very much to the full.
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50 fabulous documentary films, covering hard politics through to music, money and films that never were...
Thanks to streaming services such as Netflix, we’ve never had better access to documentaries. A whole new audience can discover that these real life stories are just as thrilling, entertaining, and incredible as the latest big-budget blockbuster. What’s more, they’re all true too. But with a new found glut of them comes the ever more impossible choice, what’s worth your time? Below is my pick of the 50 best modern feature length documentaries.
I’ve defined modern as being from 2000 onwards, which means some of the greatest documentaries ever made will not feature here. I’m looking at you Hoop Dreams.
50. McConkey (2013)
d. Rob Bruce, Scott Gaffney, Murray Wais, Steve Winter, David Zieff
Shane McConkey was an extreme skier and Base jumper who lived life on the edge, and very much to the full.
- 11/12/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Source: CNN Films If you hadn't already heard of the Oscar-nominated documentary Blackfish, chances are you've come across it the last few days. The film, which you can stream on Netflix, argues that keeping killer whales in captivity is dangerous to both the animals and trainers and specifically investigates the 2010 death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau by a 12,000-pound killer whale named Tilikum. Now a California lawmaker, inspired by the film, has proposed a law that would ban marine parks in the state from using orcas in shows. It's a big deal for SeaWorld, considering its San Diego park holds 10 of the company's 28 killer wales. Last Friday, state lawmaker Richard Bloom said he sponsored the bill because "there is no justification for the continued captive display of orcas for entertainment purposes." He continued, "These beautiful creatures are much too large and far too intelligent to be confined in small, concrete tanks for their entire lives.
- 3/10/2014
- by Annie Gabillet
- Popsugar.com
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