Since it's release in 2013 Blackfish has been making a massive impact across the world. We wrote a blog in December about the impact of Blackfish on SeaWorld but felt we needed to add to that to include events of recent months!
Paper Towns cuts SeaWorld scene
In January 2015, a film adaptation of writer John Green’s Paper Towns, to be released in June 2015 as one of the summer’s most anticipated hits, was reported to have cut a scene from the book where the main characters broke into Seaworld. The decision according to the films producer Wyck Godfrey was based on the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which was released after the book’s original publication in 2008 and raised awareness of the poor treatment of the Orcas.
SeaWorld attendance and shares down
In February 2015, figures were published showing massive decreases in Seaworld attendance in 2013 decreasing from 23.4 million to 22.4 million in 2014. Seaworld’s shares over the last 12 months were reported at losses of 42.8% as attendance continued to decrease.
Ringling Bros stepped up, Now it's your turn, Seaworld
Seaworld face further action in early March by the Boulder Film Festival, when the Ringling Bros, one of the USA’s largest circus companies, announced they were freeing their Elephants in captivity due to public backlash. SeaWorld was brought into when the message RINGLING BROS STEPPED UP, NOW IT’S YOUR TURN, SEAWORLD was projected on top of a 100 foot building.
NFL team cuts ties with sinking SeaWorld
SeaWorld's long list of ex-business partners is still growing. The Miami Dolphins have announced they are severing ties with the theme park, ending a marketing partnership that began in 2012. The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that a SeaWorld spokesperson confirmed the split.
Mother's Day and SeaWorld
In the lead up to Mother’s day, on May 6th Victoria’s Secret model Marisa Miller, who is currently pregnant with her second child, posed naked in a bathtub for a PETA campaign accusing SeaWorld of separating orca calves from their mothers. Marisa said “I think any mother knows the sense of protection and connection you have with your baby’’. On Mother's Day SeaWorld posted three photos of young orcas with their Moms. Perhaps this is SeaWorld's idea of a response to information about how SeaWorld really treats these orca families, which shows 17 orcas who were separated from their mothers while in SeaWorld's possession. Other famous supporters include notable figures inHollywood such as Matt Damon, Russell Brand, Olivia Wilde and Steve-O as part of a campaign to raise awareness of orcas in captivity.
Thank you for your support!
The Blackfish twitter account, @blackfishmovie, has reached over 50,000 followers by April. Dogwoof and Blackfish are so grateful for your support since the release of the film. Stay in touch with us online and help us #EmptyTheTanks
Help us raise awareness!
Around the same period, Dogwoof in March added a range of exclusive T-shirts and Tote bags to the Blackfish collection, which includes DVDs and Blu Rays of Blackfish also on sale. Prices for T-Shirts start from £10.99 and Tote bags from £4.99. Sizes range from kids to Men and Woman and are available at http://shop.dogwoof.com/collections/blackfish.