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Alternatives to Apes
Alternatives to Apes
Movie stars are often accused of being fake. In the case of great apes who would much rather be climbing trees and bonding with their families than shooting yet another take of Scene 3, we can only wish that it were true. There are many technological and mechanical advancements that can replace the use of live animals in front of the camera. It's time that all of Hollywood caught up to the 21st century.
I, Robot
Advances in technology and costume design have made it possible to create a "stars" from the ground up--they can have ears to their knees or eyes sprouting from stalks or almost anything else. Characters like Jar Jar Binks from Star Wars: Episodes I and II were brought to life using technology like computer-generated images (CGI) and blue screen. Mighty Joe Young's title character was an animatronic gorilla. Films like Jurassic Park and The Perfect Storm have used combinations of CGI and animatronics to create realistic dinosaurs and giant sea creatures with the help of special effects company Industrial Light & Magic.
Love Don't Cost a Thing
Producers and studio executives may claim that alternatives are too expensive or time-consuming, but the Chimpanzee Collaboratory looks at the costs this way: "When the average budget for a studio movie is nearly $60 million, though, the differential in using animatronics or CGI can represent a small addition in the film's total cost--as little as 1 to 2 percent. Producers may still maintain that 'the real thing' looks better on screen than any of the alternatives, but advances in computer technology and robotics are steadily blurring these distinctions. And the essential ethical question remains the same: Can the decision to use live animals be justified in light of the cruel practices that make their exploitation possible?"
For such a tiny fraction of a film's cost, an ape can be spared a lifetime of fear and suffering. The meager difference in expenses should never be at the expense of any of these fascinating, intelligent, sensitive beings.
Almost Famous
Many actors realize that film sets are not the place for live animals and refuse to accept roles in protest. Betty White refused a role in As Good As It Gets because the movie depicted the mistreatment of a dog. Joaquin Phoenix recently turned down a role that he believed would endanger and harass a bull. These stars are shining brightly for the animals who need us.
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