[Coral-List] Using the Nemo momentum

[Simon Wilson]

Hi Marianne

Yes, the thought struck us too - we work on fish blasting in SE Asia
and contacted Pixar about the possibility of using a few frames of the
mines going off to illustrate the danger of underwater explosions to
reefs and reef fish. They said that issues such as these must be
addressed to Disney and left it at that. However, it seems to me that
Disney (through their Conservation Foundation perhaps) might see a way of assisting
organisations to use some footage for conservation purposes - it seems
to me to be a win win that would benefit all, once the copyright
issues are ironed out.

Simon

Simon Wilson
PO Box 2531
CPO 111
OMAN

Tel & Fax: + 968 696918
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Friday, April 16, 2004, 5:35:01 PM, you wrote:

MG> Hi listers,

MG> We all saw the power cartoons/animations can have on people, especially the
MG> new generation. I was curious as to whether anyone had thought about using
MG> this medium for further educating youngsters and their parents (particularly for
MG> aquarium fish releases in our waters) while taking advantage of the Nemo
MG> phenomenon. I could very well see the Finding Nemo characters that
MG> escaped the tank in a follow-up of what happens once free again that would
MG> educate people about the dangers of releasing aquarium fish. Perhaps Pixar
MG> already has ideas along those lines. Another approach could be to make
MG> small clips with completely different characters that could be freed in the
MG> wrong ocean and showing various scenarios as to their fate such as having
MG> them show despair or becoming too strong or numerous for the local fish to
MG> compete with them. All these would end with a strong message aiming to
MG> discourage people from releasing their pets. Of course these would need to
MG> somehow have a happy ending and be funny but that could surely be done.
MG> These clips could be posted on the web at aquarium sites or as links off Nemo
MG> websites or other similar sites for young fish enthusiasts. It might be possible
MG> to play them on TV during cartoons too.

MG> I know that The Ocean Conservancy and many other partners are involved
MG> with a project called Shifting Baselines, trying to use comedy and a
MG> Hollywood-style approach to raise awareness to marine issues. I think this is
MG> a great idea to reach a broader audience. The issue of fish release and its
MG> impacts seems like it would fit in the Shifting Baselines mandate and
MG> approach. Anyone affiliated with them and reading this thinks my idea would
MG> be worth exploring?

MG> Anyhow, I would like to propose the idea to the list. If anyone thinks it has
MG> merit and would be interested to pursue this, I do have some ideas for short
MG> scenarios and would be happy to collaborate and/or hear about the follow-
MG> ups.

MG> Sincerely,

MG> Marianne

MG> Marianne Gilbert, MSc.
MG> Researcher
MG> Kratt Brothers - Be the Creature

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