I'd written them awhile back to inquire about the foot-thing (a synopsis is below) but have to date not received a response. I know that that had Irene and Arlene of the Alex Foundation spent a significant amount of time with Blue Sky staff, but what that the studio actually took away from those consultations, who knows...(until we see the film, perhaps only in the credits in the roll-ups).
"....I have noticed, however, that your parrots/macaws lacked zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two backward). This permits them to use them like "hands" for climbing, clamber through foliage, holding food and toys, etc. This, unlike the feet of Passeriformes - sparrows/songbirds (three forward, one backward) - which are specialized to perch/hold onto branches.
Was there a conscious decision to give Rio and friends an appearance to suggest domestic "nest box" injuries, wild-caught trapping technique injuries, or quarantine station injuries? Or a decision based on convenience (for instance, four-fingered humans in most animation) or simply an unfortunate oversight?
Just curious.
Mary Long"
--- On Wed, 12/29/10, Elizabeth Young
From a layperson's perspective, I get your concerns completely. Although I will say it's nice to show how sophisticated a bird like this can be as a pet/companion. You'll never get anyone to change the line about missing the cage and bell, but maybe they would want to provide a link or information to a rescue as they promote the movie.
I unfortunately don't know anyone involved. It's a Fox Animation movie, so the best thing I guess would be to contact someone there. I looked up the production executive who is: PETER GAL Vice President (Production) 20th Century Fox Animation 10201 West Pico Boulevard Building 52 Los Angeles , CALIFORNIA 90035 United States phone #1 : (310) 369-1000 But, you'd probably want to also contact someone in PR or Publicity at 20th Century Fox (the animation department doesn't have its own PR staff). Again, I don't know any of these people but here is contact info: CAROL SEWELL Executive Vice President (Publicity & Field Marketing) 20th Century Fox 10201 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles , CALIFORNIA 90035 United States phone #1 : (310) 369-1000 MICHAEL BROIDY Director (Publicity) 20th Century Fox 10201 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles , CALIFORNIA 90035 United States phone #1 : (310) 369-1000 All of the Fox emails are: firstname.lastname@fox.com. Hope this helps! Happy New Year and love to you. Jen On Dec 27, 2010, at 2:05 PM, Elizabeth Young wrote: Hello, Carol and Jennifer- You two have all kinds of Hollywood pull- do you have any contacts/connections with this film- http://www.rio-themovie.com/ Somehow it got all the way through production with the parrots' feet wrong (two toes forward, one back). Aside from that, just watching the clip is heartbreaking (though well intended) as the main character, Rio (a macaw who doesn't know how to fly) says, "I wish I was back in my cage, with my mirror and my little bell!" I think they REALLY need to hook up with and benefit some parrot rescues (both captive bird rescues like the one I'm a part of- www.Mickaboo.org- and habitat preservation)! All best and love and hugs to you, e -- Elizabeth Until they all have homes, don't buy, don't breed- adopt. www.RescueReport.org www.MickaCoo.org http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGjyooh3Yo0 -- Elizabeth Until they all have homes, don't buy, don't breed- adopt. www.RescueReport.org www.MickaCoo.org http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGjyooh3Yo0 -----Inline Attachment Follows-----