Cart (0)
VIDEODisney, King of the Jungles
Wildlife documentaries prove wildly profitable.
 |
|
A few years later, that epic film’s true influence is being felt with a new investment in documenting nature.
The first major investment in nature films came last year with the launch of a new Disney (DIS) documentary division, Disneynature. Inspired by the massive success of Penguins as well as Discover Communications’ Planet Earth mini-series, the first film released by the new division, Earth, opened last week. Considering much of the film’s footage could already be seen in the Planet Earth series, the opening weekend’s box office was impressive for a nature documentary - a genre rarely rolled out nationally in multiple theaters.
Once known for the popular series of nature films produced by company founder Walt Disney in the 1940s and '50s, the company plans on releasing a new film through Disneynature every year. They've already launched the trailer for next year’s Oceans; subsequent projects have already been announced, with Big Cats set for 2011, and Chimpanzees for 2012.
Meanwhile, one of the most iconic names in nature films is enjoying a sudden resurgence. Alexandra Cousteau, the granddaughter of famed documentarian Jacques, has steadily become one of the world’s foremost water advocates. Meanwhile, her cousins, Fabien and Celine, recently starred in Call of the Killer Whales, a documentary about orcas that aired last week on PBS.
Arguably the most recognizable name in documenting nature, National Geographic (NWS) has recently seen unprecedented growth as a company. Nat Geo Music -- a music label that will record, release and promote “modern music from around the globe” -- was launched in January. Since then, the company has forged a mobile partnership with Verizon Wireless (VZ) and released a new collection of furniture and home accessories.
And to think it all started with some penguins.
The information on this website solely reflects the analysis of or opinion about the performance of securities and financial markets by the writers whose articles appear on the site. The views expressed by the writers are not necessarily the views of Minyanville Media, Inc. or members of its management. Nothing contained on the website is intended to constitute a recommendation or advice addressed to an individual investor or category of investors to purchase, sell or hold any security, or to take any action with respect to the prospective movement of the securities markets or to solicit the purchase or sale of any security. Any investment decisions must be made by the reader either individually or in consultation with his or her investment professional. Minyanville writers and staff may trade or hold positions in securities that are discussed in articles appearing on the website. Writers of articles are required to disclose whether they have a position in any stock or fund discussed in an article, but are not permitted to disclose the size or direction of the position. Nothing on this website is intended to solicit business of any kind for a writer's business or fund. Minyanville management and staff as well as contributing writers will not respond to emails or other communications requesting investment advice.
Copyright 2011 Minyanville Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
