:Blackfish (film)

File:Dawn Brancheau - Riders on the Storm.jpg at SeaWorld Orlando in 2006.]]

The documentary concerns the captivity of Tilikum, an orca involved in the deaths of three people, and the consequences of keeping orcas in captivity.{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jul/28/blackfish-review | title = Blackfish – review | first= Philip | last=French | work= The Observer | location = UK | date=July 27, 2013 | access-date= March 9, 2014}} The coverage of Tilikum includes his capture in 1983 off the coast of Iceland and his purported harassment by fellow captive orcas at Sealand of the Pacific. Cowperthwaite argues these incidents contributed to the orca's aggression.

The film includes a testimonial from Lori Marino, director of science with the Nonhuman Rights Project. Cowperthwaite also focuses on SeaWorld's claims that lifespans of orcas in captivity are comparable to those in the wild, typically 30 years for males and 50 years for females,{{cite web |url=http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/cetaceans/killerwhale.htm |title=Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Protected Fisheries |access-date=December 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210151801/http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/cetaceans/killerwhale.htm |archive-date=February 10, 2014 |url-status=live}} a claim the film argues is false.{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sundance-blackfish-20130125,0,2675298.story|title='Blackfish' has SeaWorld in hot water|first=Amy|last=Kaufman|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 25, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2013}} Other people interviewed include former SeaWorld trainers, such as John Hargrove, who describe their experiences with Tilikum and other captive orcas.

The documentary argues that the wild-caught orcas experienced extreme stress when captured as juveniles, and spending a lifetime in aquaria being forced to perform and breed led to aggression toward other orcas and humans. The film features footage of Tilikum's attacks on trainers and other captive orcas as well as interviews with witnesses.

File:Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Thom Powers, Actors Samantha Berg and John Jett.jpg presentation of Blackfish at the Regal South Beach on March 3, 2013.]]

Cowperthwaite began work on the film after the February 2010 death of Tilikum's trainer Dawn Brancheau and in response to the claim that the orca had targeted Brancheau because she had worn her hair in a ponytail.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiewire.com/article/sundance-interview-blackfish-director-gabriela-cowperthwaite-discusses-suffering-orcas-trainer-death-and-why-seaworld-hasnt-seen-the-movie|title=Sundance Interview: 'Blackfish' Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite Discusses Suffering Orcas, Trainer Death, and Why SeaWorld Hasn't Seen the Movie|first=Eric|last=Kohn|publisher=IndieWire|date=January 26, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191859/http://www.indiewire.com/article/sundance-interview-blackfish-director-gabriela-cowperthwaite-discusses-suffering-orcas-trainer-death-and-why-seaworld-hasnt-seen-the-movie | archive-date=October 29, 2013| url-status =live}} Cowperthwaite argued that this claim had been conjecture and that "there had to be more to this story".

The film premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2013, and was picked up by Magnolia Pictures and CNN Films for wider release.

Blackfish premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2013. Shortly after, Magnolia Pictures and CNN Films acquired US distribution rights to the film, releasing the film on July 19, 2013, with Dogwoof Pictures acquiring international rights.{{cite web|title=Dogwoof reels in Blackfish rights|website=Screen International|first=Andreas|last=Wiseman|date=13 February 2013|access-date=15 July 2022|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/dogwoof-reels-in-blackfish-rights/5051982.article}} Dogwoof sold the film to multiple buyers for international territories, including Netflix for the UK, Scandinavia and Latin America (the latter two would later go to Universal) and Universal Pictures for Asia, Africa, Portugal, Italy, and Central and Eastern Europe.{{cite web|title=Dogwoof inks deals for Blackfish|website=Screen International|first=Andreas|last=Wiseman|date=22 July 2013|access-date=15 July 2022|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/dogwoof-inks-deals-for-blackfish/5058516.article}}{{cite web|title=Universal hooks Blackfish from Dogwoof|website=Screen International|first=Michael|last=Rosser|date=30 January 2014|access-date=15 July 2022|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/universal-hooks-blackfish-from-dogwoof/5066002.article}} However, in 2021, for unexplained reasons, Netflix removed Blackfish from their platform.{{cite web|title=Wildly popular documentary "Blackfish" removed from Netflix|website=The NDBC Catalyst|first=Delaney|last=Icard-Cullen|date=1 May 2021|access-date=15 July 2022|url=https://thendbcatalyst.com/7346/arts-life/wildly-popular-documentary-blackfish-removed-from-netflix/}}

On Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator, the film has a score of 98% based on 133 reviews with an average rating of 8/10. The site's critical consensus states, "Blackfish is an aggressive, impassioned documentary that will change the way you look at performance killer whales."{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blackfish_2013|title=Blackfish|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=November 23, 2013}} On Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score to reviews from mainstream critics, the film received an average score of 83 out of 100 based on 33 critics indicating "universal acclaim".{{Metacritic film|title=Blackfish}} The Deseret News called it "a gripping example of documentary filmmaking at its finest".{{cite news|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865571400/Sundance-review-Blackfish-is-an-alarming-film.html?pg=all |title=Sundance review: 'Blackfish' is an alarming film |first=Jeff |last=Peterson |work=Deseret News |location=Salt Lake City, Utah |date=January 24, 2013 |access-date=February 13, 2013 |archive-date=December 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213105345/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865571400/Sundance-review-Blackfish-is-an-alarming-film.html?pg=all |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}

In release for 14 weeks, the film earned $2,073,582 at the North American domestic box office.

Upon release, former SeaWorld trainer Bridgette Pirtle said the final film was "a complete '180' from what was originally presented to me."{{cite web|url=http://micechat.com/53915-blackfish-exposed/ | first= Eric | last = Davis | publisher = MiceChat.com | title =Blackfish Exposed by Former SeaWorld Trainer |date =January 9, 2014 |access-date =January 13, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141109231445/http://micechat.com/53915-blackfish-exposed/ | archive-date=November 9, 2014| url-status=live}} In earlier statements, Pirtle praised the film's direction and supported its message.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/politics/op-ed-sean-hannity-s-debate-on-orca-bill-evolves-into-full-on-bashing/article/380187 | first= Elizabeth | last = Batt | publisher = Digital Journal | title =Op-Ed: Sean Hannity's 'debate' on orca bill evolves into full-on bashing|date =April 9, 2014 |access-date =August 20, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141109231536/http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/politics/op-ed-sean-hannity-s-debate-on-orca-bill-evolves-into-full-on-bashing/article/380187 | archive-date=November 9, 2014| url-status=live}} Mark Simmons, one of Tilikum's first trainers, believed few of his interview comments were used "because the things I said flew in the face of the movie's clear agenda. What I contributed did not support Gabriela or Tim Zimmerman's intent with the film."{{cite web|url =http://micechat.com/54370-blackfish-backlash/ |title =More Blackfish Backlash – Tilikum's Trainer Dives In| first= Eric | last = Davis | publisher = MiceChat.com |date =January 13, 2014 |access-date =January 13, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141110000311/http://micechat.com/54370-blackfish-backlash/ | archive-date=November 10, 2014| url-status=live}}

Michael Scarpuzzi, the vice president for zoological operations and trainer for SeaWorld San Diego, says the film uses Brancheau's death and gruesome details to "not inform the public, but, rather regrettably, because of the desire to sensationalize." He states, "We have altered how we care for, display and train these extraordinary animals. We have changed the facilities, equipment and procedures at our killer whale habitats. The care and educational presentation of these animals at SeaWorld has been made safer than ever. Does Blackfish inform its viewers of that fact? No, it does not."{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/23/opinion/seaworld-blackfish-controversy/| first= Michael | last = Scarpuzzi | publisher = CNN.com | title =Blackfish film ignores SeaWorld's benefits to conservation, research |date =October 28, 2013 |access-date =December 5, 2014}}

In January 2014, the family of the late trainer Dawn Brancheau said neither they nor the foundation named after her were affiliated with the film, and that they did not believe it accurately reflected Brancheau or her experiences.{{cite news|last=Garcia|first=Jason|title=Family of Dawn Brancheau chastises 'Blackfish'|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-dawn-brancheau-blackfish-statement-20140121,0,4328894.story|access-date=January 23, 2014|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=January 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219172114/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-dawn-brancheau-blackfish-statement-20140121,0,4328894.story|archive-date=February 19, 2014|url-status=dead}}

File:Tilikum (orca) (Shamu).jpg

SeaWorld Entertainment refused to take part in the production of Blackfish, and later claimed the film was inaccurate,{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/seaworld-blackfish-documentary-1200565013/|title=SeaWorld: Killer Whale Doc 'Blackfish' Is 'Inaccurate'|work=Variety|author=Pat Saperstein|date=July 18, 2013|access-date=November 30, 2013}} saying in a statement:

{{blockquote|Blackfish ... is inaccurate and misleading and, regrettably, exploits a tragedy .... [T]he film paints a distorted picture that withholds ...key facts about SeaWorld—among them...that SeaWorld rescues, rehabilitates and returns to the wild hundreds of wild animals every year, and that SeaWorld commits millions of dollars annually to conservation and scientific research.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/21/us/seaworld-blackfish-qa|title=SeaWorld responds to questions about captive orcas, 'Blackfish' film|publisher=CNN|date=October 21, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2013}}}}

SeaWorld also responded with an open letter rebutting the claims.{{cite web|url =http://seaworld.com/en/~/link.aspx?_id=9D0C956E74134E4AA34626AD43CC1F79&_z=z|title =SeaWorld: The Truth Is in Our Parks and People. An Open Letter from SeaWorld's Animal Advocates|publisher =SeaWorld|date =n.d.|access-date =December 26, 2013|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20131227051903/http://seaworld.com/en/~/link.aspx?_id=9D0C956E74134E4AA34626AD43CC1F79&_z=z|archive-date =December 27, 2013|url-status =dead|df =mdy-all}} The Oceanic Preservation Society and The Orca Project, a non-profit organization focusing on orca in captivity, responded with open letters criticizing SeaWorld's claims.{{cite web|url=http://www.opsociety.org/PressReleases/SeaWorldOpenLetterRebuttal-OPS.pdf |title=Marine Mammal Captivity: The Truth Is in the Facts An Open Letter from the Informed American Public |publisher=Oceanic Preservation Society |access-date=January 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114221613/http://www.opsociety.org/PressReleases/SeaWorldOpenLetterRebuttal-OPS.pdf |archive-date=January 14, 2014 }}{{cite web |url =http://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/open-letter-seaworld/|title =An Open Letter BACK to SeaWorld|publisher =The Orca Project | first=Amy | last=Costanzo|access-date =January 13, 2014}} Marine researcher Debbie Giles also offered rebuttals to SeaWorld, finding its assertions inaccurate.{{cite web|url=http://gawker.com/seaworld-is-so-pissed-over-the-blackfish-documentary-840955452 |title=SeaWorld Is So Pissed Over the Blackfish Documentary |publisher=Gawker.com |access-date=January 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112210009/http://gawker.com/seaworld-is-so-pissed-over-the-blackfish-documentary-840955452 |archive-date=January 12, 2014 |df=mdy }} SeaWorld considers the film to be propaganda.{{Cite web |url=https://seaworldcares.com/the-facts/truth-about-blackfish/ |title=Why "Blackfish" is Propaganda, not a Documentary |website=SeaWorldCares.com |access-date=February 27, 2017}}

On December 31, 2013, the Orlando Business Journal posted a poll asking if Blackfish had changed readers' opinions on SeaWorld. The majority of votes stated that the film had not. It was later found that 180 out of 328 votes (55%) originated from a single SeaWorld-hosted IP address.{{cite web | url = http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2014/01/somethings-fishy-with-this.html?ana=twt&r=full | title=Something's fishy with this SeaWorld/'Blackfish' poll | work= Orlando Business Journal | date= January 2, 2014 | access-date= August 20, 2014}} SeaWorld defended the voting, stating that "each of the votes that came from a SeaWorld domain were cast by team members who are passionate about the incredible work SeaWorld does and the experiences our parks provide."{{cite web | url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/03/seaworld-blackfish-poll-rigged-ip-address_n_4537254.html | title=SeaWorld-Owned IP Address Linked To Majority Of Votes In Newspaper's 'Blackfish' Poll: Report | publisher= Huffington Post | date= January 3, 2014 | access-date= August 20, 2014}}

SeaWorld also created a section of its website titled "Truth About Blackfish", addressing the claims stated above and highlighting what it considered other problems with the film.{{cite news |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/SeaWorld-posts-videos-in-response-to-Blackfish-5242426.php |last=Parker |first=Kolten |title=SeaWorld posts videos in response to 'Blackfish' documentary | work=San Antonio Express-News | date=February 17, 2014| access-date= February 19, 2014 }} This section of the website is no longer active.

On February 27, 2014, SeaWorld filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor, claiming that Lara Padgett, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigator, had behaved unethically by aiding the filmmakers. Cowperthwaite denied claims of improper collaboration.{{cite news | last= Cieply | first=Michael | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/28/business/media/seaworld-questions-ethics-of-blackfish-investigator.html | title = SeaWorld Questions Ethics of 'Blackfish' Investigator | work = The New York Times | date= February 27, 2014 | access-date= March 7, 2014}}

Starting in the summer of 2014, SeaWorld, as Eric Davis, created a number of public relations websites such as Awesome Ocean, Stand With Sea World, and I Love SeaWorld, in an effort to share their view, counter what they believed were inaccuracies happening in the public debate, and repair their brand.{{Cite web |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-seaworld-repairing-brand-20150323-story.html |title=Seeking to repair its brand, SeaWorld launches campaign |last=Pedicini |first=Sandra |date=March 23, 2015 |website=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=February 16, 2018}}{{Cite web |url=https://themidcapchronicles.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/awesome-ocean-takes-on-the-dodo-and-the-dodo-fights-back/ |title=Awesome Ocean takes on The Dodo... and The Dodo fights back |date=July 14, 2014 |website=The Mid-Cap Chronicles |access-date=February 16, 2018}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3046342/seaworld-is-spending-10-million-to-make-you-forget-about-blackfish |title=SeaWorld Is Spending $10 Million To Make You Forget About "Blackfish" |last=Titlow |first=John Paul |date=August 4, 2015 |website=Fast Company |access-date=February 16, 2018}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-tourist-blogs-disney-seaworld-money-20150411-story.html |title=Bloggers become more important to theme parks |last=Pedicini |first=Sandra |date=April 11, 2015 |website=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=February 16, 2018}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/73733213/seaworldfunded-attack-site-threatens-kiwi-scientist |title=Seaworld-funded attack site threatens Kiwi scientist |last1=Hurley |first1=Bevan |last2=Meir |first2=Cecile |date=November 15, 2015 |website=Stuff.co.nz |access-date=February 16, 2018}}{{Cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/whale-trainer-seaworld-leading-smear-campaign/story?id=30047281 |title=Former Whale Trainer Says SeaWorld Leading 'Smear Campaign' Against Him |last=Kim |first=Susanna |date=April 1, 2015 |website=ABC News |access-date=February 16, 2018}}

SeaWorld announced afterward it had suffered a $15.9 million loss, which CEO Jim Atchison attributed in part to high ticket prices and poor weather.{{cite news |url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-08-29/seaworld-slump-raises-a-question-is-shamu-too-sad-or-too-expensive |last= Stock |first= Kyle |title=SeaWorld's Slump Raises a Question: Is Shamu Too Sad, or Too Expensive? |publisher= Bloomberg Businessweek |date=August 29, 2013 | archive-date= October 5, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131005053217/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-08-29/seaworld-slump-raises-a-question-is-shamu-too-sad-or-too-expensive | url-status =dead }}

Overall attendance at SeaWorld parks and Busch Gardens declined by 5% in the first nine months of 2013, though it was unclear if the drop in attendance was due to the influence of the film. SeaWorld claimed attendance figures for its three marine parks — Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio — in the last three months of 2013 were at record levels for that quarter.{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/blog/tourism-central/os-amid-blackfish-controversy-seaworld-sets-attendance-record-20140113,0,642857.post |title=Amid 'Blackfish' controversy, SeaWorld sets attendance record |first=Jason |last=Garcia |work=Orlando Sentinel |date=January 13, 2014 |access-date=April 8, 2014 |archive-date=April 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402091013/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/blog/tourism-central/os-amid-blackfish-controversy-seaworld-sets-attendance-record-20140113%2C0%2C642857.post |url-status=live }}

In response to the film, New York State Senator Greg Ball proposed legislation in New York that bans keeping orcas in captivity.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308061317/http://www.nysenate.gov/webform/sign-petition-end-torture |archive-date=March 8, 2014 |url=http://www.nysenate.gov/webform/sign-petition-end-torture |title=Sign The Petition To End The Torture |publisher=Nysenate.gov |access-date=March 7, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} In March 2014, California State Assemblyman Richard Bloom introduced the Orca Welfare and Safety Act, a bill in California that would ban entertainment-driven orca captivity and retire all current whales.{{cite news|last=Michael|first=Martinez|title=California bill would ban orca shows at SeaWorld | url = http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/07/us/california-bill-orca-killer-whale-seaworld/ |publisher=CNN|access-date=March 7, 2014|date=December 16, 2013 | archive-date= March 9, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140309033158/http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/07/us/california-bill-orca-killer-whale-seaworld/ | url-status = live}} In June 2014, U.S. Congressmen Adam Schiff and Jared Huffman attached an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Act, requiring the USDA to update regulations under the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 in regards to cetacean captivity. It passed with "unanimous bipartisan support".{{cite news|url=http://schiff.house.gov/press-releases/reps-schiff-and-huffman-pass-amendment-directing-usda-to-update-rules-protecting-captive-orcas-and-other-marine-mammals/ |title=Reps. Schiff and Huffman Pass Amendment Directing USDA to Update Rules Protecting Captive Orcas and Other Marine Mammals |work=Congressman Adam Shiff |date=June 11, 2014 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821031049/http://schiff.house.gov/press-releases/reps-schiff-and-huffman-pass-amendment-directing-usda-to-update-rules-protecting-captive-orcas-and-other-marine-mammals/ |archive-date=August 21, 2014 }} The bill allocates 1 million USD to studying the impacts of captivity on marine mammals. Schiff cited Blackfish as raising public concern.{{cite news | url =https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2014/08/19/after-blackfish-seaworld-hurt-financially-but-keeps-up-political-spending/| title =After 'Blackfish,' SeaWorld hurt financially but keeps up political spending| newspaper =The Washington Post| date=August 19, 2014| access-date=August 20, 2014}}

After the release of Blackfish, Southwest Airlines came under pressure to end its 26-year relationship with SeaWorld.{{cite magazine | url = https://time.com/3069051/so-long-shamu-southwest-seaworld-end-ties/ | title = So Long, Shamu: Southwest, SeaWorld End Ties | first= David| last=Stout | date = August 1, 2014| magazine= Time | access-date=August 14, 2014}} Southwest responded that it was aware of concerns and was "engaged" with SeaWorld over them, but that the partnership would continue.{{cite news | url = http://www.blogsouthwest.com/update-on-seaworld-partnership/| title = Update on SeaWorld Partnership| first= Marilee| last=McInnis | publisher =Southwest Airlines | date=January 8, 2014| access-date=August 14, 2014}} In July 2014, it was announced that the partnership would not be renewed. A press release stated that the break was mutual and based on "shifting priorities". The petitioning by activists was cited as a possible factor for the split.{{cite news | url =https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/seaworld-shares-dive-as-documentary-spurs-attendance-drop/article20053631/| title = SeaWorld shares dive as documentary spurs attendance drop| first= Ian| last=Marlow | work =The Globe and Mail | date=August 13, 2014| access-date=August 14, 2014}}{{cite news | url =https://money.cnn.com/2014/08/13/investing/seaworld-earnings/| title =SeaWorld stock gets soaked, plunges 33%| first= Jesse| last=Solomon | publisher =CNN | date=August 13, 2014| access-date=August 14, 2014}}

In August 2014, SeaWorld announced that attendance and revenue were down about 1% to 2% for the second quarter of 2014 compared with the second quarter of 2013. Additionally, SeaWorld stock prices dropped by 33%.Pedicini, Sandra, "[https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2014/08/13/seaworld-stock-tanks-after-low-earnings/ SeaWorld stock tanks after low earnings]", Orlando Sentinel, August 13, 2014 The company attributed the decline to the proposed government legislation related to the documentary.Roose, Kevin, "[http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/08/seaworld-admits-allegations-of-cruelty-have-hurt.html SeaWorld: Remember When We Said That Blackfish Movie Didn't Hurt Us? Well, Never Mind]", New York, August 13, 2014 In November 2014, SeaWorld announced that attendance at the parks had dropped 5.2% from the previous year and profits had fallen 28% over that quarter. As of November 2014, the company's stock was down 50% from the previous year.Omberg, Emily, "[http://orlando.suntimes.com/orl-news/7/135/24242/seaworlds-financial-struggles-blackfish-affecting-busch-gardens/ SeaWorld's financial struggles from 'Blackfish' affecting Busch Gardens]", Orlando Sun Times, November 18, 2014Omberg, Emily, "[http://orlando.suntimes.com/orl-news/7/135/20940/seaworld-losing-revenue-attendance-profit-blackfish/ SeaWorld losing revenue, attendance and profit because of "Blackfish"]", Orlando Sun Times, November 12, 2014Trigaux, Robert, "[https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/as-seaworld-suffers-blackfish-impact-busch-gardens-suffers-too/2206864/ As SeaWorld suffers 'Blackfish' impact, Busch Gardens suffers, too]", Tampa Bay Times, November 17, 2014

In September 2014, the Rosen Law Firm PA announced an investigation into "potential securities claim" on behalf of SeaWorld investors. According to the firm, SeaWorld "acknowledged for the first time the negative publicity may have had a hit and may have been why the attendance has been flat for now and the past quarters." The firm will investigate if SeaWorld was aware of the impact and "chose to downplay that as a reason for its performance results."{{cite news | url =http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2014/08/ny-law-firm-explores-class-action-suit-against.html| title =NY law firm explores class-action suit against SeaWorld| work =Orlando Business Journal | date=August 19, 2014| access-date=August 20, 2014}} In September 2014, the Rosen Law Firm filed a class action lawsuit. It alleges that SeaWorld "misled investors by claiming the decrease in attendance at its parks was caused by Easter holiday and other factors" rather than the release of Blackfish and improper practices.{{cite press release|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/equity-alert-the-rosen-law-firm-files-securities-class-action-against-seaworld-entertainment-inc-seas-2014-09-09?reflink=MW_news_stmp |title=Equity Alert: The Rosen Law Firm Files Securities Class Action Against SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. -- SEAS |publisher=Rosen Law Firm via MarketWatch.com |date=September 9, 2014 |access-date=September 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006124516/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/equity-alert-the-rosen-law-firm-files-securities-class-action-against-seaworld-entertainment-inc-seas-2014-09-09?reflink=MW_news_stmp |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy }} (archive requires scrolldown)

SeaWorld said in August 2014 that the film had hurt revenues at its park in San Diego.{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30438924 | title=SeaWorld boss steps down after film hurts attendance | work= BBC News | date= December 11, 2014 | archive-date= December 13, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141213043711/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30438924|url-status =live}} On December 11, 2014, SeaWorld announced that chief executive Jim Atchison would resign, with an interim successor replacing him on January 15, 2015. The company's share price had fallen 44% in 2014.{{cite press release| url = http://www.seaworldinvestors.com/news-releases/news-release-details/2014/SeaWorld-Entertainment-Inc-Announces-David-DAlessandro-Named-Interim-CEO/default.aspx | title= SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Announces David D'Alessandro Named Interim CEO | publisher=SeaWorld Entertainment| date= December 11, 2014|access-date= December 14, 2014 | archive-date= December 14, 2014| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20141214184707/http://www.seaworldinvestors.com/news-releases/news-release-details/2014/SeaWorld-Entertainment-Inc-Announces-David-DAlessandro-Named-Interim-CEO/default.aspx| url-status=live}}

In August 2015, SeaWorld announced a 3% drop in revenue and an 84% drop in net income for the second quarter of 2015 when compared to the previous year. Attendance fell 1.6%, from 6.58 million to 6.48 million.Weisman, Aly, "[https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jackass-star-steve-o-arrested-151232581.html 'Jackass' star Steve-O arrested after an epic stunt including a 100-foot crane and an inflatable whale in protest of SeaWorld]", Business Insider (Yahoo! News), 11 August 2015SeaWorld Entertainment, "[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seaworld-entertainment-inc-reports-second-quarter-2015-results-300124561.html SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2015 Results]", PRNewswire, 6 August 2015Verhoeven, Beatrice, "[http://www.thewrap.com/blackfish-effect-seaworld-suffers-disastrous-84-percent-drop-in-profits-in-wake-of-documentary/ ‘Blackfish’ Effect: SeaWorld Suffers Disastrous 84 Percent Drop in Profits in Wake of Documentary]", TheWrap, 6 August 2015Neate, Rupert, "[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/aug/06/seaworld-profits-plunge-customers SeaWorld sees profits plunge 84% as customers desert controversial park]", The Guardian, 6 August 2015

In November 2015, SeaWorld announced plans to end killer-whale shows at its theme park in San Diego.{{cite web| url=http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2015/11/9/seaworld_san_diego_killer_whale_shows.html| title=SeaWorld San Diego ending killer whale shows, Orlando park to expand| first=Scott| last=Fais| date=November 10, 2015| publisher=Bay News 9| location=St. Petersburg, Florida| access-date=November 16, 2015| archive-date=November 16, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116180016/http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2015/11/9/seaworld_san_diego_killer_whale_shows.html| url-status=dead}} In March 2016, SeaWorld announced it would end its orca breeding program and begin to phase out all live performances using orcas.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-17/urgent-seaworld-says-it-will-end-killer-whale-breeding-program|title=SeaWorld to Stop Breeding Orcas, Making Them Perform Tricks|first=Jennifer|last=Kay|newspaper=Bloomberg|date= March 17, 2016|access-date= March 17, 2016 }} In a statement regarding the decision, the company said, "Society is changing and we're changing with it."{{Cite web |title=Show's Over: SeaWorld to End Killer Whale Program |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/seaworld-end-breeding-program-orca-whales-n540646 |last=Jamieson |first=Alastair |date=17 March 2016 |website=NBC News |language=en |access-date=2020-04-30}}

In 2018, SeaWorld and former CEO James Atchison agreed to pay over $5 million to settle federal charges that the company hid from investors the negative impact that Blackfish had on the business. As part of the indictment, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Atchison sold Seaworld stock in the first quarter of 2014 in order to hide the loss in revenue.{{Cite web |title='Blackfish' Documentary Settlement Costs Sea World And Ex-CEO $5M After Charges They Hid Film's Impact |url=https://deadline.com/2018/09/blackfish-documentary-settlement-costs-sea-world-and-ex-ceo-5m-after-charges-they-hid-films-impact-1202467244/ |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=2018-09-18 |website=Deadline |language=en |access-date=2020-04-30}}

Reaction to the documentary prompted the bands and singers Heart, Barenaked Ladies, Willie Nelson, Martina McBride, .38 Special, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, The Beach Boys, Trace Adkins, and Trisha Yearwood to cancel their concerts at the "Bands, Brew & BBQ" event at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa in 2014.{{cite news|last=Ahmed|first=Saeed|title=Heart cancels SeaWorld show amid 'Blackfish' controversy|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/08/showbiz/seaworld-heart-blackfish/|access-date=December 27, 2013|work=CNN|date=December 9, 2013}}{{cite news|last=Duke|first=Alan|title=Martina McBride, 38 Special, cancel SeaWorld gig over 'Blackfish' backlash|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/16/showbiz/seaworld-martina-mcbride-cancels/|publisher=CNN|access-date=December 27, 2013|date=December 16, 2013}}{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/01/16/us/ap-us-travel-brief-seaworld-entertainers-canceling.html?hp|title=Beach Boys, Benatar Cancel at Busch Gardens | agency = Associated Press | newspaper = The New York Times | date= January 16, 2014 | access-date= January 20, 2014}}{{cite magazine | title = The Documentary Blackfish Is Still Creating Waves at SeaWorld | first= Megan | last = Gibson| date = December 11, 2013 | magazine = Time }}

The ending to the Disney/Pixar film Finding Dory was revised after director Andrew Stanton and then-chief creative officer John Lasseter saw Blackfish and spoke with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite. The depiction of a marine park in the film was altered.{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-blackfish-seaworld-finding-dory-pixar-20130808,0,7662071.story |title='Blackfish' gives Pixar second thoughts on 'Finding Dory' plot |first=Amy |last=Kaufman |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=August 9, 2013 |access-date=August 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412063925/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-blackfish-seaworld-finding-dory-pixar-20130808-story.html |archive-date=April 12, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}

The film Paper Towns, based on the book by John Green, had scenes featuring SeaWorld cut. Producer Wyck Godfrey explained, "Since [John] wrote the book, the documentary [Blackfish] came out. I think it's a little less playful to go to SeaWorld now."{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/seaworld-scene-cut-john-greens-763312|title=SeaWorld Scene Cut From John Green's 'Paper Towns' Film|first= Rebecca|last=Ford|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 16, 2015|access-date=January 18, 2015| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150123000412/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/seaworld-scene-cut-john-greens-763312 | archive-date=January 23, 2015| url-status=live}}

Director Colin Trevorrow said that the animal rights themes in the 2015 film Jurassic World were inspired by Blackfish, with elements of the hybrid dinosaur Indominus rex and the fictional theme park in the film inspired by Tilikum and SeaWorld, respectively.{{Cite news |last=Yahr |first=Emily |date=2015-06-15 |title=Does 'Jurassic World' remind you of 'Blackfish'? How a dinosaur movie tackled animal rights. |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2015/06/15/does-jurassic-world-remind-you-of-blackfish-how-a-dinosaur-movie-tackled-animal-rights/ |access-date=2020-12-23 |issn=0190-8286}}

Composer Jeff Beal composed the original score, recording a small orchestra at his house in Agoura Hills. While no physical CDs were produced, the score is available for download on iTunes.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/blackfish-original-motion/675272548|title=Blackfish (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|work=iTunes|access-date=5 February 2017}} In July 2016, the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra premiered the concert version of the score, live-to-picture, at the Montalban Theater, conducted by Beal.{{Cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/blackfish-be-celebrated-at-live-907669 |title='Blackfish' to Be Celebrated at Live Concert Event in Hollywood |last=Malach |first=Hannah |date=30 June 2016 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=5 February 2017}}

Blackfish was released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 26, 2013 in the UK (Region 2, PAL).{{Cite web |title=Competition: Win 'Blackfish' on DVD *closed* |url=https://cine-vue.com/2013/08/competition-win-blackfish-on-dvd-closed.html |date=23 August 2013 |website=CineVue |language=en-GB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504153204/https://cine-vue.com/2013/08/competition-win-blackfish-on-dvd-closed.html |archive-date=4 May 2020 |access-date=4 May 2020}} Its U.S. release was on November 12, 2013.{{Cite web |title=Blackfish (Blu-ray) |url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/61983/blackfish/ |last=Keefer |first=Ryan |date=4 November 2013 |website=DVD Talk |language=en |access-date=4 May 2020}}{{Cite web |title=Cool stuff on DVD today: 'Family Ties' and more |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/11/12/dvd-releases/3504587/ |last=Matheson |first=Whitney |date=12 November 2013 |website=USA Today |language=en-US |access-date=4 May 2020}}

The documentary was broadcast on CNN on October 24, 2013. After the broadcast, CNN aired an Anderson Cooper special with Jack Hanna, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Naomi Rose and Jack Hurley. This was followed by a special edition of Crossfire with Blackfish associate producer Tim Zimmermann debating Grey Stafford, a conservationist, zoologist, and member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association.

The documentary aired on BBC Four in the UK on November 21, 2013 as part of the Storyville documentary series.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03j49l6|title=Storyville: Blackfish - The Whale That Killed|quote=The story of a killer whale who has taken the lives of several people while in captivity|publisher=BBC|date=November 21, 2013|access-date=November 22, 2013 | archive-date= January 29, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140129230452/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03j49l6 | url-status =live}}

{{Portal|Film}}

• Animal attacks
• Killer whale attacks on humans
• Incidents at SeaWorld parks
• Non-human animal personhood
• Nonhuman Rights Project
• The Walrus and the Whistleblower
• The Whale (2011 film)
• Orca (film)

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20150315030332/http://blackfishmovie.com/}}
• {{IMDb title|2545118|Blackfish}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes|blackfish_2013}}

{{Gabriela Cowperthwaite}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Blackfish

|list =

{{Satellite Award Best Documentary Film}}

{{Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Documentary}}

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{{CNN Films}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Blackfish}}

Category:2013 films

Category:2013 documentary films

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Category:CNN Films films

Category:Documentary films about animal rights

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Category:Documentary films about water and the environment

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Category:Films directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite

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Category:Films set in amusement parks

*Blackfish

Category:Satellite Award–winning films

Category:SeaWorld Orlando

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