Chicken Little

Post by **Josh** » November 21st, 2005, 6:06 pm

Yes, I can, Harkin.

We staff members at Animated-News love animation. Hence, we enjoy writing for the site - as a side project. Writing for Animated-News is not a career. With that said, certain matters come up that cause each of us not to write for Animated-News as much as we would like to. For instance, issues dealing with families, college, and other things in life arise.

I now direct you to the two weekends that Chicken Little was #1 at the box office: 11/4- 7/05 and 11/12 - 14/05. Look at this list of archived stories: http://www.animated-news.com/archives/. Notice that in those weekends, the amount of stories posted is somewhat lacking. Also notice that on Monday, November 7th, Animated-News did post a congratulatory story about Chicken Little's success: http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004099.html. Furthermore, the following weekend, which was even busier for us staff members, on a personal level, was followed by two positive stories including Chicken Little, posted on Wednesday, November 16th: http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004120.html and http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004121.html.

My point is that sometimes, we Animated-News staff members are busy. When this occurs, do not think we are biased against a studio because none of us had the time or internet access to post a story about one of its films.

I'm positive I still have not convinced you that Animated-News is not biased against Disney. Thus, let's continue.

How about we take a look before Chicken Little opened? I'm referring to that time in which Animated-News pointed to the following stories:
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004012.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004025.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004037.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004047.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004056.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004059.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004066.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004071.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004078.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004084.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004091.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004093.html
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00004094.html

Keep in mind that:
1) Those stories were posted less than a month before Chicken Little opened.
2) Most of the latter stories contain at least 3 to 5 different news items concerning Chicken Little.

Likewise, let's not forget the Chicken Little banner that was cooked up for Animated-News: http://animated-news.com/forum/viewtopi ... c&start=60. Personally, I think it's the most ambitious banner the site has ever had. And before you say, "But look! You killed the main character!," remember that image is a humorous one used in quite a number of Disney's promotional efforts for Chicken Little.

Finally, let's take a look at this headline which has troubled so many people: "Little suffers big drop in third weekend". First of all, I used the word "big" simply to play against the "Little" title. Second of all, is that headline any more negative than "Chicken Little lays golden egg at box office" is positive?

In conclusion, I think you need to reconsider your belief that Animated-News is biased against Disney, Harkin. You took one - I repeat, one - story that told the truth, and used it against us. Anyone can see from this list of archived stories (http://www.animated-news.com/archives/) that Animated-News is not anti-Disney.

Post by **Christian** » November 21st, 2005, 6:26 pm

What Mickey said. Every word of it. Trust us, there is no anti-Disney bias. BTW, I've already seen Chicken Little twice . . . in 3D each time . . . in two different theaters. I've had family issues going on lately that I haven't even told the other staff members about that have made it hard for me to post stories as regularly as I used to. Hope to be correcting that soon. I was supposed to have a new contest up today but it might not be up until tomorrow. And it'll be centered around Disney product. And I've been working on some other stuff behind the scenes that nobody could ever interpret as being anti-Disney.

Post by **harkin** » November 21st, 2005, 7:04 pm

Thank you Mickey for taking the time to answer my question.

The activity or timeliness of news posts does "appear" to be bias. Not that it is intentional, but it appears that way. I did consider that it was likely to do with personal time and priorities. And I have seen times when there's no posting for days, but usually not while a film is opening. That arguement is unfounded, but I do have my own feelings on the matter.

Look at most of the posts you provided. Only one reports on Chicken Little's opening, "11/07/2005 Archives: "Chicken Little lays golden egg at box office" and even that comes with a Jim Hill article attached to "put things in perspective". Which is a back handed way of saying "it didn't do that great" And the rest of the articles just promote or chronicle activities of the film. (which is nice, but I'm talking about weekend boxoffice)

And this article, to me, is the only one that acknowlegdes the film.

11/15/2005: "How Chicken Little got to the top of the pecking order"

Wondering how Chicken Little has been crowing at the top of the box office two weeks in a row when three weeks ago most people thought it didn't have a wing and a prayer? Adroit industry observer Chuck Oberleitner helps to make sense of it all with his report at o-meon. And if you are a member of ASIFA-Hollywood be aware that a 3D screening at the El Capitan theatre has just been announced at the ASIFA website for later tonight.

I know I'm certainly bias in sticking up for Chicken Little, I just feel it got shafted on this site during it's opening weekend, intentionally or not. And now its getting pounced on for performing poorly against Harry Potter. Which was already a commonly known and expected event. I just think every movie that opens should get the same amount of coverage from this site. Especially after you put so much time into the awesome banners.

No ill feelings, just asking for a fair playing ground. Afterall, this site has become a metaphorical "score card" for Animated Films while they work their magic at the boxoffice.

-harkin

Post by **Macaluso** » November 21st, 2005, 7:16 pm

I didn't really see that as being "pounced on" O_o

Post by **harkin** » November 21st, 2005, 7:27 pm

In retrospect, the title of this thread is a bit harsh and unfair, I don't believe anyone here is anti-disney. In that case I should have entitled it: "So you didn't like Chicken Little..." And maybe you did like Chicken Little and I'm wrong there too, but alls I'm saying is the stories and posting don't come off that way.

And yeah I know, I'm a bit zealous here..

I made my peace and thank you for the explanations. I do appreciate that.

Post by **Josh** » November 21st, 2005, 8:02 pm

You're welcome. I appreciate your voicing your concerns about the site.

Just for the record, I was really, really wanting Chicken Little to be a $200+ million hit domestically, because I have a decent understanding of the amount of work that has went into this production. I do not hate Chicken Little at all, and think it is quite an enjoyable film.

Post by **Brandon Neeld** » November 22nd, 2005, 12:09 am

I have to agree with Mickey there. While I love my Pixar *points to avie* I have to give credit where credit is do. Chicken Little was GREAT! I went to see it on the first day and loved it. In fact (much to the dismay of some) it would be my personal pick for Animated Feature of the Year even over Wallace & Gromit

Post by **James** » November 22nd, 2005, 9:56 am

There is no bias. You are new here apparently and have not seen all the people who once said we were a Disney only animation news site since we were obviously biased in favor of them over other studios.

Stick around before you make assumptions based on a couple of weeks of news.

Post by **Ben** » November 22nd, 2005, 9:58 am

Well, all this went on in a matter of hours!

Honestly, I take one day out to take care of my professional career and this blows up!

Well done, Mickey and Christian, for putting the points of the site across, and thanks to Harkin for pointing out where we may be lacking.

As Mickey says, the site is a side project for us - one we take very seriously, but still a side project. And it's been put together and run by people that have a very deep love of Disney and wish to see all their films do well. We have even pushed "fringe"/live-action pictures with somewhat strained links such as Herbie, Sky High and Hitchhiker's Guide this year all in the hope of boosting some business Disney's way, as we care about the company. And I, for one, was very vocal about Valiant, which depsite only being a Mouse House pickup, deserved to do a little better than it did. We'll continue to serve up appropriate news on the upcoming Narnia franchise too.

I think bringing to light the one time we failed to shout about a Disney success only actually points out the speculation around Chicken Little's 50/50 chances at the box office even more. So we might have slipped up over reporting on one film. Look at the bigger picture.

I can't wait to see Chicken Little when it opens in the UK next February, and you can bet that we'll be following the international rollout of the film with much interest, where we are all hoping it does as well, if not better, than it is doing domestically.

Thanks for voicing your concerns, and for accepting the way things have panned out on this one story. We continue to appreciate your contributions to our site and for keeping us on our toes.

- Ben

Post by **Dacey** » November 22nd, 2005, 10:34 am

God, this is a weird thread. Sorry, but that's all I can say.

Post by **harkin** » November 22nd, 2005, 2:13 pm

uhhh,....yeah. I think I have a lot to learn about this site. I definitely popped off with unjustified hostility. I thought I was definitely reading between the lines. [Note to self: stop listening to the voices in your head]

One thing I think influenced my initial reason for writing is all the negative bashing that Disney seems to take from print and internet media. Chicken Little is by far no classic, but the critical lashings have gone far beyond the film. Its especially obvious when you stop to consider its a film aimed at a younger audience. And I'm sure some of it is fuelled by the"Pixar comparison," no doubt.

Anyhow, you guys run a great site (heck, it's THE site) with the resources you have. Next time I'll offer my criticisms in a more mature fashion.

Sorry for that.

Keep up the good work.

-Harkin

Post by **Ben** » November 22nd, 2005, 4:14 pm

Thanks Harkin.

The matter is now...closed.

Post by **bullwinkle** » November 22nd, 2005, 7:55 pm

yes yes Chicken Little has broken the 100 million mark today. that hasn t been done since Lilo and Stitch.

DISNEY RULES.

Post by **bullwinkle** » November 23rd, 2005, 3:12 pm

i just wanted to say that chicken little hit the 100 million yesterday. that has not happing in a long time for disney. lilo and stitch hit 100 million. and that was a hit. looks like disney has a new hit.

Post by **bullwinkle** » November 23rd, 2005, 3:12 pm

just wanted to say that chicken little hit the 100 million yesterday. that has not happing in a long time for disney. lilo and stitch hit 100 million. and that was a hit. looks like disney has a new hit.