Conservationists should harness ‘Hollywood effect’ to help wildlife

How did Finding Nemo affect clownfish? Was Jaws bad for sharks' Did the remake of the Jungle Book help pangolins? - Researchers from Lancaster University and the University of Exeter say conservation scientists could work with filmmakers to harness the "Hollywood effect" to boost conservation. Scientific advisors and product placement are already commonplace in films, and the researchers say similar methods could be used to raise awareness of endangered species and other environmental issues. The research also warns of unintended dangers such as mass tourism to the Thai island made famous by The Beach (2000), and the so-called "Nemo effect" which has reportedly led to a boom in clownfish captivity. "Movies could be used by conservationists to highlight issues of concern, much as product placement is currently used for advertising," said Dr Matthew Silk , of the Environment and Sustainability Institute , University of Exeter. "Scientific advisors are also common and - given the effect films can have on public perceptions - conservation advisors could be used. "Films might inspire people to learn more about conservation and take action, but they might also misinform people and portray a simplified, romantic version of nature." Anna Woodhead of Lancaster University said: "The 2016 remake of the Jungle Book includes a joke about how endangered one of the characters is. This is what really inspired our research project - it got us thinking about how films can influence people's views on nature, for better or for worse." No detailed study has been done on Hollywood's impact on conservation, but the researchers believe the picture so far is mixed: Rio (2011) features the endangered Spix's macaw.