Latest news with #EricGoode
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
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From ‘Tiger King' to ‘Chimp Crazy,' Eric Goode aims to highlight animal welfare issues while preaching to the ‘unconverted'
Documentary filmmaker Eric Goode knows how to captivate an audience. From the breakout success of Tiger King to his latest HBO docuseries, Chimp Crazy, his work combines fascinating characters with a focus on wildlife and animal welfare issues. Chimp Crazy, Goode's four-part docuseries centering on "monkey mom" Tonia Haddix, originally set out to advocate against the ownership of primates but took an unexpected turn. "I never knew this woman would kidnap a chimpanzee," he tells Gold Derby. More from GoldDerby Jonathan Pryce on the 'great responsibility' of playing a character with dementia in 'Slow Horses' 'The Diplomat' Season 3 teaser: Here's your first look at Bradley Whitford's first gentleman Grammys unveil 2026 ceremony date, new categories Goode wants his work to transcend entertainment and spark conversations about wildlife conservation and ethical treatment of animals. "Many documentaries that are very clearly advocacy documentaries, like The Cove or Blackfish, oftentimes they're great, but oftentimes they preach to the converted and have a very narrow, small audience," he says. "We want to preach to the unconverted as well. And so the only way to do that is to really make these documentaries entertaining, but always knowing that at the end, hopefully people scratch their heads and recognize that there's a more important story in here." Photo courtesy of HBO Goode acknowledges that while both Tiger King and Chimp Crazy follow a similar formula, that wasn't necessarily what he was aiming for. "This one happens to be the most similar to Tiger King. Not everything that I do has that same formula," Goode says. He describes casting a wide net, initially exploring multiple subcultures, including a taxidermist and a shark enthusiast. Eventually, the intriguing world of "monkey moms," and their controversial practices, unfolded naturally into the central focus of Chimp Crazy. In the case of Tiger King, advocacy efforts resulted in the passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act. Goode hopes for similar results with Chimp Crazy via passing of pending legislation like "The Primate Public Safety Act," which he believes would prevent people from recklessly purchasing chimpanzees or other primates that inevitably suffer as domestic pets. "All of these primates make for terrible pets," says Goode, explaining that their lives typically end in misery, with their owners facing regret — a truth that Chimp Crazy highlights with startling clarity. One of the central figures in Chimp Crazy is Haddix, whose relationship with Goode presents an intriguing dichotomy. On the one hand, her willingness to let Goode and his team into her deeply personal life allowed the story to take shape. On the other, her ethical treatment of animals, particularly Tonka the chimpanzee, has been widely criticized. 'Well, I think if anyone's tracked her since Chimp Crazy came out… she'll talk to anyone, and she has no filter, and that's sort of her Achilles' heel," Goode says. For many months, Haddix was at the center of Goode's work and even welcomed his crew into unusual facets of her life, whether they followed her to tanning booths or eyelash appointments. "I am very grateful that she allowed us into her more intimate parts of her life," Goode reflects, acknowledging her openness despite ongoing conflicts. Photo courtesy of HBO At the heart of the story is Tonka, a chimpanzee Haddix kept in captivity under conditions many experts described as isolated and far from ideal. Goode consulted with renowned primatologists like Craig Stanford and Russell Mittermeier, who affirmed that while Haddix provided Tonka with certain comforts — a television, air conditioning, and junk food — the lack of socialization with other chimps was profoundly damaging. "It's like us… if you don't have the ability to hang out with other people, you're going to be very lonely and isolated," Goode explains. After Haddix tells the film crew Tonka has died (and even shared some of his fake ashes), audiences witness the dramatic revelation of Tonka's existence, followed by his transfer to Save the Chimps sanctuary, where he now thrives on a three-acre island among 17 other chimpanzees. Photo courtesy of HBO While Goode continues to communicate with Haddix, their relationship remains fraught. 'I always told her... try to make a compromise [with PETA]," he says, referring to the organization's offer to waive $250,000 in fines if she stopped exploiting exotic animals. Despite Goode's advice, Haddix refused unless she could reclaim Tonka, a position that has left her in ongoing legal trouble. "She's kind of brought it on herself," Goode remarks. PETA plays a pivotal role in Chimp Crazy, often appearing as an antagonist but also as an instrumental voice for enforcing change. Goode is transparent about the fact that his dedication to animal welfare diverges in many ways from PETA's staunch animal rights philosophy. "I'm not vegan and I drink milk and eat eggs and wear leather," Goode says. "I would say I fall into the category of a conservation biologist who wants to see endangered species survive on this planet." Nonetheless, when it comes to chimpanzees in captivity, their objectives aligned. Goode worked closely with PETA but admitted that sensitive moments forced certain collaborative discussions off-camera, particularly to protect individuals like Dwayne Cunningham. Cunningham, while acting as a "proxy director" for the documentary, earned Haddix's trust and accessed crucial information about Tonka's location. Goode pushed PETA to remain discreet in order to protect Cunningham. "We were just trying to be sensitive to protect Dwayne from any retaliation because… they can be dangerous." The making of Chimp Crazy came with unique challenges, particularly in terms of the extensive and unpredictable filming schedule. "In this genre of documentary filmmaking… you have to be very fluid and mobile and spontaneous and be filming everything," Goode explains. His team filmed over 300 days, capturing countless moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. "Some of the least, what feel like they're going to be the least important moments, become the most important moments," he notes. However, not every story made it into the final cut — a reality Goode describes as "a learning lesson." For every story included, far more subjects fell to the cutting room floor, as was the case in Tiger King. "You'll get a great interview at a great moment, but you've got to make those decisions not to put those stories into the documentary." For Goode, his passion transcends Chimp Crazy. Known for his conservation efforts involving endangered turtles, Goode reveals that he's completed another project that took over 10 years to finalize. While he can't share many details yet, he admits it deals with wildlife trade issues and should be released sometime in the coming year. As for Chimp Crazy, Goode hopes its impact will lead to legislative and societal change, much like Tiger King eventually did. "Let's hope Chimp Crazy makes a difference," he says. "If we can change laws and make a difference on that level, it's a big deal." Best of GoldDerby 'Cross' star Aldis Hodge on building an aspirational hero — who's not a superhero Jonathan Pryce on the 'great responsibility' of playing a character with dementia in 'Slow Horses' 'Feel good about not conforming': Christina Ricci reflects on her iconic roles, from Wednesday Addams to Misty Quigley Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2025 Emmy nominations voting: Here's the number of slots in the major categories
Voting for the 2025 Emmy nominations kicked off Thursday and will run through June 23. While the 26,000-plus Television Academy members are logging in their votes, the rest of us have been counting. In 2020, the TV Academy introduced the proportional rule, a sliding scale of nomination slots based on each category's submission total. The only categories excluded from this are Best Comedy Series and Best Drama Series, which are always locked at eight slots. Every other category's number of slots could fluctuate year to year depending on the number of submissions. More from GoldDerby Get a taste of 'The Valley' (literally) with this food and beer FYC event From 'Tiger King' to 'Chimp Crazy,' Eric Goode aims to highlight animal welfare issues while preaching to the 'unconverted' Jonathan Pryce on the 'great responsibility' of playing a character with dementia in 'Slow Horses' Here's how it's calculated: 20 to 80 submissions: 5 nominees 81 to 160 submissions: 6 nominees 161 to 240 submissions: 7 nominees 241 or more submissions: 8 nominees Acting categories across the same genre and designation, such as Best Drama Actor and Best Drama Actress, will have the same number of slots (rounded to the higher number) to achieve parity. Categories with zero to seven submissions will be screened by the peer group. Any entry, up to two, that receives 70 percent approval will get a nomination. For categories with eight to 19 submissions, the number of submissions will be divided by four and rounded to the nearest whole number to determine the number of slots. SEE What to know about Emmy voting rules Don't worry, we've counted so you don't have to. Below, we've broken down the number of slots in the major categories this year. The number of slots in 2024 is in parentheses. The biggest thing of note is that the lead categories will all have five slots for the first time since this system has been in place. Emmy nominations will be announced July 15. COMEDY Actor: five slots from 51 submissions (six — the submission total equated to five slots, but a tie in one of the comedy lead categories led to six slots) Actress: five slots from 47 submissions (six — the submission total equated to five slots, but a tie in one of the comedy lead categories led to six slots) Supporting Actor: seven slots from 163 submissions (six) Supporting Actress: seven slots to achieve parity from 141 submissions (six) Directing: six slots from 99 submissions (six) Writing: six slots from 94 submissions (six) Guest Actor: six slots from 97 submissions (six) Guest Actress: six slots to achieve parity from 74 submissions (six) DRAMA Actor: five slots from 77 submissions (six) Actress: five slots from 75 submissions (six) Supporting Actor: seven slots from 233 submissions (seven) Supporting Actress: seven slots from 225 submissions (seven) Directing: seven slots from 177 submissions (six) Writing: six slots from 132 submissions (six) Guest Actor: six slots from 87 submissions (five) Guest Actress: six slots to achieve parity from 67 submissions (five) LIMITED/TV MOVIE Limited Series: five slots from 33 submissions (five) TV Movie: five slots from 39 submissions (five) Actor: five slots from 49 submissions (five) Actress: five slots from 53 submissions (five) Supporting Actor: six slots from 125 submissions (seven) Supporting Actress: six slots from 105 submissions (seven) Directing: six slots from 91 submissions (six) Writing: five slots from 71 submissions (six) VARIETY Talk Series: three slots from 13 submissions (four) Scripted Variety Series: TBD by peer group from six submissions (two) Variety Special (Live): five slots from 26 submissions (five) Variety Special (Pre-Recorded): six slots from 89 submissions (five) REALITY Reality Competition Program: five slots from 50 submissions (five) Reality Host: five slots from 51 submissions (five) Best of GoldDerby Tina Fey on 'The Four Seasons': 'It was a challenge to be restrained about where we put jokes' 'The best job I ever had': 'From 'Supernatural' to 'The Boys,' Eric Kripke talks his biggest hits — and miss (ahem, 'Tarzan') 'Cross' star Aldis Hodge on building an aspirational hero — who's not a superhero Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Get a taste of ‘The Valley' (literally) with this food and beer FYC event
Bravo is getting tipsy this awards season. The Valley is partnering with bars and eateries across the San Fernando Valley for an immersive For Your Consideration event for fans and Television Academy members, Gold Derby has learned exclusively. The hit Bravo show premiered its second season in April and is eligible in the Best Unstructured Reality Program categories at the 2025 Emmys. More from GoldDerby 2025 Emmy nominations voting: Here's the number of slots in the major categories From 'Tiger King' to 'Chimp Crazy,' Eric Goode aims to highlight animal welfare issues while preaching to the 'unconverted' Jonathan Pryce on the 'great responsibility' of playing a character with dementia in 'Slow Horses' On Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., select filming locations from The Valley will be offering discounted items as part of a limited time promotion. Guests at the five participating venues throughout Studio City, Lake Balboa, North Hollywood, and Sherman Oaks can say "FYC" upon entry and receive one item per person while supplies last. It's all in an effort to help spread the word that Emmy voting runs June 12-23. The locations and items are as follows: Jax's Studio City 12514 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, 91604 Jax's French Fries La Rochelle Bakery 5050 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, 91601 NY Style Croissant Lawless Brewing Co. 5275 Craner Ave, North Hollywood, 91601 NoHo BoHo Beer Oakberry Acai Sherman Oaks 14006 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, 91423 Classic Acai Bowl Lee's Coffee House 16927 Vanowen St # 2, Lake Balboa, 91406 Iced Strawberry Matcha Season 2 of The Valley is currently airing on Bravo (and streaming on Peacock) and will wrap on June 24. The first episode of the new season delivered 3.1 million viewers across platforms over 35 days, making it Bravo's most-watched Season 2 premiere in 14 years, since The Real Housewives of New Jersey in 2010. The Valley is a spin-off of Vanderpump Rules, and follows five young couples who are finally embracing their adulthood. The regular cast members are Daniel Booko, Nia Booko, Luke Broderick, Janet Caperna, Jason Caperna, Brittany Cartwright, Kristen Doute, Jesse Lally, Michelle Saniei, Jax Taylor, Jasmine Goode, and Zack Wickham. Friendly faces from the parent series also make special appearances. Producers Lisa Vanderpump and Alex Baskin previously earned a pair of Emmy nominations for Vanderpump Rules in Best Unstructured Reality Program in 2023 and 2024. Photo by Bravo Photo by Bravo SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby Tina Fey on 'The Four Seasons': 'It was a challenge to be restrained about where we put jokes' 'The best job I ever had': 'From 'Supernatural' to 'The Boys,' Eric Kripke talks his biggest hits — and miss (ahem, 'Tarzan') 'Cross' star Aldis Hodge on building an aspirational hero — who's not a superhero Click here to read the full article.
