Monkey Kingdom Exclusive Interviews – Mark Linfield and Dr Sanjayan

From Disneynature, the studio that brought you Chimpanzee and Bears, comes MONKEY KINGDOM, a spectacular tale set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya, a clever and resourceful monkey, and her family will make you laugh and warm your heart as she realizes her dreams for her son’s future. Narrated by Tina Fey, own this breathtaking feature film on Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) & Blu-ray Combo Pack on September 15. Enjoy this must-own film and Disneynature will donate a portion of first-week sales to Conservation International to help protect endangered species in their natural habitats.

You will walk away from this film feeling like the Monkey Kingdom is much closer to how humankind act. Their is a tier system in their society (class system anyone?) that the monkeys go by. This is a story about how Maya tries to work her way up.  It is definitely a family friendly movie that I recommend you all go check out.

Since I love to pass along amazing information you can’t get anywhere else, I was able to interview both Director Mark Linfield and Disneynature Ambassador Dr Sanjayan!  Here are a few of their answers to my many questions:

I asked Mark how he chooses the projects he works on.  

His reply was that there aren’t that many subjects that go the distance for a wildlife movie.  You need a big spectacle.  There aren’t that many animals that can hold a film that long.  If you look at the previous films, they’ve done that.  He found the monkeys the most interesting.  

I asked both men how this project has been different from the other documentaries they have done.

Mark said that you never know how the story will unfold.  They are all different.  The personality of the monkeys are so etched and so individual, based on looks and behavior.  They haven’t had that before.  Most animals they have filmed aren’t as distinctive.  It really commits you to the character.  You know who Mya is.

Dr Sanjayan said that he’s never spent that amount of time in one location.  They were there 3 years!  The monkies that were chosed for this film were studied by scientist for 40 years.  The filmmakers immersed themself in that. It gave them a richness to the monkeys.  He also commented that it was such a beautiful story.  So much of what you see in primate society, you see in human society.  No explanation is needed.  The audience understands.

I then asked if they know what story they want to tell before filming or do they wait to see what they’ve captured.

Mark said for this movie, it was a combo.  They knew the type of story.  It was going to be about the very rigid class system.  If you are a female monkey, the only way to make a better life for yourself is to be resourceful.  They knew that would make a great story of her battling the system and bettering her lot.  They had the broad story in mind.  

I also asked what was the easiest and the hardest part of making Monkey Kingdom.

Dr Sanjayan said his role was to help with conservation with the film.   He also noted that Sri Lanka is really like that.

Mark said it was easy because the subjects were fasinating.  They were engaging all on their own, so they didn’t have to do anything special.  The hardest was being away from home from such long stretch.  You get dedicated to your new family — you live and breathe monkies.  

I asked how long did it take to make Monkey Kingdom from start to finish.

Mark relayed that it was 2.5 years of filming.  It was 3 years inception to delivery and they spent over 1000 camera days in the field which is the most they have ever spent.  They wanted the in depth behavior.  They wanted all their potential on screen.

I, of course, had to ask who was their favorite character.

Dr Sanjayan said that there is somethign redeeming about Mya trying to make a better life for herself.  There are so many supporting characters, and he really love the grandpa.  He is so old and is a testament of monkies to take care of one another.  He also love the mongoose scene too.  

I asked them both who inspired them.  

Mark told me Sir David Aldeburgh.

Dr Sanjayan told me Jane Goodall.  She is tireless and has done some amazing stuff.  She’s all in.  He also mentioned David Attenborough who is a natural history filmmaker host. He shows how to not take the attention away from the subject matter.

After watching Monkey Kingdom, what message should we all walk away with?

Dr Sanjayan told me the he wants you to realize how fantsastic and drama filled nature is.  These stories are happening everywhere.  We forget about nature.  It’s in our backyards.  Our hopes and dreams are reflected in these animals.  

 

What answers did you find most interesting?  What else should I have asked?