MC #170: One Lucky Elephant w/ director Lisa Leeman

Some animals make more interesting pets than others. In this special bonus episode, Andrew calls up filmmaker Lisa Leeman to discuss her new documentary One Lucky Elephant which opened in LA this weekend. The film follows retired circus producer David Balding as he struggles to find a new home for his prized elephant, Flora. Along the way, the film explores issues related to animal treatment, psychology and training. How strong is the connection between man and beast? Tune in to find out. SHOW NOTES: Interview w/ Lisa Leeman: 0:41 - Intro 3:25 - This film is very different from your previous work. How did you get involved in this project? 4:55 - How did you first get involved with Flora and David and when you did you realize there was a movie there? 8:08 - There are a lot of ups and downs in the story. Flora's life isn't perfect. Why did you call the film One Lucky Elephant? 9:38 - Instead of taking a wider issue-oriented focus, you focus more on an individual and character stories. Why did you take that approach? 11:32 - After focusing on these people for so long, which issues do you feel like are the dominant ones you hope people respond to and come away thinking about? 14:30 - Your film brings up larger issues about how humans tend to impose certain constructs onto animals, even certain psychological diagnoses. 18:19 - Has this film changed how you view your own pets? 19:39 - Did your relationship with Flora changed over time? 21:45 - Elephants can be dangerous! I'm sure you had to take extreme safety precautions. 23:38 - How can people see the film? DON'T FORGET: Check out the website at www.randomchatter.com. And visit our good friends The Film Talk over at www.thefilmtalk.com.