Finding Neverland

The story of J.M. Barrie's friendship with a family who inspired him to create Peter Pan.

  • Starring: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie and Freddie Highmore
  • Director(s): Marc Forster
  • Producer(s): Richard N. Gladstein, Roberto Schaefer
  • Screenwriter(s): Allen Knee
  • Distributor: Miramax Films
  • Animal Coordinator: Birds and Animals
  • Release Date: Friday, November 12, 2004

Featured Animal Action

American Humane's Film & Television Unit did not monitor the foreign production Finding Neverland, which was filmed in England. American Humane's Film & Television Unit's work is funded by a grant from the Industry Advancement and Cooperative Fund – administered by trustees from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – which allocates resources solely to cover domestic SAG projects working under the SAG/Producers codified agreement.

Productions filming abroad do have the option of contracting for American Humane's monitoring services. However, this does not guarantee that the films will receive American Humane's End Credit Disclaimer, since it is awarded exclusively on the basis of the animal treatment during production. Finding Neverland's filmmakers did not request American Humane's services for this production. And, because American Humane was not present to witness the extensive animal action firsthand, the film is rated "Not Monitored."

The public should be aware, however, that Finding Neverland carries an end credit regarding the treatment of the animals that unlawfully adopts American Humane's trademarked "No Animals Were Harmed"™ Disclaimer language. American Humane has consulted its legal counsel regarding this trademark violation and is notifying the producing company to cease and desist the use of the film's unauthorized end credit.

How to make sure American Humane is there

The "Not Monitored" rating means American Humane's Film & Television Unit was not contacted regarding animal action in the film and was unable to verify that animals were treated humanely. Films like Finding Neverland typically receive the "Not Monitored" rating because the film's producers did not involve American Humane and may not have followed American Humane's Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. Because the film industry is vast, American Humane needs your support to better protect animals used in entertainment.

You can help make sure the American Humane Association is there to monitor animal action in future films by:

1) Registering on our website and indicating your interest in "No Animals Were Harmed." ™ The more people who register, the stronger American Humane's impact will be on actors, producers, and film distributors.

2) Choosing to spend your money on films that express a commitment to the humane treatment of animal actors. Before buying tickets, look for the review of the animal action and make sure the film's producers have taken the right steps to ensure animal safety and well-being.

3) Letting your voice be heard. At the movies, stay tuned through the end credits to be sure the film received the "No Animals Were Harmed" Disclaimer. If you do not see it, e-mail your concerns to American Humane at info@americanhumane.org.