The Inspiration Behind Happy Feet

The film Happy Feet centers on the natural history of Emperor Penguins and how they communicate through song, particularly for mating. Director George Miller was inspired by watching documentaries on penguins, which showcased their extraordinary behaviors and the breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica. He and his cameraman, Andrew Lesney, utilized early motion capture techniques resembling those seen in films like Lord of the Rings, leading them to create a unique film where penguins dance. Miller clarifies that the inspiration for Happy Feet predates March of the Penguins, as Warner Brothers only picked up the latter after seeing early footage of his film.