Sophie Bennett
In the documentary Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock attempts to open a fast-food chicken restaurant, hiring a factory farmer in Alabama to raise 3,000 chickens for him. The film aims to expose the rebranding of the fast-food industry as healthier and to debunk the chicken industry's corporate mythology by breaking down misleading phrases like natural, artisan, and free-range. Spurlock collaborates with Jonathan and Zach Buttram, a father-son farming duo, to provide insight into the industry. However, the film faced criticism from the National Chicken Council, which claimed it was a one-sided hit piece on an industry providing sustainable and affordable protein. The film's release was also overshadowed by Spurlock's confession of sexual misconduct.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the chicken farmer | Jonathan Buttram |
| Name of his wife | Not mentioned |
| Name of his son | Zach Buttram |
| Name of the documentary | Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken! |
| Name of the filmmaker | Morgan Spurlock |
| Year of release | 2017 |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Theme | Explores ways in which the fast-food industry has rebranded itself as healthier |
| Objective | To debunk the chicken industry's corporate mythology |
| Response from the National Chicken Council | The project is "clearly told in a story intended for 'entertainment' and not based on facts." |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Morgan Spurlock's redemption
Morgan Spurlock's documentary, *Super Size Me*, brought him fame and recognition as he ate only McDonald's food for a month, nearly dying as a result. The documentary shone a light on the negative effects of fast food. Spurlock's follow-up documentary, *Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!*, aimed to expose the chicken industry and its treatment of farmers.
In the documentary, Spurlock attempts to open a fast-food restaurant, hiring a factory farmer in Alabama to raise 3,000 chickens for him. Spurlock meets with brand consultants and commercial food experts, exploring the psychology of health-focused marketing. The film also highlights the issues that small chicken farmers face due to the "tournament system," where payouts are determined by a ranking of chicken coops.
However, *Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!* was mired in controversy. The National Chicken Council called the film a "hit piece" and claimed it was "intended for 'entertainment' and not based on facts." Additionally, Spurlock himself faced accusations of sexual misconduct, which resulted in the film being shelved for two years.
Despite these challenges, Spurlock sought redemption for himself and the farmers he worked with, particularly Jonathan and Zach Buttram, a father-son farming duo who provided insight into the chicken industry. Spurlock struggled to find a distributor for the film and even faced bankruptcy. He reflected on the impact of his actions on the farmers, acknowledging that his decisions had real-world consequences.
Spurlock's quest for redemption highlights the challenges of navigating controversial topics, public scrutiny, and personal accountability. While *Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!* faced obstacles and generated debate, it also brought attention to the treatment of chicken farmers and the need for transparency in the industry.
Exploring the Function of Chicken Runs in Gardens
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Jonathan and Zach Buttram's blacklisting
Jonathan and Zach Buttram, a father-and-son chicken farming duo, featured in Morgan Spurlock's documentary "Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!". They served as Spurlock's window into the chicken industry, providing insight into the challenges faced by small chicken farmers. However, their involvement in the documentary had significant repercussions, leading to their alleged blacklisting and professional difficulties.
Jonathan Buttram claimed that both he and his son Zach had been "blackballed" after speaking out about the realities of the chicken industry. He shared that their willingness to participate in the documentary had consequences for their livelihoods. Specifically, Jonathan mentioned that his wife had experienced issues with contract placements for her chickens following his public comments in Ohio.
The Buttrams' experience highlights the potential risks faced by individuals who choose to speak out against powerful industries. In the documentary, Spurlock explores the dark side of "big chicken," suggesting that large chicken companies exert significant control over the farmers they partner with, potentially impacting their ability to speak up about unfair practices or poor treatment.
The National Chicken Council, representing the largest chicken production companies in the U.S., criticized Spurlock's film as a "one-sided hit piece" and defended the industry's practices. However, Spurlock and the Buttrams aimed to expose the reality behind misleading marketing phrases like "natural," "artisan," and "free-range."
Despite the backlash and challenges they faced, Jonathan Buttram expressed humility and satisfaction in bringing attention to the plight of chicken farmers and the treatment of animals in large factory farms. He felt that the information exposed in the documentary was important for the public to know, even amidst the personal difficulties he and his family encountered due to their involvement in the film.
Converting Cups to Ounces: Cubed Chicken Conversion
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The National Chicken Council's response
The National Chicken Council (NCC), which represents the U.S.'s largest chicken production companies, has responded to Morgan Spurlock's documentary "Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!" by calling it a "one-sided hit piece" on the chicken industry. The NCC stated that the film is "clearly told in a story intended for 'entertainment' and not based on facts" and defended the industry as providing Americans with the "healthiest, most sustainable, affordable, and responsibly raised protein in the market."
The NCC also highlighted the industry's progress since the movie's original filming, including the launch of the Chicken Check In transparency campaign, the update and independent certification of its animal welfare guidelines, and the posting of calorie information on quick-service restaurant menus. Additionally, the NCC noted that the majority of chicken farmers are thriving and that 95% of the farmers they work with choose to renew their contracts annually.
While acknowledging the film's attempt to debunk the chicken industry's corporate mythology and challenge phrases like "natural," "artisan," and "free-range", the NCC maintained its position on the responsible and sustainable nature of chicken production in the U.S. They expressed pride in how U.S. chicken is produced and highlighted the industry's efforts to improve transparency and animal welfare.
The NCC's response comes in the context of Spurlock's documentary, which explores the fast-food industry's rebranding as healthier and his process of opening a fast-food restaurant. The film, a follow-up to Spurlock's 2004 documentary "Super Size Me", generated controversy due to its criticism of the chicken industry and Spurlock's personal history of sexual misconduct.
In the documentary, Spurlock collaborates with Jonathan and Zach Buttram, a father-son farming duo, to expose the issues faced by small chicken farmers due to the "tournament system" and the treatment of farmers and animals by large chicken companies. Jonathan Buttram shared that speaking out led to backlash and blacklisting for him and his family, impacting their contracts and livelihood.
Healing a Chicken's Broken Beak: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The film's authenticity
The authenticity of Morgan Spurlock's documentary, 'Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!' has been questioned by many. Firstly, the National Chicken Council (NCC) refuted the film's claims, stating that it is "an unfortunate and one-sided hit piece on an industry that provides Americans with the healthiest, most sustainable, affordable, and responsibly raised protein in the market." They further asserted that the film is "clearly told in a story intended for 'entertainment' and not based on facts." The NCC's statement highlights the discrepancy between the film's portrayal of the chicken industry and the council's perspective on its own practices.
Spurlock, however, defended his work, arguing that there is a "dark side" to the nation's top chicken producers. He claimed that these large companies often exploit their chicken farmers, squeezing their livelihoods and driving some to desperation. Spurlock's documentary includes the story of Jonathan and Zach Buttram, a father-son farming duo who experienced backlash and blacklisting after speaking out against the industry.
While some viewers found the film enlightening and entertaining, particularly the meetings with brand consultants and food experts, others criticized it as a "propaganda piece." Some viewers questioned the scientific validity of the film, arguing that Spurlock's premise of only eating McDonald's food for a month in the original "Super Size Me" was not a realistic representation of typical eating habits.
The film also faced delays and controversy due to Spurlock's personal life. The documentary was shelved for two years as Spurlock struggled to find a distributor, and it was overshadowed by his public confession of sexual misconduct. Despite these challenges, the film received mostly positive reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 and holds a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Ultimately, the authenticity of "Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!" remains a subject of debate. While Spurlock intended to expose the negative side of the chicken industry and the misleading marketing tactics used by large companies, his film faced criticism from industry representatives and viewers who questioned its accuracy and motivations.
Spawning Chickens in Gears 3: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Chicken Ranch [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - United Kingdom ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TsjGnl-uL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The fast-food industry's rebranding
One of the key messages of the film is the issue of small chicken farmers being squeezed by large chicken companies. Spurlock highlights the "tournament system," where poultry payouts are determined by a ranking of chicken coops, often to the detriment of farmers. The film features Jonathan and Zach Buttram, a father-son farming duo, who speak out about the challenges they face in the industry. They share their experiences of being blackballed and having contracts terminated for speaking out against the treatment of farmers and animals in large factory farms.
Spurlock also explores the psychology behind the "health halo" that many big fast-food chains have adopted. This involves using trendy ingredients and packaging to make junk food appear healthier to consumers. The film questions whether the industry's rebranding as healthier is more perception than reality and aims to debunk the chicken industry's corporate mythology.
Since the filming of "Holy Chicken!", the National Chicken Council (NCC) has defended the chicken industry, stating that the film is "entertainment" and not based on facts. They highlight improvements such as the launch of the transparency campaign "Chicken Check-In" and the updating of animal welfare guidelines. However, Spurlock and the film's supporters argue that it exposes the dark side of "big chicken" and the misleading marketing phrases used by the industry.
Despite the film's positive reception at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017, it faced challenges due to Spurlock's public confession of sexual misconduct. This led to the film being shelved for two years, and the distribution company eventually filing for bankruptcy. "Holy Chicken!" ultimately received a release, with an approval rating of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, sparking discussions about the fast-food industry's rebranding and the treatment of chicken farmers.
Popeye's Chicken: Beyond Spicy Flavors
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Jonathan Buttram, along with his son Zach and wife, are the chicken farmers featured in Morgan Spurlock's documentary.
Jonathan, Zach, and their family were put out of work as a result of the documentary. Jonathan and Zach were also blackballed for speaking out against the industry.
Holy Chicken was a documentary film by Morgan Spurlock, which aimed to expose the rebranding of the fast-food industry as healthier.
Holy Chicken was shelved for two years after Spurlock made a public sexual misconduct confession.
![The Farmer (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-FbN0Gd9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
