Steve Coogan on His ‘Penguin Lessons’: ‘They Disarm You’
Getting Comfortable with His Co-Stars
Comedian Steve Coogan spent weeks warming up to the two African penguins featured in his new film, "The Penguin Lessons." In an interview with The Guardian, Coogan spoke about the unexpected challenges of working with animals on set.
Disarming Presence
Coogan described the penguins, named Zola and Obi, as having a "disarming" effect. He explained, "They are these waddling, curious creatures that just sort of look at you with their beady eyes. It's very hard to stay focused when they're around."
Coogan admitted that it took him several weeks to feel comfortable enough to perform alongside the penguins. "At first, I was too self-conscious," he said. "I was worried about making them nervous or disturbing them. But eventually, I realized that they just wanted to play."
Building Trust
Coogan attributed his success in working with the penguins to a gradual process of building trust. He spent time observing their behavior and learning their routines. He also made a conscious effort to interact with them in a calm and respectful manner.
"I learned that penguins are very sensitive to body language," Coogan said. "If you move too quickly or make sudden noises, they can get scared. So I had to be very still and relaxed around them."
By establishing a strong rapport with Zola and Obi, Coogan was able to capture authentic and intimate moments on film. "The penguins became like extensions of myself," he said. "I felt like I could communicate with them without words."
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