Category: Factual

Discovery rolls out global initiative & campaign on species conservation

MUMBAI: Discovery is embarking on its newest global social activation effort – a comprehensive worldwide initiative and campaign focused on species conservation tied to Discovery Channel’s 2 December global television premiere of Racing Extinction, a film by Academy Award-winning director Louis Psihoyos.

Discovery continues its legacy of exploring and celebrating the wonders of our planet with the groundbreaking film, and extends past it with this global campaign that empowers viewers to make a positive impact on the world.

The Racing Extinction campaign will launch with new content, a dedicated digital platform, an education curriculum and calls to action that encourage consumers to pledge their commitment to do “1Thing” to save the planet and its creatures. The mission of the campaign is long-term reduction of both carbon emissions and consumer demand for endangered species.

In India, a nationwide outreach to press, social media, and schools, and a mobile marketing campaign is in the works.

In Singapore, a screening was held last week at the Capitol Theatre, with a talk by tropical rainforest ecologist and Nature Society Singapore (NSS) president Dr Shawn Lum. Discovery is also partnering with the NSS to organise various activities for the public, such as the Horseshoe Crab rescue and research programme, a coastal clean-up at Mandai mudflats, and a forest clean-up at Pulau Ubin.

In Malaysia, Discovery has partnered with the Malaysia Nature Society to host screenings for students of Universiti Putra Malaysia in Selangor and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Johor. A screening was also held in Jakarta.

Discovery’s hosts Buddy Valastro, Jock Zonfrillo, Janet Hsieh, Erwan Heussaff, Nadya Hutagalung and Henry Golding are joining the call to action. Actress, host and radio DJ Melody Chen; actor and host Randall Tan; actor, host and FLY Entertainment Artiste Suhaimi Yusof; and actress and FLY Entertainment Artiste Tan Kheng Hua; together with many local personalities and influencers from across the region are also lending their support and pledging their “1Thing”. The personalities are featured in a series of spots, which are airing on Discovery Channel and TLC, and on Discovery Channel’s online platforms.

Other personalities from Southeast Asia who are participating in the campaign:

Aishah Sinclair – Radio Announcer and Television Personality (Malaysia)

Ean Nasrun – Radio Announcer and Television Personality (Malaysia)

Elvira Arul – Vocalist and Performer (Malaysia)

Harith Iskander – Stand-up Comedian, Actor and Director (Malaysia)

Marina Mahathir – Writer and Social Activist (Malaysia)

Natalie Kniese – Radio Announcer, Emcee and Host (Malaysia)

Russell Curtis – Recording Artiste (Malaysia)

Anna Cabrera – Executive Director of PAWS Animal Welfare Society (Philippines)

Brian McLelland – Founder of Bambika (Philippines)

Marc Nelson – WWF Ambassador (Philippines)

Pia Cayetano – Senator (Philippines)

Daniel Mananta – Television Personality, Host (Indonesia)

JFlow – Musician (Indonesia)

Mike Lewis – Actor, Model, Television Host (Indonesia)

Riyanni Djangkaru – Marine Environmentalist (Indonesia)

Discovery is supporting the theatrical screening of Racing Extinction at the Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival in Hong Kong through its social media platforms and press engagement, and in Taiwan the campaign is fronted by singer-songwriter Cheer Chen.

In addition, combining the immersive power of virtual reality with Discovery’s 30-year history of engaging and exceptional content, Discovery VR – the company’s virtual reality product – will debut six original experiences focused on some of the world’s most majestic animals in VR comprising species of endangered or vulnerable elephants, rhinos, lions, whale sharks, manta rays, and giraffes. This virtual reality content will be showcased at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris from 30 November to 11 December, 2015. The new endangered species experiences are available for iOS and Android, as well as at DiscoveryVR.com. Additional VR content from Discovery can be enjoyed on network YouTube channels and on Facebook.

Racing Extinction will be the catalyst for a larger, ongoing campaign utilizing the hashtag #StartWith1Thing to serve as Discovery’s call to action to create a global movement behind the television event. #StartWith1Thing seeks to unite the world by pledging simple lifestyle changes that can add up to big benefits for endangered species, the environment and humanity itself. Discovery will leverage its global premiere and additional platforms, including custom branded content, digital, social media and virtual reality, along with its partners to ignite curiosity and global actions people can take in four areas: fighting wildlife trafficking, reducing carbon emissions through use of green energy/transport, supporting green causes, and eating less meat.

The campaign will aggregate individual actions to demonstrate the impact that occurs when people unite as a global community. Consumers are encouraged to find inspiration for their “1Thing” by visiting the “#StartWith1Thing” section on www.racingextinction.com. Consumers can choose a variety of things to do daily, weekly and monthly, and track progress along with the world via social media.

The Racing Extinction campaign is in partnership with Vulcan Productions and the Oceanic Preservation Society.

December 1, 2015
Turner commissions documentary on Singapore Botanic Gardens

MUMBAI: Turner has commissioned a documentary called A World Icon: Singapore Botanic Gardens. The program will premiere on the recently launched World Heritage Channel in Asia. The documentary is expected to air in late 2015 or early 2016.

The documentary is produced in 4K by Beach House Pictures and uses the state of the art drone technology to film an inspiring aerial cinematography. It also features epic time lapses coupled with slow motion sequences to paint a mesmerizing and unforgettable picture of this botanic masterpiece.

The documentary will also feature expert historians, botanists and taxonomists who will be seen telling the story of the revered garden from its historical and cultural heritage to the oldest tree, largest orchid collection in the world, colonial buildings and new scientific breakthroughs, whilst shedding light on what future lies in store for this national treasure.

“The Botanic Gardens of Singapore is not just a green oasis in the heart of one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan metropolis. This is a garden like no other with fascinating stories of history, heritage, culture and science, hidden in each petal, leaf and brick. The project is perfect for World Heritage Channel, which is home to some of the most awe-inspiring history, culture, travel and nature programming. And I cannot think of a more exciting start to the first in a series of original productions for our newest brand, World Heritage Channel, as well as a more fitting way to commemorate Singapore’s golden jubilee anniversary,” said Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow.

The 150-year-old Singapore botanic garden was inscribed in July 2015 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39 session of the World Heritage committee in Germany, Bonn. It is the first tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is the first in Asia. The 74 hectare garden holds a unique and significant place in the history of Singapore and the region.

December 1, 2015
Discovery channel to air a programme on ‘Mumbai Railway’

MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all set to air a programme on the UNESCO’s world heritage site, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in Mumbai. The programme titled as Mumbai Railway will show behind the scenes of CST’s super-sized transport operation to reveal how the station’s staff and technological systems cope as they are stretched to maintain Mumbai’s lifeline on a daily basis. The four part series will premiere on 7 December every Monday at 9 pm.

The programme will take the viewers through the lives of the men and women who keep the Mumbai railways running; from the station managers, to the controllers in the operations room, the engine drivers, guards, policemen and porters amongst others. The show will offer due credence to the people behind the functioning of the railways and showcase how the team works on a stern time limit before the train resumes its journey. The programme will also offer the viewers to discover the locations around the city which contribute to the massive industrial kitchen which supplies the meals and the new, automated laundry which washes and presses bed sheets.

Talking about the new programme, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri asserted, “Discovery Channel has been entertaining and inspiring viewers in India for the last 20 years with the finest range of factual programmes. Mumbai Railway will bring forth compelling story of the megacity Mumbai – its station and its transport challenges. The series will showcase the diverse network and its amplified scale like never before.”

The programme will explore the scientific, technological, historical, and human-interest stories from across Mumbai’s sprawling suburban network. The programme will showcase how Mumbai Railways has come to become the pulse of the Mumbai commuters irrespective of the heavy monsoons, the crazy rush and the cringing space constraints.

Mumbai Railway will also showcase the future for CST and Indian railways including expanded capacity by making train and platforms longer, building new lines and bringing into server a new double decker train.

November 30, 2015
Fadoo TV pays tribute to unsung heroes of Mumbai attack through National Anthem

MUMBAI: Mumbai was brought to a standstill in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks on Indian soil on 26 November 2008. The catastrophe, called the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, lasted for three days.

The tragic incidents that unfolded on 26/11 claimed the lives of at least 173 people and affected the already tense relationship between many Indians and Pakistanis socially and politically.

While it’s been 7 years since the attacks, Indians still remember the brave hearts of our nation by paying homage to the unsung heroes of the tragic terrorist attacks. Be it the political dignitaries, the judiciary, the celebrities from the entertainment world, everyone came to pay homage. Floral tribute was paid to the martyrs who laid down their lives while defending Mumbai and to those who died because of the terror attack seven years ago. Maharashtra’s CM Devendra Fadnavis was among the dignitaries who paid homage at the 26/11 police memorial site at the Mumbai Police Gymkhana in south Mumbai.

Fadoo TV, a web TV company of young and bright enthusiasts, had recently released a film presenting the national anthem 26/11 National Anthem – Tribute to the unsung heroes of 26/11/2008.

Explaining the idea behind the film, FadooTV.com founder Raj Konar said, “The short film is a tribute to the heroes of the Mumbai terror attacks. It’s been seven years to this tragic event. It’s saddening that every single person out there recognizes the name of that one terrorist, but little do they know about our national heroes who stood on the front line and took the bullets to their chest. I am very proud that it is now out there for citizens to see the brighter side of that day via this film tribute”.

The short film has received music from the very popular Salim & Sulaiman Merchant with a melodic unison of artists Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan and Kailash Kher who sing the national anthem.

The film was first previewed at the 17 Jio MAMI Film Festival and was played before every film screening. The two minute thirty seconds film enjoyed a positive feedback at the festival and was then run in all theatres nationally.

“The research behind the movie needed rigorous follow ups, knocking every possible door of the government officials. When we sat together to discuss the making of the movie, we did not want to rely only on the online papers and news that were available. We thought about interviewing all the people personally. It made us come across many interesting as well as heart-warming experiences. We could connect every person to one another. A few of them didn’t even want to talk about it because they didn’t want to remember the worst thing that had happened to their city,” shared Konar.

The making of movie was spread over three years. The fire brigade team sequence was shot in 2013 while in 2014 the Mumbai force was interviewed. “We got permissions one at a time. We recently brought Farhan Akhtar on board who readily agreed as he resonated to the essence of this initiative and the horror of the events”, adds Konar.

The movie has already been distributed across all the leading news channels of India and is also expected to be screened before every movie. Fadoo TV is also working towards distributing the movie amongst the OTT players of India. “It is a non-commercial cause. We want to reach out to the maximum number of people through this video”, adds Konar.

Though the concepts that are available on the web television are more youth centric, Fadoo tv isalso planning to do its bit to ensure the safety of women in the society. A new show titled Wake Up is expected to air by the end of December.

The web television team is also planning to broadcast an entire documentary feature about classic and vintage cars.

November 29, 2015
Discovery channel to air ‘Racing Extinction’ globally; to aid the channel’s campaign

MUMBAI: Discovery Channel will broadcast director Louie Psihoyos’ film Racing Extinction in India on 2 December at 9 pm. The channel will premiere the movie in 220 international markets across the world within a span of 24 hours.

Racing Extinction is an ambitious mission to clearly and artfully put into focus the human impact on the planet, while inspiring humanity to embrace the solutions that will ensure a thriving, biodiverse world for future generations.

The film will also serve as a catalyst for the ongoing campaign utilising the hash tag #StartWith1Thing to serve as Discovery’s call to action to create a global movement behind the television event. In partnership with Discovery and the Ocean Preservation Society (OPS), the co-executive producer of the film Paul G. Allen and his Vulcan Productions have launched an action campaign around Racing Extinction to empower audiences to join the fight to save these animals while there is still time.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel presents path-breaking and immersive programmes that serve a purpose beyond entertainment. Racing Extinction is a gripping film that vividly demonstrates the serious threats our beautiful planet faces today. We believe that the film will invoke passion amongst Indian viewers and will inspire everyone to preserve it for a better tomorrow.”

The director Louie Psihoyos added, “With the help of Discovery I believe we can create a tipping point to create the change we need to preserve a planet that can sustain life for all species.” He further adds, “There has never been a more important time in the world than to be alive now — the decisions we make in the next few years will impact the Earth and animal species for millions of years.”

In the ground breaking film the director and his group assembles a team of artists and activists on a new undercover operation to expose the world of endangered species trafficking and the race to prevent mass extinction. The 90-minute film reveals few never-before seen images that will change the onlookers’ perception of the world.

November 19, 2015
Discovery Science’s Space Month: to air shows on 50 years of space exploration

MUMBAI: Discovery Science has dedicated a whole month to tell viewers everything they would like know about the universe, space exploration and the search for intelligent life on other planets. Airing Monday to Friday at 10 PM on Discovery Science, the show starts on November 20 onwards. Space Month promises an in-depth analysis chronicling 50 years of unique achievements in space and exciting developments for the future.

Space Month will kick start with the episode In Space: 50 years of Space Exploration. The episode will feature the Rosetta Mission, the 2014 ISS Crew and the upcoming Mercury and planned Mars missions. This episode will define how space travel has enhanced human knowledge of the universe and the ground-breaking future ahead where the secrets of its origins will be revealed says Discovery Science.

To air on 24th & 25th November, Unravelling the Cosmos will take an immersive tour of the vast scale and extreme distances in the universe.

To air on November 27, One Giant Leap will highlight the story of the United States journey to the moon, the landmark mission that inspired Americans during a time when violence and turmoil dominated headlines. Interviews with the surviving astronauts, families, and other key players, along with high-definition NASA films and never-before-seen home movie collections will be aired during the episode.

November 18, 2015
Discovery channel to explore the richness of Odisha with a new broadcast

MUMBAI: Discovery Channel has launched a new programme Go India: Odisha which will showcase the picturesque landscape, the rich culture, the age-old traditions and the ancient monuments of Odisha. The broadcast premieres on 21 November at 7 pm. The show will be hosted by former Miss India- International, Gurleen Grewal.

On a quest to experience the culture of Odisha, Gurleen Grewal meets the renowned Odissi dancer, Sujata Mohapatra, and takes a few quick lessons on dance steps and mudras of the Odissi dance form.

Gurleen will also be seen meeting National award-winning craftsmen, while she apprentices as their assistant, and tries her hand at the beautiful pattachitra paintings along with world-famous ikkat weaving tradition.

To experience the thriving Buddhist tradition in Odisha, Gurleen will visit the largest Buddhist monastery, at Jirang in the Chandragiri district. While Gurleen is at the monastery, she gets a chance to watch a stunning masked dance performance, leaving her completely mesmerised.

According to former Miss India International Gurleen Grewal, “Go India: Odisha is a captivating programme that explores the beauty and history of Odisha, a state which has so much to contribute to the Indian art and culture scene. It is a detailed travelogue that will offer viewers a journey to discover the unknown and unique attractions of the state on Discovery Channel.”

Go India: Odisha will feature birder and photographer Panchami Ukil who takes Gurleen bird-watching at Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Viewers will get to spot some, otherwise elusive, Irrawady dolphins at the Chilika lake. The viewers will also get a chance to visit Bhitarkanika National Park where extremely rare birds and massive estuarine crocodile are spotted.

November 17, 2015
Discovery Life picks Untold Stories of the ER for their program marathon

MUMBAI: GRB Entertainment, a LA based distribution and production company, has announced ten new themed specials of the long-running series Untold Stories of the E.R., highlighting some of the craziest medical stories ever documented. The first 9 seasons of the series are airing in 126 countries around the world. In addition to the new specials, season 10 is now available.

To celebrate the launch of the new season, Discovery Life in the U.S. will run a marathon programming block of all 120 episodes of its original production, Untold Stories of the ER, beginning on 29 November and running through 4 December leading up to the U.S. premiere of season 10. Discovery channels in the U.S. have been airing the program since 2004.

“GRB Entertainment is thrilled with our original production of Untold Stories of the ER – a unique, original dramatic real-life series that resonates with audiences around the world. The stories in this hugely popular program are outrageous, relevant, and highly entertaining. We have 10 seasons available for distribution and the show lends itself to a great marathon of high intensity programming,” said GRB Entertainment SVP International Distribution Michael Lolato.

Untold Stories of the ER breaks open the secret world of hospital Emergency Rooms. These are real doctors and the real cases that changed their lives. Witness the most amazing, bizarre, and emotionally explosive stories ever told about the clash of life and death in the emergency room.

November 17, 2015
NGC commissions Pope Francis biopic & Space Shuttle Challenger disaster special

MUMBAI: National Geographic Channel is planning two specials focused on people and events that have had a profound impact on modern history. Jorge Mario Bergoglio – otherwise known as Pope Francis – will be the subject of the powerful and moving biopic, Rebel Pope. While Space Shuttle Challenger’s ill-fated 1986 flight will be revisited on its 30th anniversary via rare footage from the time in Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes.

Both one hour films are set to air globally on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages in early 2016.

Rebel Pope interweaves dramatic, scripted accounts of episodes from Bergoglio’s pre-Vatican life and career with documentary interviews from those close to him during this time. From Bergoglio’s childhood to his entry into the Jesuit order, the film tracks his rise through the Church hierarchy, and eventual emergence as the popular “Bishop of the Slums.” His radical views would stir controversy in some circles, but also put him in line to lead one of the world’s oldest and largest religious institutions. Filming on the biopic will take place in Argentina and Colombia.

NGCI executive vice president and head of international content Hamish Mykura said, “Pope Francis is a fascinating figure with an incredible backstory that hasn’t been told in full until now. Rebel Pope is the definitive story of his rise to power. Between the scripted elements and the interviews, we really get under the skin of this man of the people to find out how his inspiring beliefs evolved and what the influences were that shaped him on his path to the papacy.”

On 28 January, 1986, the eyes of the world were turned toward Cape Canaveral as NASA prepared to send the first civilian into the stratosphere. Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes follows the story of the Space Shuttle Challenger and its crew, including school teacher Christa McAuliffe. Chosen from thousands of applicants, the 36 year old’s objective was to expand the understanding of the nation’s school children about space and the next generation of interplanetary travel. But her dreams – and those of NASA – were tragically cut short when the Challenger exploded just after lift-off in front of a live television audience.

The events of the days leading up to the disaster are detailed in this unique film, told solely via rarely seen national and local news reports, and little-known internal NASA archival footage featuring Christa McAuliffe rehearsing the lessons she planned to give from space as well as from cameras inside Mission Control in the hours after the tragedy occurred.

Mykura added, “As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, the opportunity to go behind the scenes in a way never seen before and put the event into the context of its time, is a rare privilege. With leaps and bounds being made in space exploration, it is vital that we fully understand the trajectory that led us to this point and acknowledge those who sacrificed their lives in our quest to better understand the solar system.”

Rebel Pope is produced by Fox Telecolombia, a production company part owned by Fox International Channels. It is written and directed by Patrick Reams.

Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes is produced by 1895 Films. For 1895 Films, the executive producer is Tom Jennings, whereas for NGC Mykura is overseeing both productions.

November 10, 2015
Post Murdoch takeover, Nat Geo CEO sounds layoff knell for 180 employees

MUMBAI: Heads have started rolling at the National Geographic Society after Rupert Murdoch officially took over the company on 3 November, 2015.

National Geographic CEO Gary Knell has sounded the ‘knell’ for layoffs, in what is being called the biggest in the history of National Geographic Society. As many as 180 people comprising almost nine per cent of the staff have been given the pink slip, some of them award winning photographers, designers and editors. The company has also offered buyouts for some employees.

Many of the employees, who have been asked to leave, took to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to make public the news.

In a tweet, National Geographic photo editor Sherry L. Brukbacher said that she was one of the staff members, who’ve been relieved from their duties.

Her tweet went like this: “Experienced National Geographic Photo Editor looking for employment. Fox merger elim [sic] many today. Will miss my amazing colleagues!” – @SBrukbacher.

Some of the others that have been shown the door are National Geographic picture editor Kim Hubbard, National Geographic Creative’s picture editors Nancy Lee Ott and veteran National Geographic photographer Michael ‘Nick’ Nichols amongst others.

In an internal email to all employees, Knell wrote:

To all NGS Staff:

After very careful and serious consideration, we are ready to communicate how our restructuring and transformation will affect each employee at National Geographic. To that end, please make every effort to be available tomorrow, November 3rd, either in your regular work location, and/or by phone.

If you are traveling for business, on vacation or plan to be out for any other reason, please notify Tia Freeman-Evans or Yvonne Perry in HR immediately, so we can make alternative plans to get in touch with you. If you know that someone on your staff will be out of the office on November 3rd, please let Tia or Yvonne know by 3 p.m. (Eastern) today, as well.

Please watch your inbox for important information about your employment status tomorrow.

I cannot thank you enough for your patience and hard work over the last few months. I am proud of how our teams and our organization have approached and responded to this transitional period. Looking ahead, I am confident National Geographic’s mission will be fulfilled in powerful, new and impactful ways, as we continue to change the world through science, exploration, education and storytelling.

Gary

Then, in a follow up email with the subject line ‘An Important Message from Gary Knell,’ he further intimated the staff with this message:

To all NGS Staff–

To change the world through science, exploration, education and storytelling has never been as important as it is today. We are transforming National Geographic to be better positioned than ever to deliver on this mission./CONTINUES

Since announcing our plans to establish National Geographic Partners and to set a new strategy for the National Geographic Society, teams have been working tirelessly to develop our plans for moving forward. There is no doubt that this strategic move will amplify our mission and message across all media platforms with greater resources than today, all while ensuring the sustainability of the Society for many years to come. Leadership teams for both Partners and the Society will be named when we close the transaction in mid-November.

This is a journey – we’re changing our structure along with how we work. The commitment to our brand and to the impact we make on the planet remains unchanged – but how we deliver on that will, indeed, be transformative.

Part of these efforts also means making the toughest of decisions about the staffing needs of the organizations going forward. Some of our colleagues will be leaving National Geographic over the next few days and, in some cases, weeks.

We did not make these decisions without very serious consideration and care. We are providing all affected colleagues with meaningful severance packages to assist with the transition. We are also offering some colleagues the opportunity to choose an early separation based on a combination of age and years of service with National Geographic.

Across the board, we are treating each and every colleague with the dignity and respect deserved for their contributions to our organization and to the mission. I ask you to share my personal gratitude and appreciation for these colleagues’ contributions and service. And with the greatest respect to everyone involved, I ask for your commitment to what lies ahead.

Thank you for your collective patience throughout these past few weeks, as well as the professionalism and consistent follow-through displayed every day in virtually every corner of our operations as we have continued to deliver world class science, research and storytelling to a world that needs us now more than ever. I believe we must be bold and we must act now to better guarantee success for our mission. We will evolve. We will create impact. We will change the world.

Gary

In September this year, Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox acquired a majority stake in The National Geographic Society for approximately $725 million. The new entity is 73 per cent owned by 21st Century Fox and 27 per cent by The National Geographic Society.

November 5, 2015