ITV

Tag: Nat Geo

  • Nat Geo Intl looks to bring Malaysia to the world

    Nat Geo Intl looks to bring Malaysia to the world

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) have announced a partnership agreement.

    They have commissioned two one-hour documentary programmes in high-definition (HD) to showcase Malaysia to the world and to encourage local filmmaking talents. 
    NGCI executive VP- production Bryan Smith says, “We are pleased to partner with Finas to produce high-definition documentaries for the global audience and to cultivate local filmmaking talents.”

    Finas DG En Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim said, “This is the first time that National Geographic Channels International and the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia have come together to promote the local filmmaking industry.

    “We are excited to be associated with this partnership as Malaysia has a pool of highly creative talents and Finas would like to encourage, preserve and enable growth and development of the filmmaking industry in Malaysia.”

    NGCI will kick-off the launch with a call-for-entries to all Malaysian-based production companies, the finished programmes will be aired globally on National Geographic Channel’s network in 164 countries.

    The successful grantees will be guided by NGCI’s senior producers to ensure a consistently high-quality production. The winning producers can also expect future opportunities with NGC.

    The call-for-entries is given a further lift as each successful grantee will receive up to $200,000 to make a one-hour of original production in high-definition. The local filmmaking talents are given an excellent opportunity to commission a high-definition documentary and rise to the Malaysia to the World challenge.

  • NGC institutes awards for filmmaking

    NGC institutes awards for filmmaking

    MUMBAI: Infotainment channel National Geographic Channel (NGC) has announced a new initiative to recognise outstanding work in non fiction. It will present awards for excellence in non fiction film-making in India.

    It aims to set a benchmark for the best non-fiction productions and raise the bar of Indian film-making to produce exceptional content for the global and Indian audience.

    NGC says that the awards are India’s first such initiative to recognise and honour exceptional non-fiction films and will also provide an opportunity to realise every film maker’s aspiration to showcase their work in the international arena. The inception of these awards is an ideal extension of ‘s commitment to recognise films that are thought provoking and at the same time interesting to watch besides providing entertainment.

    The awards will focus on works of both professional as well as amateur film-makers of Indian origin in separate categories. Details like the award’s name, categories, application procedure, selection criteria, the jury, events, dates and other information will be announced shortly.

    NGC India senior VP – programming, Joy Bhattacharjya said, “With our documentary initiatives with Singapore’s Economic Development Board in Singapore and projects like Taiwan to the World, Nat Geo has already showcased its dedication to developing and recognizing talent around the world and providing opportunities to help film makers showcase their work.”

    “With these awards we aim to recognise and encourage superior non-fiction film-making in India and establishing a benchmark for the same. These awards are an ideal extension of our proposition to encourage viewers to rethink about the way they watch television. We plan to make this into an annual property and hence make this an event to remember with an innovative 360 degree activation experience which is bound to make the audience Think again”.

  • Nat Geo builds an online Wall against Terror

    Nat Geo builds an online Wall against Terror

    MUMBAI: In an effort to get Indian viewers more involved with its programming on terrorism the National Geographic Channel (NGC) has creating a unique microsite to increase interactivity with the viewers, encourage them to come forward with their views and get in depth information on the series Nat Geo Investigates: Terrorism. The series is airing till 22 September 2006 at 10 pm.

    The micro-site is called Wall against Terror. It includes a special forum called ‘India’s Voice’. This is a blog where viewers can share their ideas and thoughts about the issue of terrorism.

    The microsite also includes sections like ‘What’s Your Slogan?’, ‘Do Your Bit’ and ‘Send A Postcard’. ‘What’s Your Slogan’ invite’s viewers to post their slogan against terror, while ‘Do Your Bit’ looks at giving tips to citizens on how to deal with terrorism in day-to-day life. Through ‘Send A Postcard’, one can inform his or her friends about the series and the campaign against terrorism.

    Besides the above, the Nat Geo Investigates micro-site provides in depth information on the series and interesting factoids on some of the deadliest terror attacks in recent times.

    NGC India VP -marketing, Rajesh Sheshadri, said, “With a strong message like ‘India, Fight Back’, we are promoting this series not only on-air but also through radio, internet and various innovative on-ground activities. This series is a landmark event not only for us, but all our viewers and partners as it touches a topic which is pertinent to all. With only few days into the activity, we are getting tremendous response to the series and to our blog India’s Voice. It shows that people are now ready to be involved in the fight against terrorism, by being more alert and aware”.

    The micro-site, ‘Wall Against Terror’ can be accessed through the National Geographic Channel’s website www.nationalgeographic.co.in or directly www.designmechanics.in/natgeo/

  • Nat Geo partners with CBeebies, King Rollo Films for new show

    Nat Geo partners with CBeebies, King Rollo Films for new show

    MUMBAI: US media firm National Geographic Kids Entertainment (NGKE) and King Rollo Films have partnered with the BBC’s kids channel CBeebies to co-produce the live-action/animated preschool series Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies.

    CBeebies will also contribute archival footage to complement the resources provided by National Geographic. The agreement was announced by National Geographic Kids Entertainment president Donna Friedman Meir.

    The co-production deal gives CBeebies rights to broadcast the program in the UK and Eire and to license consumer products and home video in these territories. NGKE’s sister company, National Geographic Television International (NGTI), retains programme sales and equivalent licensing/home video rights for all remaining worldwide territories. CBeebies will begin airing Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies next year.

    NGKE, NGTI and CBeebies plan to develop Mama Mirabelle into a multimedia franchise encompassing television, DVD/video, VOD, mobile phone and interactive online content.

    Meir says, “We are thrilled to be partnering with CBeebies, given their extraordinary legacy as a producer of outstanding children’s programming. Their support for ‘Mama Mirabelle’ is a fantastic seal of approval for our first preschool series. There is a natural fit between the BBC and National Geographic brands, and we look forward to developing our relationship so that we can continue to bring such lovable characters and high-quality programming to U.K. and global audiences.”

    Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies features an inquisitive cast of baby animal characters, including regulars Bo the cheetah cub; Karla the zebra foal; Max the elephant calf; monkeys Pip, Flip and Chip; and their maternal elephant host, Mama Mirabelle. Each day the animals gather in the savannah to watch home videos of themselves and other amazing creatures of the natural world. Through lighthearted and heartwarming interaction, Mama helps the baby animals find answers to many of life’s questions from a preschooler’s perspective.

  • Nat Geo Intl opens production firm in London

    Nat Geo Intl opens production firm in London

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Television International (NGTI) has set up a production outfit Change Productions in London.

    Media reports state that the firm will be helmed by former Wall to Wall executive producer Ben Goold. The production firm will specialise in high-quality factual programming for both UK and international broadcasters, mainly in the science, natural world, history, archaeology, arts, culture and religion genres.

    NGTI president Ian Jones says that it has diversified considerably in the past year. now it represents kids’ programming, has a head of business development for digital media and continue to increase the third-party hours that it represents.

    “Change Productions will operate in the UK independent production sector, focusing on the best opportunities for the team with U.K. and international broadcasters”.

  • Nat Geo partners with Thought Equity for online distribution of content

    Nat Geo partners with Thought Equity for online distribution of content

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Digital Motion, the stock footage service of National Geographic Digital Media, has chosen Thought Equity as the online distribution partner to complement its existing licensing business. Digital Motion is the digital archive and licensing service for all National Geographic film and video. The partnership unites an international motion image collections with the most technically advanced licensing company in the world.

    Thought Equity works in the area of commercial licensing and management of motion imagery,

    National Geographic Digital Motion says that it has made significant investments to enhance its existing online licensing operations and prepare the library for access through a variety of distribution channels.

    National Geographic Digital Motion VP worldwide sales Jocelyn Shearer says, “We wanted an additional online presence, and have found a licensing partner well-versed in every aspect of motion imagery licensing and management to help us reach our goals. Thought Equity has demonstrated its ability to serve the technological and time-sensitive needs of current and future producers and editors.

    “We chose Thought Equity as our exclusive online distribution partner because they offer the best user experience in the industry. They have the scale to put more of our library online faster than any other company and are the clear leader in all areas of technology, including search, real-time content delivery, creative content packaging and marketing in new media”.

    Thoughtequity.com says that it has become a preferred destination for international agencies, studios and corporations that produce messages and programming for traditional and new media such as digital displays, podcasts, social networks, mobile phones and other portable devices.

    Thought Equity CEO Kevin Schaff said, “Every day we develop new technology to make it easier for professionals in the creative and entertainment industries to access the nearly $1 billion in production value that is available for licensing at thoughtequity.com. The addition of the National Geographic Collection to our library supports our commitment to offer not only exceptional motion imagery with high production value, but also the most topically diverse and internationally relevant imagery. Our base of worldwide customers is expanding rapidly, and the addition of the National Geographic Collection allows them to be more efficient by finding more of what they need from one site.”

    With the addition of the National Geographic Collection to thoughtequity.com, entertainment, creative and corporate production companies worldwide will have real-time access to National Geographic’s motion imagery capturing international culture, science and nature. The collection features footage from National Geographic programmes and films.

    These include National Geographic television and film productions, the Explorer series and other exclusive productions for the National Geographic Channel. These productions have won more than 1,000 industry awards, including an Academy Award and 126 Emmy Awards.

  • Nat Geo Intl commissions two hour global special on ‘Bin Laden’s Spy’

    Nat Geo Intl commissions two hour global special on ‘Bin Laden’s Spy’

    MUMBAI: Following the success of the documentary special Inside 9/11, National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and National Geographic Channel have commissioned Towers Productions for a two-hour special Bin Laden’s Spy in America.

    Bin Laden’s Spy in America, details the secret case of an Islamic fundamentalist who joins the US Army while playing a key role in terrorism plots on the road to 9/11. The two-hour documentary will premiere in the US on 28 August and internationally on 10 September 2006.

    NGCI executive VP content Sydney Suissa says, “This is an unknown and astounding story of the deception that allowed 9/11 to happen. It’s far more riveting than any spy novel could ever be”.

    The film tells the story of an ex-Egyptian Special Forces major who infiltrated the US intelligence community while working for terrorist organisations like Egyptian Islamic Jihad and al Qaeda. He successfully enlisted in the US Army despite having been listed as a suspected terrorist on a State Department’s watch list.

    While serving in the US Army, he provided training to several of the terrorists who took part in the 1993 World Trade Center attack. He also compiled an al Qaeda terror manual using information from documents taken during his stay at Fort Bragg; and coordinated bin Laden’s relocation from Afghanistan to the Sudan. He later became an FBI informant at around the same time that he was training terrorists in al Qaeda camps in the Middle East.

    The documentary is in part based on the upcoming investigative book Triple Cross by Peter Lance. Following its premiere, Bin Laden’s Spy in America will be available for international distribution at the television event Mipcom, which takes place in Cannes in October.

  • Nat Geo Junior Hunt searches for India’s superkid

    Nat Geo Junior Hunt searches for India’s superkid

    MUMBAI: This year, infotainment channel National Geographic (NGC), is setting its sights on connecting better with kids through an on ground initiative.

    Nat Geo Junior Hunt is a quest to find India’s superkid who is curious, adventurous, articulate, energetic and smart, in short, an all rounder.

    NGC has partnered with ICICI Pru Smart Kid and Lenovo for this innovative initiative, with more in the pipeline. The channel says that the endeavour aims to extend its children’s block Nat Geo Junior on-ground to provide an intelligent platform for kids to showcase their talent through a fun-filled, learning experience. 

    Elaborating on the initiative NGC senior VP programming Joy Bhattacharjya said, “With Nat Geo Junior Hunt we are looking for the brightest, smartest and the coolest Indian kid who likes his books as much as sports, likes to learn and discover new things, is adventurous, out-going and ready to take on challenges.

    “Nat Geo’s endeavour is to stimulate the intellect of our young audiences to ‘Think again’ and encourage them to learn more about the world they live in, while enjoying the experience.”

    NGC says that its kids block Nat Geo Junior which launched last year is proving to be popular amongst kids and is appreciated by both teachers as well as parents for its fun and educational format. The hunt will span across 10 cities, 380 reputed schools and will target approximately 364800 kids between 10 to 14 years of age.

    NGC VP marketing Rajesh Sheshadri says, “National Geographic Channel is committed towards providing entertainment that makes our viewers think and learn more about the world they live in. In keeping with these values, Nat Geo Junior Hunt is an first of its kind, a school challenge programme that has been developed for a younger set of Nat Geo audiences.

    “With Nat Geo Junior Hunt, the channel is opting for a 360 degree marketing approach which will be promoted on-air and off-air, and through an extensive media campaign.”

    How the Hunt works: The selection process for the contest will begin at the school level, where kids will be shortlisted through an innovative ‘Think again’ test. This test will incorporate questions that will examine kids’ general aptitude and logical reasoning. Post the school selection, ten city finalists will be selected based on a broader spectrum of rounds like games, puzzles, debates and think out of the box ideas.

    These city finalists will be run through a grueling set of tests in the setting of an adventure camp and only four out of these ten city finalists will make it to the national finals. The lucky four will be groomed before they host their own show on Nat Geo Junior. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges.

    The channel will open a fund for the winner for his/her future studies. In addition, the Nat Geo Junior will get a chance to host Nat Geo Junior shows on the channel for three months and will also win a bouquet of prizes from the partners of the hunt.

    This renewed synergy between the channel, viewer and advertiser through Nat Geo Junior Hunt will give the channel the opportunity to engage viewers more strongly and drive longer-term relationships and extended associations with key advertisers.

  • Nat Geo Intl, Singapore EDB invite entries for documentary fund

    Nat Geo Intl, Singapore EDB invite entries for documentary fund

    MUMBAI: Asian stories for a global audience! National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) together with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) invite Asia’s filmmakers to submit programme proposals for the fifth season of the NGCI-EDB Documentary Fund 2006.

    The objective of the NGCI-EDB Documentary Fund is to seek out and groom production talent the region has to offer, as well as facilitate the production of global quality documentaries made in Asia.

    NGCI is primarily looking for one-hour, one-off documentaries but will consider short series of up to three episodes. This documentary fund is open to Asia-based companies and filmmakers and proposal submissions guidelines are available on www.ngcasia.com/asiafilmmaker.

    Previous seasons have received entries from countries like India and Bhutan. It has also inspired Asian films such as Body Snatchers of Thailand. This film won Best Documentary at the Asian Television Awards 2004. In that same year, Kung Fu Dragons of Wudang won World Bronze Medal at the New York Film Festivals. More recently, Hiss of Death was a finalist at the prestigious Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.

    This year, NGCI will commission 11 hours of programming. Filmmakers intending to participate and receive support from the NGCI-EDB Documentary Fund are required to submit programme proposal ideas that challenge, surprise as well as compel viewers to re-think the way we view the modern world. These works have to be dramatic stories with strong central characters and portrayed through innovative storytelling.

    NGCI executive VP, poduction Bryan Smith, said, “We have definitely noticed a flourishing of productions dealing with Asian themes and topics since we embarked on this project four years ago. With greater proficiency in filmmaking, we see more sophisticated storytelling and well-crafted documentaries.

    “We are confident that the NGCI-EDB Documentary Fund, showcased as ShowReal Asia has aided in boosting the region’s filmmaking industry and we certainly hope that its continued success will pave the way for more filmmakers in Asia to showcase their talents on a global platform in the years to come.”

    Economic Development Board director, Infocomms and Media, Quek Swee Kuan says, “Over the past four seasons, we have seen Asia’s best filmmakers produce award-winning documentaries that captured the global audience. EDB is proud to be part of this partnership with NGCI that has helped cultivate and grow the creative talent base in Singapore. This initiative will continue to push the standards of documentary filmmaking here, and bring us closer to our strategic intent of developing Singapore into a media hub.”

    Submissions have to reach NGCI by 4 September. Following the announcement of the shortlisted candidates on 20 September, a producer’s master workshop will be organised from 4 to 6 October. NGCI and EDB will announce the winning commissioned projects on 6 October.

    Selected grantees can showcase their works through National Geographic Channel’s global reach of up to 290 million viewers in 164 countries as well as of a long-term creative opportunity with the Channel.

    As with previous years, this year’s selected talents from ShowReal Asia will be mentored by National Geographic Channel’s producers.

  • Nat Geo US’ kids division promotes Michael Karsh

    Nat Geo US’ kids division promotes Michael Karsh

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Television & Film’s (NGT&F) Kids’ Programming and Production unit has promoted Michael Karsh to manager of current series and development.

    Karsh will serve as the primary executive on several projects in various stages of development and production. He will also be responsible for evaluating new development pitches, and will establish and maintain third-party relationships to facilitate the acquisition and sale of creative content.

    His first management assignments will include the production of the comedy-adventure series Iggy Arbuckle, in association with Blueprint Entertainment. He is also responsible for coordinating the research and library content for the preschool series Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies.