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Tag: NGC

  • 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”.

  • McDonald’s & NGC kick off ‘Roboraptor Contest’

    McDonald’s & NGC kick off ‘Roboraptor Contest’

    MUMBAI: McDonald’s, food service retailer in association with National Geographic Channel flags of its latest in-store promotion for kids, the ‘Roboraptor Contest’.e

    McDonald’s outlets across Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bangalore and Hyderabad will promote the ‘Roboraptor Contest’, where kids can win toys from the animated series Dragonball Z with every happy meal.

    In addition, the ‘Roboraptor’ a remote controlled dinosaur, as the bumper prize is up for grabs.

    McDonald’s, food service retailer in association with National Geographic Channel flags of its latest in-store promotion for kids, the ‘Roboraptor Contest’. Every ‘Happy Meal’ entitles kids to participate in the ‘Roboraptor Contest’. With a coupon from the happy meal box kids can SMS the six-digit code to 7007 and winners will be chosen randomly and announced daily at the McDonald’s outlet.

    The bumper prize, will be announced at the end of the promotion, which will culminate on 7 October 2006.

  • NGC commissions ‘Seconds From Disaster’ for third time

    NGC commissions ‘Seconds From Disaster’ for third time

    MUMBAI: Following the success of the first two series of Seconds From Disaster National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and National Geographic Channel (NGC) have commissioned Darlow Smithson Productions (DSP) to produce a third series of the show.

    Each of the 13 one hour shows have been filmed in high definition and investigates some of the world’s most infamous disasters.

    The show will use CGI and dramatic reconstructions to recreate the fateful moments that led to each catastrophe. Eyewitness testimony from survivors coupled with visuals and scientific analysis heightens the emotional impact of this series, filmed in locations around Europe and the US.

    The show will explore events including the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. That saw over 1500 people perish. The fateful journey of Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, DC in 1982 killing 78 people. It also looks at the 1972 Olympic massacre in Munich resulting in the deaths of 11 athletes and one German police officer at the hands of international terrorists; and the devastation of the recent Asian Tsunami which claimed the lives of more than 230,000 people.

    Darlow Smithson head of factual Tom Brisley says, “The first two series were highly successful for DSP, NGC and NGCI, and we are delighted that it has become such a strong returning brand. Each series has brought to life disasters with gritty realism through the use of cutting edge CGI effects and reconstructions.

    “In the third series particularly, we’ve been able to secure exceptional access to survivors who have been unwilling to talk in the past. In true DSP style, we’ve approached this third series with greater ambition, covering bigger and more complex events than ever before”.

    NGCI executive VP content Sydney Suissa says, “Right from its first broadcast, Seconds from Disaster established itself as one of our signature series. The production values combined with powerful storytelling and impeccable research make the series compelling week in and out. I am delighted that we can offer our viewers a third season”.

    NGC US executive VP John Ford says, “Viewers have enthusiastically embraced this series because it gives them the opportunity to understand disasters from a scientific point of view, leading to new insights into how these tragic events occurred in the first place. To know exactly what happened, and to see it through the magic of CGI, is a stunning new technique.”

  • NGC, Discovery take an in-depth look at terrorism next month

    NGC, Discovery take an in-depth look at terrorism next month

    MUMBAI: It now seems almost impossible to imagine a world without the threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups and their motives have become a cause of tension in many countries. Infotainment channels Discovery and National Geographic will both air shows tackling the theme of terror next month. It is timely as next month marks the fifth anniversary of 9/11.

    There is also a certain amount of similarity in their terror content. Both channels will show episodes that look at the psychology of the London bombers for instance. Both also look at the Moscow siege when Chechen rebels invaded an auditorium in Moscow as well as the Madrid train bombings which showed the world that Islamic fundamentalism had found a new target.

    Let’s start with what Discovery has on its plate. The channel will air the series Terror Strikes from 1-11 September at 9 pm. The show will bring to viewers the devastating effects of terrorism. Viewers will discover the truth behind suicide bombers, murders, sieges and nerve agent attacks. The first episode is called 7/7 Bombers – A Psychological Investigation. It looks at the minds of the London terrorist attackers who planted explosives in the metro rail last year.

    The show reveals the fact terrorists are psychologically very different from serial killers. One can be normal and still do terrible things. The attackers were all second generation immigrants. So they might be confused about their identity. The attackers were also social creatures who were close to each other. So even if one member did not completely agree with the plan he still went along with it.

    Another episode Munich: The Real Assassins uncovers the truth about the Israeli government’s sponsored revenge plan to track down those responsible for the murder of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Moscow Siege is a forensic examination of this siege that was handled in 2002. Chechen rebels took an auditorium holding a play hostage. The siege led to 171 deaths and 922 hostages.

    Fittingly enough the last two episodes look at 9/11.

    This year marks the fifth anniversary of those events.

    One episode is called The Flight that Fought Back. This recreates the fatal flight of United 936 when brave Americans rose and fought their attackers. While the hijackers tried to act as though this was a routine hijacking some passengers came to know about the two planes that rammed into the twin towers. The efforts of the passengers on Flight 93 ensured that the plane simply crashed into the ground and that it did not reach its intended target. Another episode is called Last Hour of Flight 11. This follows the hour that starts at 7:46 am and ends with Flight 11 hitting the twin tower.

    NGC meanwhile kicks off Nat Geo Investigates Terrorism from 11 September to 22 September at 10 pm. So viewers can enjoy and learn from a combined three weeks of terror themed programming on both channels. The ten-part series aims to peel away the layers and reveal the inside story of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the world – the people, the planning, the use of technology to give viewers a closer understanding of the evolving face of a new global power – terrorists.

    Through this series NGC aims to make viewers more aware and inspire the spirit of ‘India – Fight Back’. Speaking about the series NGC India senior VP programming Joy Bhattacharjya said, “Its world war three and each one of us are on the frontline. To defeat them first we must understand them and that’s what our series, ‘Nat Geo Investigates: Terrorism’ focuses on. The series covers various acts of terrorism that shook the world and tells the story from the perspective of people on the inside.

    Through this series we want to make our viewers rethink the motives of these terrorists and understand the machinations of their minds. Our message through this series is that India must fight back by being more alert, aware and responsible.”

    Intertwining real footage, interviews of survivors and a first-hand account from a potential suicide bomber, Nat Geo Investigates: Terrorism provides an in-depth look at global terrorism today. The series features a special four-part mini-series called ‘Inside 9/11’ marking five years of the tragedy and also includes episodes like Bio Terror Alert, Suicide Web, Hostage TV and Al Qaeda Calling which showcase the sophisticated techniques adopted by terrorist organisations. The series also showcases a first ever feature programme on the Kandahar episode, ‘IC 814 Hijack’, which brought what was till then seen as an international phenomenon to our doorsteps – terrorism!

    The first episode is called Bin Laden’s Spy In America. The two hour special will showcase how Mohammad survived more than 14 years as Al Qaeda’s chief mole inside the U.S. How he coordinated the movements of Bin Laden in and out of Afghanistan and how he helped plan the terrorist operation in Somalia.

    Inside 9/11 meanwhile follows the footsteps of terrorists as they formulated their plans, infiltrated the most powerful nation and executed an act of terror that changed the face of the world. Inside 9/11 is the story of individual lives touched by tragedy and of a nation that was forced to move in a few hours from delusions of invulnerability to belated vigilance. This four-part miniseries features Osama Rising (12 September at 10 pm), Countdown to Terror (13 September at 10 pm), Zero Hour (14 September 14 at 10 pm) and End Game (15 September at 10 pm).

    Another episode is called IC 814 Hijack. Through recreations, interviews with hostages, government negotiators and intelligence officials, IC 814 Hijack relives the traumatic and politically explosive set of events that unfolded on ground and in air. Hostage TV meanwhile explores the inside world of hostages – taking in an age of mass media and modern technology and seeks to illuminate the evolving targets, tactics and impact of terrorism. As is the case with a previously mentioned Discovery special NGC’s film investigates the harrowing story of the Moscow theatre siege.

    Suicide Web uses the London attacks as a focal point while looking at the motivations of suicide bombers, the role of religion in their recruitment and how they have become one of the most dangerous terrorist threats facing the world.

    Al Qaeda Calling looks in detail at the Madrid train bombings of March 2004 during which 10 explosive devices were triggered by mobile phones on four trains killing 191 commuters, only four days before the general election.

    This episode will air on Thursday, 21 September at 10 pm.

    To put the terror threat into perspective Discovery held a press conference this morning. Institute of conflict Management founding member and former director Dr. Ajay Sahni spoke about the threat of terrorism. He noted that the series is important as it comes at a time when terrorism and its global networks are taking centrestage but our understanding of it lags behind its evolution.

    He regretted the fact that a lack of clarity and political opportunism has hampered an effective counter terrorism response both in India and abroad. He noted that India does not have a counter terrorism policy. India he says first has to fight terrorism at home and then look for co-operation from abroad.

    He added that today there is a lot of focus on Islamic terrorism as it affects the US which leads global discourse. However, it is important to stay unbiased as a range of ideologies use terrorism. Radical Islam, he noted, is only a part of the context in which terrorism occurs.

  • NGC deduces the science of Hollywood

    NGC deduces the science of Hollywood

    MUMBAI: What is fact and what is fiction? In Hollywood it is often difficult to tell the diference.

    Now the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is set to unveil the realism behind stunts and special effects in Hollywood films with a new show Science of Hollywood. Can what is shown on the silver screen actually happen in real life?

    The show kicks off on 27 November at 9 pm.
    Appropriately enough the first episode looks at car chases. How realistic were the car chases in flicks such as The Bourne Identity, Bullit and The French Connection? Can the vehicles in the films really burn rubber and do hairpin turns?

    In the episode Disasters At Sea the show examines whether the oceanic disasters depicted in the big gorssing film of al time Titanic, The Perfect Storm and The Poseidon Adventure true to life or was there a tidal wave of Hollywood fiction at play?

    Fans of 007 should check out Spy Gadgets. From Bond to Bourne, the world of espionage has fascinated cinemagoers for decades. But how many of the gadgets are actually used in real life?

    CGI and interviews with top scientists and filmmakers combine to separate fact and fiction within Hollywood’s most famous depictions of scientific phenomena and historical fact.Bond’s Aston Martin and Knight Rider’s KITT were high-tech for their time, but Minority Report gave us a very different look at the future of cars. Was the director of that film Steven Spielberg realistic about his vision of the future?

    Next month the channel takes a look inside special events with what it calls Inside Series. This kicks of on 18 December 2006 at 10 pm. Speaking to indiantelevision.com on this NGC VP marketing Rajesh Sheshadri says, “This takes viewers inside special events and the logistics that go into making them possible. The first episode is called Inside – Rolling Stones In Rio.

    ” This is is one of the biggest concerts in history with an iconic band. 1.5 million people attended the free concert. Viewers will see what takes place behind the scenes to transform salt and sand into a high-tech light and sound extravaganza. 200 tons of equipment were used to build a seven story stage, and keep over a million screaming fans safe.”

    The show will also go inside the Fifa Club Championship Toyota Cup. For clubs around the globe the crowning of the Fifa Club World Champions is the ultimate event. Teams from six continents battle for the title in the great soccer cathedrals of Japan. 1,500 media will be accredited and over 45,000 fans will cram into each stadium.

    The show goes behind the scenes to see what it takes to put on such an international spectacle. A spidercam will give soccer viewers at home a new perspective on the game. Viewers will follow the story of a team of referees as they encounter their moment of truth, the announcement of the selected referees for the final match.

    Another episode is called Inside – Hong Kong’s Big Bang. Seven million revelers take to the streets of Hong Kong to join one of the biggest parties in the world.

    How do you throw the party of the century? At the close of each lunar year, the streets of Hong Kong fill with tourists hungry to be entertained by some of the best party-planners in the world. But this is no ordinary year.. Over a half million tourists are expected to join the seven million Hong Kong residents to celebrate the Year of the Dog. Entertainers come from all over the world, 1,000 boats crowd Victoria Harbor and hundreds of highly-trained police officers will oversee the masses to make sure the celebration goes off without a hitch.

    Viewers will find out what goes on in the control rooms, on the floating powder kegs, and beyond the stage doors of Hong Kong’s most anticipated day. As tourists, organisers, and partygoers converge upon Hong Kong, Inside captures the technology and toil of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

  • NGC tremors and twists next month

    NGC tremors and twists next month

    MUMBAI: Next month, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) has a treat for viewers keen on knowing the reason for natural disasters. It will air a series of specials on tremors and twisters.

    The channel kicks things off by examining the Eruption At Pinatubo on 18 September at 10 pm.

    On 15 June 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines blew itself apart. A million people lived in its shadow. Viewers can see what happens when a molten monster breaks free of the underworld.

    From 19-22 September, volcanos and earthquakes take centerstage. With the help of footage of lava spewing from Mount Kilauea in Hawaii one special explains how volcanos work. The special focusses on four eruptions that say different things about the phenomenon of volcanic eruptions.

    Another episode called Megavolcano tells the story of the volcano which may have caused an ice age which wiped out over 60 per cent of the world’s population. It could erupt again.

    From 25-29 September at 10 pm the channel looks at the phenomenon of twisters, tsunamis and tornadoes. One episode is called The Super Twisters. In 1974, in one day, 148 tornadoes ripped through the US. The special looks at the havoc that was created and the communities caught up in nature’s fury. Another episode looks to unravel the Mysteries Of The Tornado. Tim Samaras has spent his life tracking tornadoes. He gives viewers a picture of what happens inside a twister.

  • NGC looks at an ‘Emerging India’ next month

    NGC looks at an ‘Emerging India’ next month

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Channel (NGC) will celebrate India next month with an Emerging India Week.

    This will look at different topics from call centres in Mumbai to Delhi’s firefighters.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com on the localisation plans NGC India VP marketing Rajesh Sheshadri says, “We have a two-fold plan for localisation. One is in terms of look and feel of the channel, packaging as we call it. We are in the process of creating packaging that will connect at a local level.

    “The other is from creating local programmes. We already have India based programming, like Megacities: Mumbai, Sunset Bollywood, Delhi in Flames and we are in the process of increasing this bank of content. We don’t localise for localisation sake. Even the India based programming reflects our overall positioning of Think Again. Therefore, even if a Mumbaikar sees the Megacities episode on Mumbai he will learn 10 things about it that he did not know earlier.”

    The Emerging India Week takes place on the week of 15 August. One key episode that will air here is Bombay Calling at 10 pm on 15 August. This looks at what life is like in a call centre in the country’s financial capital and the call centre in question is Epircentre. It gives viewers an insiders view of how a call centre operates and what it takes to achieve success.

    It looks at the behavioural attitudes of the young employees who make good money early in their career. It will also examine at how their parents view the profession. For instance, a girl who works in the call centre comes from the sugar belt. Her father expresses pride at what she has achieved. That is because in her home town there are not many opportunities for growth. Those opportunities are to be found in the city.

    Another episode is called Delhi In Flames. This looks at Delhi’s firefighters and how they cope with the challenges of working in the country’s capital. Then there is the technology based episode Hole in the Wall. What is interesting is the manner in which it shows how technology cuts through India’s social and cultural barriers.

    A researcher Dr. Sugata Mitra conducted a series of experiments. It involved putting up a high speed computer on the walls of different places like slums. The children, irrespective of where they lived, were able to teach themselves how to surf the internet and how to download content from the web.

    It shows that children because of their curious nature have more scope to be self taught compared to adults. While on the subject of children as had been reported by Indiantelevisuion.com NGC has kicked off a Junior Hunt. This is a quest to find India’s superkid who is curious, adventurous, articulate, energetic and smart, in short, an all rounder.

    Sheshadri points out that NGC has so far contacted 180 schools all of whom have expressed interest. Some of them are letting a brand inside for the first time, which he finds encouraging. The hunt should come to an end by the end of September. 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.

    Asked about how the idea for the Junior Hunt came about Sheshadri says, “Last year, we had launched the Nat Geo Junior block for kids on the channel. Its performance made us think again about what we are doing for kids. We realised that children are a very important set of audience whom we need to cater to and we had to make it a 360-degree experience for them too.

    “Then came an idea of encouraging kids to realise their potential but not based on the traditional parameters of grades in school. We are looking for a kid who likes his/her books as much as sports, likes to learn and discover new things, is adventurous, out-going and ready to take on challenges, in short an all-rounder.

    He points out that when NGC launched its Junior on air, block experts were consulted for their feedback on provide edutainment for the young audience. The aim is to have content through which children learn while having fun. “For the Nat Geo Junior block we try to select programmes that kids can relate to and are also superlative. Therefore, the segment is well appreciated by kids as well as their teachers and parents” adds Sheshadri.

    One local property that has done well for NGC has been Mission. There are plans in the pipeline to do another one but so far nothing has concretised.

    Sheshadri adds that the programing template on NGC going forward is two fold. One will be to have a different genre of infotainment every night. So on Monday, there is Nat Geo Investigates, on Wednesday technology takes the spotlight etc. The other strand is to have theme weeks. As had been reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com NGC will have a Terror Week in September.

    “We have created two hour special stacks from Monday – Friday to show case particular genres of content. This runs between 8-10 pm. Following that at 10 pm, we have Nat Geo Presents which will showcase our theme weeks, global tentpoles, etc. All of these bands have been packaged in a manner that is attractive to the advertiser.”

    In terms of how viewers perception of the channel have changed since the Think Again rebranding is concerned Sheshadri says, “Earlier NGC was associated mainly with wildlife and the adventure of exploration. Now, though we are seen as being a channel that specialises in different subjects like those of technological interest. A lot of this has to do with shows like Megacities.

    “We are seen as airing quality shows that are tech driven. Technology is something that our viewers can relate to more directly compared to wildlife. That is because they might use things that are technically complex though they might not always be aawre of it. In whatever we do, we ensure that uniqueness in terms of presentation, concepts and ideas is maintained and there is a take back value for our viewers from our programming. This approach is starting to pay dividends.”

    On the advertising front, Sheshadri agrees with the industry view that a Tam Elite Panel will increase ad revenue for the English entertainment and infotainment genre. He says, “An elite panel in Tam will help advertisers to identify what their target viewer is watching and will help them to direct their advertising spends at relevant places. English entertainment and the infotainment segment should definitely see a rise in ad revenue. A lot of this would depend on both – the acceptance of this metric among the agencies and clients and the measurement system adopted by this panel.

    “The ad sales strategy has been fine tuned to reflect the content that we have and hence the target group that comes on the channel to consume this content. Our content is evolved and hence the customer that comes to watch us is also evolved and sophisticated. All our specials have rated extremely well with the advertising fraternity even though they are based on varied topics from It Happens Only In India to Megacities to Most Amazing Moments.”

  • NGC launches a global music broadband channel

    NGC launches a global music broadband channel

    MUMBAI: National Geographic in the US has created a music initiative that offers consumers the soundtrack to the world, from traditional roots music to unexpected hybrids from the furthest reaches of the globe.

    National Geographic World Music (worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com) showcases international artists and musical performances in an interactive and immersive online environment.

    In supporting National Geographic’s (NGC) core aim of inspiring people to care about the planet, the site uses the language of music as a medium to tell the stories of the world.

    From Morocco to Indonesia, New Zealand to Sweden, Cuba to the US and Senegal, National Geographic World Music offers fans the chance to discover music by different artists, regions and genres. The site also provides rich context for music through NGC’s assets that include videos, maps, photos and features from its magazines, and other editorial platforms. Searches are enabled via artist, genre, country and region.

    Featured artists include:

    – Tinariwen: These Malian guitar-slingers are former Tuareg rebels who put down their guns, picked up guitars and changed the face of African rock ’n’ roll.

    – Sidestepper: This Anglo-Colombian collaboration is a mash-up of 21st-century salsa, cumbia, vallenato and drum ’n’ bass, direct from the developing world.

    – Seu Jorge: This Brazilian crooner made waves when he gave David Bowie classics a smooth, samba makeover.

    Musician David Beal has been working on the launch of National Geographic World Music for the past year. He says, “People come to National Geographic to read books and magazines, to watch films and television, to shop and to explore nationalgeographic.com, but they’ve never truly had a pure listening experience, until now.

    “By exposing these incredible artists to the National Geographic audience, they’ll hopefully begin to find a larger audience and receive the recognition they deserve.”

    National Geographic World Music is programmed by music experts under the supervision of Tom Pryor, former editor of Global Rhythm magazine. The Web site will feature the best artists, innovative music and emerging trends worldwide, allowing users a comprehensive experience. It will also feature guest DJs and their recommended play lists. With partner Calabash, National Geographic World Music makes thousands of tracks available for discovery as well as for purchase at 99 cents per MP3 download. Other strategic partners include LinkTV for video, and Afropop Worldwide and Global Rhythm for editorial and curatorial content.

    National Geographic digital media VP, content development and operations Betsy Scolnik says, “World music is a natural extension of nationalgeographic.com’s rich multimedia experience that entertains, informs and engages consumers who are as passionate about the world’s cultures and the environment as we are. World music fans around the world will be able to listen and learn in one digital experience.”

  • NGC to launch ‘Nat Geo Reveals’ on 14 May

    NGC to launch ‘Nat Geo Reveals’ on 14 May

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Channel (NGC) will take its viewers inside places they have never been before, to see what is unseen through its new series Nat Geo Reveals.

    The series premiering on 14 May at 8 pm would reveal the “inside information about places and subjects ranging from Bollywood to the Fire Service, the FBI to the US Secret Service, religion to nature’s fury to casinos and a lot more”.

    The twelve part series that premieres on 14 May will continue till 20 May with an all day long marathon repeat telecast on 21 May from 12 noon onwards. The highlights of the series will be two episodes set in India – Sunset Bollywood’ and ‘Delhi in Flames.

    Speaking about the series, National Geographic Channel, India SVP Joy Bhattacharjya said, “At National Geographic Channel, it is our constant endeavour to present programming that challenges our viewers and makes them rethink about the world they live in, and Nat Geo Reveals is trying to do the same. The series premieres with two India based films that are of global interest and I am sure that our audience will love it.”

    Delhi in Flames: When it comes to battling blazes, Delhi – a city of fourteen million people packed into fifteen hundred square kilometres, faces nearly insurmountable odds, but the Delhi Fire Service is undeterred. In Delhi In Flames, we ride along with the Delhi Fire Service, as they attempt to keep the city from lighting up like a tinderbox and reveal what real heroes are made of. This episode will kick off the series on 14 May.

    Sunset Bollywood: “To be a Star in India is like being God, literally” – A struggling actor in Bollywood dreams of his big screen break. It arrives, and he skyrockets to stardom. Becoming number one is easy after all – staying there is the hard part. Overnight success is sought by millions, but what happens when the lights go out? In Mumbai’s glamorous celluloid world, failure is not an option. We follow three actors – Rahul Roy, Kumar Gaurav and Bhagyashree on their journey back, some trying to cope with life after fame and one still craving the narcotic high of celebrity. This episode will be aired on 14 May at 9 pm.

    The Ultimate Vegas Casino: In the high-stakes game of real estate on the Las Vegas Strip, powerful developers place their bets on creating ultimate hotel casinos. Find out what it takes to build the ultimate Vegas casino with Nat Geo. This episode will be aired on 15 May at 8 pm.

    The Ultimate Roller Coaster: Join the designers of the world’s fastest and tallest roller coaster ride as they test their creation and follow through the entire construction process from its slow and steady start to its dramatic and heart-racing finish. A ride with Nat Geo, you’ll never forget. This episode will be aired on 15 May at 9 pm.

    Inside The U.S. Secret Service – Protecting the President: The National Geographic Channel gets you unprecedented access into this first and last line of defence for the U.S. president. Go on duty with agents and officers, and uncover the intricate precautions taken to get the job done. This episode will be aired on 16 May at 8 pm.

    Inside The FBI: Get ready to see what’s inside one of the world’s most secret organisations with Nat Geo. This episode will be aired on 16 May at 9 pm.

    The Airbus A380 – World’s Biggest Airliner: Airbus 380, world’s largest passenger plane is under construction and set to take to the skies in 2006. Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds, this MEGA-plane, can seat 555 passengers over two main decks. Will the A380 be the future of aviation or will it be the biggest boondoggle in aviation history – Nat Geo Reveals. This episode will be aired on 17 May at 8 pm.

    Inside The Britannic: Unlock the mysteries of Britannic – the ship with the tragic distinction of being the largest vessel ever to sink, as well as sister ship to the Titanic. Hidden in the wreckage lies the explanation as to why the White Star Luxury Liner sank. Did a German U-boat target it or there were other reasons? This episode will be aired on Wednesday, 17 May at 9 pm.

    Inside Hurricane Katrina – Katrina: Unnatural Disaster: The show is a minute-by-minute chronology of the events leading up to, including, and following Hurricane Katrina. For years, it was widely predicted that a catastrophic storm could devastate the Gulf Coast, including the vulnerable city of New Orleans. And yet, when the storm came, the world watched as chaos broke out, hundreds died, and government failed at all levels. What happened? Nat Geo Reveals. This episode will be aired on 18 May at 8 pm as a two hour special.

    Gospel Of Judas: One of the biggest revelations in the history of religion that Nat Geo revealed is part of this series on popular demand. Did Judas betray Jesus or was asked by him to do that? This episode will be aired on 19 May at 8 pm (two hour special).

    Inside Mecca’: National Geographic Channel takes an inside look at the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the rituals that bring together the followers of the world’s fastest growing religion. A Muslim film crew gained privileged access to sites in and around Mecca and brought back amazing footage of the rituals of the hajj, as well as the personal stories of three pilgrims undertaking the spiritual journey of a lifetime. On 20 May at 8 pm.

    Inside NFL Films – The Idol Makers: NFL Films shoots more than 500 miles of film every season culminating in the annual Super Bowl, that unrivalled cultural phenomenon watched by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. During the 1997 Super Bowl, when the Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots, a team of intrepid filmmakers shadowed the NFL Films cameramen for the first time history. From the sidelines to the rafters, midfield to the locker room, National Geographic Channel records the nonstop activity of a highly conditioned veteran team and their director, Steve Sabol, as they turn a game of violent action into a drama of epic proportions. On 20 May at 9 pm.

  • NGC unveils ‘Planet Football’ this month

    NGC unveils ‘Planet Football’ this month

    MUMBAI: With the Fifa World Cup scheduled to kick off in Germany in a little over month’s time, certain channels are doing specials around the game. One of those is the National Geographic Channel (NGC).

    The initiative called Planet Football kicks off on 21 May. The different shows look at various themes from history, to cultural significance to beauty.

    Kicking off proceedings is History of Football on 21 May at 9 pm. The special documents the cultural history of the world’s most popular sport and seeks to understand its lure, its power and its passion. By tracing football’s history from the year 2000 BC to the present day, it examines the evolution of a sport that is now an international phenomenon.

    The special explores the attraction of the ball in the country with the most important fan culture; examining football as a substitute for war in England and as a work of art in Italy, as a religion for the South-American fans and as a well-oiled marketing machine in modern times. State-of-the-art re-enactments from the European Middle Ages, Ancient China and the Aztecs, as well as historic matches in Italy and England take viewers on a voyage of discovery into the cultural history of football.

    Up next is World Cup Stadiums on 22 May at the same time. FC Barcelona Confidential airs on 23 May at 9 pm. In June 2003 a group of professionals and dotcom millionaires, led by lawyer Joan Laporta, took over FC Barcelona – one of the biggest football clubs in the world. Their starting point couldn’t have been worse.

    The club was technically bankrupt, the team had been humiliated on the pitch, and for four seasons they’d won nothing. They were living in the shadow of the glamorous all star success of their eternal rival, Real Madrid. Youth, ambition, Catalan nationalism, dotcom expertise, commercial aggressiveness, a break with the old mafia-style ethos of football management, a commitment to Barça’s 100,000 membership to open up the club, and, last but not least, a passion for football combined into an almost messianic mission.

    With access to the inner workings of the club, this film observes Laporta’s team in their first year in power. Usually only seen through a glare of media coverage, we get to see the real issues as they unfold behind close doors. This is a tale about not only football but also power, ambition and identity.

    In the Heart of Amazonia: Peladao airs on 24 May. The Peladão is a unique soccer tournament that takes place in the middle of the Amazon rain forest in Brazil. It involves thousands of footballers and hundreds of beauty queens. The sprawling city of Manaus is the backdrop to a competition to find the best amateur team in an area the size of Western Europe. Yet this is just the half of it. Every club – and there are hundreds who enter – must also submit a candidate in a parallel beauty pageant whose winner is declared Peladão Queen.

    In Brazil, beauty involves competition and football involves artistry. With all its wondrous absurdities, its beauty queens and footballers, the Peladao offers a look at Brazilian soccer.

    Then NGC will kick off a 12 part series World Cup Cities. This presents the host cities of the 2006 Fifa World Cup. They include Munich, Nuremberg, Berlin and Hamburg. Each episode will give viewers a glimpse of the cities’ traditions, their histories and the stadium where the matches will be held.

    The series includes interviews with the key figures from the cities, the organisers of the World Cup event, and some of the most admired and well known football stars of all times, including players from the famous Bundesliga. The episodes will feature personalities like Germans Kevin Kuranyi and Cristoph Metzelder, Brazilian Marcelinho Carioca and Vinicius Bergatin.

    On 9 June 2006 Munich will host the opening ceremony of the 2006 Fifa World Cup and six matches to follow. Munich is the largest city in Germany and is famous for its beer. Home to the most successful team in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich, this beautiful and easy-going city is now the capital of German football. World Cup magic will begin on the luxurious stage of the new Alliance Arena.

    The outside façade of this stadium is made up of almost 3,000 panels that light up in blue and red creating a spectacular display of team pride. Bixente Lizzerazu and Jose Paolo Guerrero give their insights on the spectacular city, the new stadium and their expectations about the upcoming World Cup games.

    Another episode focusses on Stuttgart which is famous for its wine, cars, parties and football. Located in the hills of southwest Germany, its landscape is covered in beautiful vineyards, which is one of the country’s greatest wine-producing regions.

    The cultural center, Mercedes Benz and Porsche museums, the Old Palace, Opera House, and the Television Tower are some of the main attractions in Stuttgart, but one of the most popular is the massive Gottlieb Daimler stadium. Home to the popular team VFB Stuttgart, the Gottlieb Daimler is one of the most fascinating structures in the city. It seats 56,000 spectators and features two of the largest video screens in Europe so the fans never miss a beat.

    In addition to the six World Cup matches to be held in Stuttgart in June and July, a youth World Cup festival will take place during the last week of matches for all young people to enjoy. Andreas Hinkel and other team members give their insights on the uniqueness that surrounds this city.