National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220 / Cell C black 262) has commissioned new natural history documentary series looking at whales, America, and following one of National Geographic's own photographers and his efforts to photograph and save rare species.
In America, a new generation of gyro-stabilized gimbals will allow capture of developing shots of animal behavior with never-before-seen levels of dynamism and intimacy; Planet of the Whales will immerse viewers in the world of whales using the next generation of visual technology; and Photo Ark, will follow the National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore in a 2-hour special as he tries to photograph and save the world's rarest species.
"National Geographic has been the gold standard of storytelling about the natural world since its inception 131 years ago, consistently evolving the genre over the years to tell these important stories across our media portfolio to a huge global audience of almost 500 million, in relevant and inventive ways," says Courteney Monroe, president, National Geographic Global Television Networks.
"Audiences are hungry for knowledge about our world - whether it be themes of conservationism or capturing the diverse wildlife in places they've never before been - and we continue to be the most trusted brand to deliver these stories in entertaining, authentic and unique ways across all of our platforms."
Geoff Daniels, the executive vice-president for global unscripted entertainment at National Geographic channels says "We are demonstrating how you can take natural history programming and - with bold, innovative, ambitious storytelling from the most creative minds in the business - inject this genre with renewed vigour".
"The use of ground-breaking cameras and innovative technology has been a game-changer that's driving us to set the bar even higher with breathtaking, narrative, newly visualized animal behaviours and landscapes that will not only entertain but take our viewers to places beyond their wildest imaginations."
The 6-episode America that will be broadcast in 2021 will "journey through the iconic regions that resonate with us most: the frozen north, the Pacific Coast, the Wild West, the grassy heartland and the East Coast" and show "their distinctive character and wildlife deeply rooted in the forces that have shaped them in the past and continue to shape them every single day".
America "will be a startling portrait of contemporary America - one that couldn’t be more timely. America has always been a restless, vibrant continent, but human activity means it is changing faster today than ever. What is the future for America’s wildlife? One thing is certain: the plants and animals that embody America’s pioneering spirit are the ones most likely to thrive. For them, this will continue to be a land of opportunity."
The 4-episode Planet of the Whales from Red Rock Films that will be broadcast in 2021 on National Geographic, will be filmed for more than two and a half years, in 24 locations, to reveal the incredible life of five different whale species.
"The series will feature the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures they build. We will witness whale species relate with their kin, make lifelong connections and grieve deeply for the loss of loved ones," says National Geographic.
"We will be immersed in whale environments and discover the challenges they face in a changing ocean. The work of acclaimed National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry will help tell the story of the species he's been capturing on film for decades."
"Down below the waves, the series will feature a "whale's-eye view", using cutting-edge research technology that sees the world from each marine giant’s perspective."
"These new cameras also function as data tags, which provide important information on the whales’ movements at depths where people cannot follow. It's a personalized angle that very few are lucky enough to witness. By the end of our journey, we'll come to understand how whales are a lot like us.
Meanwhile the National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore's uncanny mix of humour and an earnest, indefatigable commitment to save everything he can through photography is what will be showcased in Photo Ark, that will be broadcast in 2020 as a special, 2-hour event programme.
"In Photo Ark Joel picks up where that project left off, leaving his couch in Lincoln, Nebraska, for parts - and risks - unknown."
"It's not that he isn't intrepid, it's just that his natural habitat gravitates toward The Cheesecake Factory and a good barn sale, though when presented with the prospect of getting a photograph, he will literally sleep anywhere and eat anything."
"And so will we, as we go with Joel after images of some of the most critically endangered and remarkable animals on the planet."
"Each episode will pivot from Joel's quest to the animals themselves, featuring rich natural history sequences that reveal unique adaptations and the context of their plight, whether from habitat loss, the threat from introduced species, climate change or poaching."
