The discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton's lost ship Endurance with South Africa's help will be a National Geographic TV documentary special later in 2022.

Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust 

by Thinus Ferreira

The deep-sea discovery with South Africa's help of the long-lost ship Endurance announced last week will be an upcoming TV documentary special on National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220) and will chronicle the quest - with the assistance of the polar research vessel SA Agulhas II - to find the historic wreck.

National Geographic's Endurance documentary with Natalie Hewit as director which will be broadcast towards September this year, is produced by History Hit, the All3Media company Little Dot Studios, and Consequential.

The TV special is described as "an epic documentary event detailing the successful search and discovery of one of the great lost shipwrecks of history - Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance".

Courteney Monroe, National Geographic content president, says "Through bold exploration and storytelling, National Geographic has taken generations of loyal fans from the deepest depths of the ocean to the peak of Mount Everest, enabling them to see and engage with the world in entirely new ways".

"The search for Sir Ernest Shackleton's lost ship, Endurance, could not be a more perfect story to continue this proud legacy and join the storied Explorer franchise, which for almost four decades has been investigating and reporting on some of the world's greatest mysteries."

"It is our hope - along with our incredible partners on this project - that the blockbuster story behind Shackleton's Endurance, featuring exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the high-stakes adventure, will inspire the next generation of explorers and adventurers."

Organised by the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, the expedition to locate the shipwreck, which has for over a century remained inaccessible and undiscovered, set off from Cape Town on 5 February on a voyage to the Weddell Sea, off the coast of Antarctica where the Endurance sank in 1915.

The expedition was led by polar geographer Dr John Shears with marine archaeologist Mensun Bound as director of exploration. 

With them, on board the South African icebreaker SA Agulhas II, was a crew of scientists and archaeologists alongside a team of highly experienced extreme environment filmmakers, led by Dan Snow for History Hit, who have documented the events in real-time leading up to the historic discovery.

Debra OConnell, president of networks, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, says "We salute the team at the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, Dr John Shears, Mensun Bound, and the crew of scientists and archaeologists aboard the South African icebreaker Agulhas II for this incredible discovery and for opening a new chapter in one of the most fabled stories in exploration history".

"We are excited about the ways in which we will illuminate and celebrate the achievement of this remarkable team."

From Cape Town to the Weddell Sea

This icy adventure has been the most ambitious broadcasting project ever undertaken from the ice of the Weddell Sea, says National Geographic.

History Hit, Little Dot Studios and Consequential have produced a range of content covering the setting up of the expedition, the voyage and search, and now the discovery itself, as well as the history, science, and other themes that connect to the wider mission. 

National Geographic has the exclusive long-form documentary chronicling this incredible expedition and their triumph set to air later this year.

It took 10 days for the crew to reach the search area after navigating tricky terrain and icy waters. 

After overcoming technical challenges and conducting multiple survey sweeps, the wreck was found 100 years after Shackleton's death, at a depth of 3008 meters in the Weddell Sea. 

The wreck was found within the search area defined by the expedition team before its departure from Cape Town and approximately 6.4 km south of the position originally recorded by Captain Worsley, using submersibles called Saab Sabretooths, equipped with 4k cameras and lighting arrays.

The wreck appears to be well preserved due to the lack of wood-eating microbes in the Weddell Sea.

The team is still on location, studying the wreck and documenting their findings. They are set to begin their return voyage back to Cape Town later in March. 

The wreck will remain untouched and without any artifacts removed, where it has lain for more than a century - but the results of the discovery will provide significant insights into Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic expedition and offer an incredible opportunity to bring the stories of Shackleton to new generations.

"This has been the most exciting and challenging experience of my career so far," says Dan Snow, co-founder and creative director of History Hit.

"The team has found not only the world's most famous shipwreck but also its most inaccessible."

"After going through storms, blizzards and thick sea ice, we have got some astonishing images of Endurance and a laser scan accurate to within centimetres. People thought the story of Endurance was over when it sank in November 1915, but it wasn't. This is the start of a new chapter."

Endurance: What happened a century ago

Endurance left South Georgia for Antarctica on 5 December 1914, carrying Shackleton and 27 other men with the goal of reaching the South Pole and ultimately crossing the continent via an overland trek.

However, when nearing Antarctica, the ship became trapped in pack ice, and the crew was forced to spend the winter in the frozen landscape. 

After being stuck in the ice for some 10 months, Endurance finally succumbed to the pressure of the pack ice and sank. 

Following the ship's sinking, the crew was forced to make their way by sea to uninhabited Elephant Island before Shackleton and five men set off in a lifeboat on an epic journey to seek help from a whaling station in South Georgia, more than 1 288 km away. 

After several attempts, Shackleton eventually made it back to Elephant Island to rescue his crew and, miraculously, all of the men under his command in the Weddell Sea survived two years in the wilds of Antarctica, making it one of history's great stories of human survival. 

Shackleton himself died of a heart attack on 5 January 1922, aged 47.

The National Geographic Society has a long history with Ernest Shackleton, who in 1910 received the Society's Hubbard Medal - its highest honour - for his Antarctic exploration.

From 29 August National Geographic will show the 6-episode docu-series 9/11: One Day in America to mark 20th anniversary; various 9/11-themed specials in September.

by Thinus Ferreira

National Geographic will show the new documentary series 9/11: One Day in America across 6 episodes from 29 August to mark the 20th anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on America, with several other 9/11-themed documentary specials that will be broadcast on the channel during September.

9/11: One Day in America, done in collaboration with America's 9/11 Memorial & Museum, will start on National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220) from 29 August to 1 September at 21:00, with episodes shown over 4 consecutive nights. The episodes in 9/11: One Day In America will be repeated at 21:00 every Sunday in September.

From 5 to 26 September National Geographic will broadcast various 9/11-themed specials including Inside 9/11: The War Continues, Bin Laden’s Hard Drive, the 4th season episode of Seconds From Disaster entitled "9/11", 9/11: Control The Skies, 9/11: The Plane That Hit The Pentagon and the 15th season episode of Air Crash Investigation entitled "9/11: The Pentagon Attack".

Developed and executive produced by executive producers Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin, 9/11: One Day in America spans 7 hours, with the first episode of the series reaching feature documentary length.

On 30 and 31 August, 2 episodes will be shown each night, with the remaining episode airing on 1 September.

To create this docuseries, the filmmaking team sifted through 951 hours of archival footage – some never seen before – to make an immersive and emotionally charged seven-hour account of that fateful day 20 years ago. 

It offers a comprehensive and intimate look at how the tragic events of that day impacted so many lives - capturing the heroic acts of selflessness and bravery of strangers saving one another at all costs and revealing the triumph of the human spirit when tested beyond belief.

Over the course of three years, filmmakers interviewed 54 people for a total of 235 hours to tell the comprehensive, chronological story of September 11 – all in the first person.

9/11: One Day in America immerse viewers in the archive and testimony of those who experienced these events 20 years ago.

From the moment when the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and New York Police Department (NYPD) were first called onto the scene of the World Trade Center that September morning to the devastating moments of collision and the chaos that ensued, National Geographic follows the timeline of the day through archival footage and photographs captured by journalists and bystanders.

The archive includes never-before-seen moments, such as footage taken of the towers from apartments and streets nearby just after the planes hit, the triage area right in front of the towers at the very early stages following impact, and intimate rescue missions during that terrifying day.

"We all remember exactly where we were on September 11, 2001. Amidst the tragedy, chaos and sadness, what we also remember are the incredible feats of heroism, selflessness and humanity on display that day," says Courteney Monroe, president, National Geographic Content, in a statement.

"With this series, we aim to immortalise these stories and continue National Geographic's legacy of authentic, powerful storytelling that provides deeper meaning around important historical events."

Each episode of the series sheds light on the heroism prompted by the events of 9/11, as individuals who risked their lives to save those around them recount their experiences in first person. 

From first responders to employees in the World Trade Center and good Samaritans watching the events unfold, they share their experiences – some for the first time.

Testimony includes that of the first FDNY chief to arrive at the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, a firefighter who escapes the North Tower just before it collapsed, paramedics first to the scene who recall their devastating encounters of searching for life in the rubble, and bystanders who share their rescue stories after being trapped inside the towers under mountains of concrete.

In addition, we will capture parallel stories - those of individuals inside the buildings who were on the brink of death, alongside the perspectives of their rescuers for whom saving a stranger's life was all that mattered.

In the statement, Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin say "Our hope with this series was to bring to the forefront the true human experience of 9/11 in a way that would honour both the victims and the survivors of the attacks that day – a series that forgoes the geopolitical implications and instead focuses on the experience of the people that were there".

David Glover, executive producer and co-founder of 72 Films, says "With such deep access to footage and first-hand stories from those who bravely sat down with us to share their experiences, the series offers hope that through immense difficulty, we can rise above when we work together".

National Geographic unveils Genius: Aretha trailer at the Winter TCA 2021, announces a set of upcoming and newly-commissioned natural history series and films.

by Thinus Ferreira

National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220) has released a first trailer for its Genius: Aretha biographical anthology series about the life of singer-songwriter Aretha Franklinand also made a set of announcements about upcoming and newly commissioned TV programming for the yellow frame brand.

"In the wake of this extraordinary and unprecedented year, we remain focused at National Geographic on telling stories that remind us that beauty and wonder still exist in our world," said Courteney Monroe, National Geographic president of content.

"From IMPACT with Gal Gardot to Secrets of the Whales, National Geographic transports audiences around the globe, inspiring a new generation of explorers and adventurers."

During its scheduled session on Tuesday at America's Television Critics Association (TCA) Winter Tour 2021 in Pasadena done as a virtual presentation, National Geographic unveiled the first look at Genius: Aretha that will be shown this year, with Cynthia Erivo in the starring role.

Due to Covid-19, production on Genius: Aretha done by 20th Television and Imagine Entertainment as the third season of the anthology series that was supposed to air in May 2020, was shut down and delayed several times.

The 8-episode series has now been completed and will chronicle Aretha Franklin’s journey from an aspiring performer to the Queen of Soul, with Cynthia Erivo that performs several songs from Aretha's discography during the course of the series.

A film about Fauci

National Geographic Documentary Films is also preparing Fauci, a profile film from the Emmy-winning directors John Hoffman and Janet Tobias giving a peek into the life of America's Dr Anthony Fauci, the famed infectious disease specialist. A broadcast date is still to be announced.

Fauci will be a portrait into his long-standing professional career and personal life as the United States and the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic.

"There is only one Dr Fauci, and it is an incredible privilege to bring his inspiring, lifelong quest to cure disease and prevent outbreaks, to viewers around the world," said John Hoffman and Janet Tobias in a statement.

"This film will be an unprecedented, intimate portrait of America's greatest public servant, whose relentless pursuit of truth and devotion to science has never been more important."

Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president for scripted and documentary films for National Geographic, says "Dr Fauci has become a household name because of Covid-19, but what people may not realise is the heroic and integral role he has played in shaping America's national response to serious health crises for more than 50 years".

Two new Explorer adventures

National Geographic Explorer is also embarking on two new groundbreaking scientific expeditions that will culminate in two single-topic episodes broadcast in 2022 - one above the earth and one below.

The National Geographic Explorer Mark Synnott is leading an elite climbing team on an expedition to take the 79-year old biologist Bruce Means to the top of a Guyanese tepui, a mystical "island in the clouds", in search of undiscovered species completely new to science in Explorer: The Last Tepui.

Directed by National Geographic photographer and climber Renan Ozturk and documentary filmmaker Taylor Rees, Mark Synnott will lead a trek from a remote indigenous village, hacking a trail through uncharted jungle beneath towering waterfalls spilling down from the clouds. 

Once they reach the sheer wall of rock, Bruce Means will have to put his life in the hands of the climbing team. If successful, he will finally complete his lifelong quest to prove the tepuis are an undiscovered “Galapagos” of unique species that must be protected.

In Explorer: The Deepest Cave, Dr Bill Stone, the most experienced caver in the world, will lead an expedition to the bottom of the Cheve Cave far underneath Mexico's Sierra Juarez mountains.

The expedition has been compared to climbing Everest but in reverse. The three-month underground journey is a dangerous and highly technical adventure requiring a team of more than 40 elite cavers as they try to break the world record of reaching the deepest depths inside the Earth than any human has ever gone before.

Cave rescues and into unknown nature

National Geographic also ordered 4 unscripted projects from E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin responsible for the Free Solo film, that includes two documentary films, a 10-episode series and a one-hour pilot.

One one these documentary films will be about 2018's dramatic rescue of a Thai soccer team who got stuck inside a flooded cave in northern Thailand with a working title of Thai Cave Rescue. 

The film will have exclusive access and never-before-seen footage from the rescue and tells the story of the cave divers who challenged the limits of human potential and became the unlikely heroes of an edge-of-your-seat mission with life-or-death stakes.

"National Geographic shares our deep commitment to bringing honest and inspiring stories to audiences around the world,” said directors Vasarhelyi and Chin. 

"We are thrilled to be working with them again on these powerful new projects that not only push the boundaries of filmmaking but also shine a light on the incredible resilience and determination of humankind."

Tompkins, another documentary film, Tompkins, is a profile of the life of Kristine Tompkins, the conservationist and former CEO of Patagonia, Inc. The film will be a portrait of the national parks throughout Chile and Argentina that she helped to create.

Into the Unknown is a 10-episode series that takes viewers inside the minds of elite adventure athletes as they recount transformative stories of confronting fear, devastating personal loss and Mother Nature at her harshest.

Episodes will include interviews and self-shot archival footage from surfers, climbers, snowboarders, wingsuit jumpers, polar explorers and kayakers, as viewers learn how they prepare mentally, physically and emotionally for their high-stakes endeavours. 

Viewers get a front-row seat to these risk-takers’ adventures, uncovering how they adapt and evolve, even after something goes catastrophically wrong.

Photographer is a 1-hour pilot with the series that will try to follow various National Geographic photographers. The pilot episode will tellthe story of the world-renowned conservation and ocean photographers Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier.

Running with a Bear

In a new season of Running Wild with Bear Grylls he will travel from the deserts of Utah to the Dolomites of Italy and the Sierra Nevada mountains in California with guests ranging from Anthony Mackie, Bobby Bones, Terry Crews, Gina Carano, Keegan-Michael Key, Danica Patrick and Danny Trejo to Rainn Wilson.

Middle Earth

Race to the Center of the Earth is a new 7-episode series created by award-winning producers Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri, that will pit four teams of three against one another in a nonstop sprint across the globe for a $1 million prize.

They will all start from different corners of the earth - South America, Russia, Canada and Southeast Asia - as they race to a buoy holding the grand prize while facing untamed jungles, frozen arctic, arid deserts, bustling cities, treacherous mountains and vast oceans to reach the location where all four routes intersect.

Gal's gals

IMPACT with Gal Gadot is an extremely compelling new 6-episode short-form documentary series executive produced by Gal Gadot and award-winning filmmaker Vaneeesa Roth that follows the powerful stories of resilient young women around the globe who overcome obstacles and do extraordinary things. 

Whale and polar bears

After three years and filming in 24 locations around the world, James Cameron's 4-episode event-series Secrets of the Whales has been completed.

Secrets of the Whales (they mourn! they do singing competitions!) is an epic, emotional and immersive look inside the secretive world of whales, showing whale culture and the intricate social structures of five different whale species: orcas, humpbacks, belugas, narwhals and sperm whales.

The National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry will help to unveil how whales make lifelong friendships, teach clan heritage and traditions to their young, and grieve deeply for the loss of loved ones. 

The magazine's May issue will tie-in with this series, and National Geographic will also release a book, Secret of the Whales that will go on sale from April with Brian Skerry's photography during the making of the series.

Kingdom of the Polar Bears is new to Nat Geo WILD and will track Dennis Compayre, a veteran polar bear guide, as he makes an epic first-time journey following his beloved bears through the brutal Canadian winter and onto the frozen waters of Hudson Bay. 

In this high-stakes, high-reward venture, the team documents the secret world of polar bears and the mysterious and disappearing kingdom of ice that sustains them. 

The team, armed with traditional ecological knowledge and the latest 4K camera technology, witnesses never-before-seen seal-hunting strategies and documents rapid adaptations to climate change, including whale predation and open-water hunting.

Finally there is Breaking Bobby Bones, a new half-hour episodes series in which Bobby Bones travel to far-flung destinations across the United States to find people with unique jobs, skills, hobbies and abilities. 

They challenge him to conquer or at least attempt the tricks of their trades while exploring the triumphs and tragedies that make them heroes.

Disney reveals the new executive leadership structure of its general entertainment division that will now focus on TV content creation with digital streaming and Disney+ as its main priority.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Walt Disney Company is further reorganising its entire TV and video streaming content divisions as it pivots to place its main focus, money, attention and resources behind its subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service Disney+, that might have interesting consequences and impacts for South Africa and the sub-Saharan Africa region in future.

While Disney's internationally distributed linear TV channels remain important to the Mouse House - for instance those seen in South Africa and across the rest of Africa on the services of pay-TV operators like MultiChoice's DStv and China's StarTimes - Disney+ and Disney's video streaming ambitions are now clearly taking top priority.

Interestingly, Disney+ and Star - the two brands of its streaming service - are not available in South Africa or anywhere else in Africa for that matter and The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Company Africa have remained silent about a possible launch and roll-out date as Disney+ expands everywhere else in the world.

Last month Disney announced a dramatic restructuring with its main focus now being direct-to-consumer digital streaming, as it created a single, global media and distribution unit.

Now Peter Rice, Disney General Entertainment Content (DGE) chairman, in an internal memo is telling staffers that Disney is moving away from its legacy linear TV channels structure.

"For our team, this means we will wholly focus our resources and efforts on developing, producing and marketing exceptional content to fuel the company’s streaming and linear platforms while our colleagues at Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED) will distribute and monetise that content and run the linear networks and streaming platforms," writes Peter Rice.

Peter Rice writes that Disney is pivoting into a new structure that is "a big change to our legacy television structure which was built around linear networks".

"Focusing our structure around content engines and centralized support functions will make us more effective, flexible and prolific as we focus on our core strength: making great television. Over the last several months, in the face of unprecedented change and enormous challenges, your collective efforts and tireless commitment to keeping our television business running have been nothing short of exceptional, and I am incredibly proud to work alongside all of you," Peter Rice writes.

"We will undoubtedly face more questions and challenges as we implement these changes, but I am confident that together we will continue to rise to the occasion with resourcefulness and resilience."

The new executive leadership team under Peter Rice is now Ravi Ahuja (president of DGE business operations), James Goldston (ABC News president), John Landgraf (FX president), Gary Knell (National Geographic Partners chairman), Gary Marsh (Disney Branded Television president and chief creative officer) who previously was Disney Channels president, Courteney Monroe (National Geographic Content President) and Dana Walden (Walt Disney Television chairman).

The Walt Disney Company is also consolidating its marketing, publicity and media planning divisions into one division that is headed up by Shannon Ryan, with Jayanta Jenkins joining Disney as head of content marketing for Disney+ and who will also oversee marketing, publicity and media planning for Disney's linear TV channels including Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD and National Geographic.

ALSO READ: The Walt Disney Company announces dramatic restructuring with main focus on direct-to-consumer digital streaming as it creates single global media and distribution unit.

National Geographic renews Running Wild with Bear Grylls, Brain Games for further seasons; makes Chris Hemsworth a healthy living 'guinea pig' in new longevity series Limitless.

by Thinus Ferreira

National Geographic (DStv 181) has renewed Brain Games and Running Wild with Bear Grylls for further seasons and has commissioned a new health and longevity series with Chris Hemsworth who will be the "human guinea pig" presenter.

"Brain Games and Running Wild with Bear Grylls are emblematic of our unscripted programming strategy - highly entertaining, personality-driven premium programming that lives up to the National Geographic brand," says Courteney Monroe, National Geographic Global Television Networks president in a statement.

"We are thrilled to greenlight the continuation of these franchises."

Keegan-Michael Key will be back as host of Brain Games. Along with world-famous mentalist Lior Suchard and field correspondent and neuroscientist Cara Santa Maria, each episode delivers shocking revelations on the science of our brains and surprising explanations behind why we do what we do, making it a television event for the whole family.

Meanwhile National Geographic has commissioned Limitless with Chris Hemsworth as presenter. The new series, produced by Nutopia and Protozoa Pictures will follow Chris Hemsworth on a mission to discover how to live healthier, smarter and longer lives.

Chris Hemsworth will try to transform himself in Limitless by training for 6 extraordinary challenges, showing how to fight ageing at every stage of life.

In each of the 6 episodes of Limitless Chris Hemsworth will investigate another scientific topic related to longevity ranging from regenerating damage, maximizing strength, building resilience, shocking the body, supercharging memory and confronting mortality.

Chris Hemsworth will meet with leading longevity scientists who believe that the key to staying young lies in rooting out and reversing the damage of time before they take hold, learning secrets from superhumans who demonstrate the mind-blowing extent of human potential.

"I was somehow convinced to volunteer myself as a human guinea pig and endure a series of mental and physical challenges across the globe, all for the sake of science," says Chris Hemsworth. "We’re hoping to shed some light on new ideas and emerging science with the focus on extending a healthy life span."

Courteney Monroe says "We are so fortunate to have Chris Hemsworth at the centre of this series and to tap into his genuine curiosity and real-life superhero powers to push his own personal limits".

Meanwhile a second of Gordon Ramsey: Uncharted will start in mid-2020 on National Geographic. Produced by Studio Ramsay, new episodes will feature Gordon Ramsay continuing his journey across the globe, embarking on exhilarating missions to unearth world cultures through food and adventure.

Gordon Ramsey: Uncharted follows Gordon Ramsay as he meets with indigenous people around the globe to learn about the cultures, dishes and flavours unique to each location.

Every ingredient he harvests and dish he tastes will inspire a new recipe from scratch, created to represent the heart of that culture.

Each episode concludes with Ramsay challenging himself with a local food legend by his side - putting his newfound skills to the test as they cook a feast together for the natives. For Ramsay, food is the gateway to culture, and every adventure is a portal into the soul of the people and place.

National Geographic announces Mission OceanX as a new 6-episode series exploring the Indian Ocean with James Cameron.

National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220 / Cell C black 261) has announced Mission OceanX as a new 6-episode series in which some of the world's greatest ocean storytellers will combine their skills with the most advanced combined exploration and media vessel ever built.

Mission OceanX, as a working title, is a co-production from the BBC Studios' Natural History Unit, with ocean exploration leader OceanX and the National Geographic explorer-at-large James Cameron.

Mission OceanX will be a global 6-episode series that National Geographic will broadcast worldwide, with the first season that will focus on the Indian Ocean.

National Geographic hopes to make Mission OceanX a multi-season series, with other seasons focusing on other oceans of the world.

Building on the capabilities of the iconic research vessel, MV Alucia, OceanX will launch Alucia 2, the most advanced and powerful exploration, scientific research and media production vessel the world has ever seen, in order to film Mission OceanX.

National Geographic says Mission OceanX will "combine high-end, character-driven documentary with blue-chip sequences to capture the drama and thrill of exploration - a high-stakes adventure in ocean discovery".

The series will take viewers aboard the maiden voyage of Alucia 2 to explore the farthest frontiers of the world's oceans, 95 percent of which are entirely unexplored.

Onboard this next-generation ocean exploration vessel will be a handpicked team of pioneering filmmakers and world-leading scientists, all of whom will uncover the ocean's greatest secrets - diving deeper, getting closer and exploring the darkest recesses of the seas, many inaccessible until now.

Alucia 2, a one-time oil survey ship is being retrofitted at Damen Shipyards in Rotterdam and includes a 40-ton man-rated A-frame strong enough to deploy submersibles, towed sonar arrays and more; an enclosed submersible hangar; and a dedicated deployment bay that will allow for independent launch and recovery of piloted and autonomous underwater drones.

Alucia 2 will also feature two submersibles, each of which can dive beyond a depth of 3 000 feet for up to 8 hours, going where no human has been before.

Alucia 2's onboard helicopter can search long-range and deploy remote research teams and filmmakers from the skies. New discoveries will be made onboard using state-of-the-art dry and wet marine laboratories, and the ship's media studio will bring these discoveries to screens, potentially delivering groundbreaking scientific news in real-time.

National Geographic says that Mission OceanX will tell the stories of young explorers, scientists and filmmakers as they embark on their mission, dealing with challenges that arise from seeking to solve some of the ocean's greatest outstanding mysteries: What happens when a great white shark slices through the sardine run being documented? How can humans decipher the language a mother whale speaks to her calf?

"We are tremendously proud to be partnering with BBC Studios' Natural History Unit, OceanX, Dalio Philanthropies and the Avatar Alliance Foundation on this premium, landmark series that will live across National Geographic," says Courteney Monroe, president of National Geographic Global Television Networks.

"Along with our partners, we hope that Mission OceanX will not only entertain but also spark curiosity, help solve big problems and push the boundaries of what we already know about our oceans."

James Cameron says "In Mission OceanX we'll take viewers on an unparalleled ocean journey on the Alucia 2, introducing them to a group of principled, passionate people on a sometimes dangerous mission of ocean-discovery in real-time".

"We'll present the stakes and tell a visually spectacular and dramatic story - a story that inspires the next generation of explorers and adventurers committed to protecting and preserving our oceans."

Julian Hector, BBC Studios' Natural History unit head, says "Discovering and telling the stories of inhabitants hidden beneath the waves and sometimes in mind-boggling depths of water raises huge filming challenges".

"Not only does this truly one-of-a-kind groundbreaking ocean exploration take us to the boundary of what is possible to film, we will define new boundaries."

"With OceanX Media, we've already had a tremendous history in capturing the most visually spectacular views of our oceans, and by working with impeccable storytellers like James Cameron and National Geographic, we hope to tell the stories of the people behind the remarkable scientific discoveries and capture their trials and tribulations in the moment."

Mission OceanX will be co-produced by BBC Studios' Natural History Unit and OceanX Media for National Geographic.

South Africa's Bonang Matheba joins National Geographic's new ad-funded, global series Activate, highlighting global efforts to change the lives of people living in extreme poverty.

South Africa's Bonang Matheba has joined National Geographic's (DStv 181 / StarSat 220 / Cell C black 261) new ad-funded, global documentary series, Activate, that will highlight global efforts to change the lives of people living in extreme poverty.

Activate, sponsored by Proctor & Gamble, is a 6-episode documentary series, co-produced by RadicalMedia that will broadcast later in 2019 on National Geographic worldwide in 172 countries and will take viewers behind-the-scenes of major advocacy campaigns across the world trying to drive change for the world's poorest people.

Film crews are already out in the field - in South Africa, the Philippines, Nigeria and Peru - to film content for Activate that will feature Bonang Matheba, Usher and Pharrell Williams, Gayle King, Hugh Jackman and others. 

Each episode of Activate will delve into a different issue connected to the root causes of extreme poverty, with episode topics that will focus on clean drinking water and sanitation, racial bias and criminalisation of poverty, girls' education, responsible sourcing, plastic waste and disaster relief.

Together with the documentary series, the National Geographic magazine's September 2019 issue will include a 12-page sponsored print section for Activate.

"At National Geographic, we want to tell stories that matter and we're excited to work with partners like P&G and Global Citizen that share our values and want to tell those stories with us," says Courteney Monroe, president, National Geographic Global Television Networks.

"Through this multiplatform partnership, we will leverage our collective influence, audience and scale to raise awareness and drive action on some of the world's toughest challenges. Each episode of Activate will serve as a rallying cry, focusing on real solutions and avenues for their implementation - a strategic attempt we hope will move audiences around the globe from 'intent' to 'action."

Jon Doran, managing director and executive producer at RadicalMedia, says "We are proud to be partners in telling the story behind the passionate work being done to better the lives of others and hope to inspire a new crop of citizens who want to join the fight".

National Geographic commissions natural history series for 2020 and 2021 looking at America, whales and following Nat Geo photographer Joel Sartore.

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."

National Geographic renews Genius for a 3rd season featuring Frankenstein author Mary Shelley.

National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220 / Cell C black 261) has renewed its Genius documentary drama series for a third season featuring its first female subject in the form of Frankenstein author, Mary Shelley.

After two seasons of featuring men - Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso - National Geographic started getting flack over its lack of female presentation and decided on a woman with a story of struggling against gender inequality.

No casting has yet been done for the third Genius season that will be broadcast on National Geographic in 2019.

"Mary Shelley's Frankenstein left an indelible mark on generations of imaginations," says Carolyn Bernstein, the executive vice president, global development and production for National Geographic Global Networks in a statement.

"Equally inspiring is the story of Shelley's relentless innovation, coupled with her desire to live on her own unconventional terms despite immense societal and cultural obstacles. I can't wait for our talented team to bring her remarkable, relevant and timely story to life for season three of Genius and do justice to her literary legacy."

Frankenstein was first published in 1818 and tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature with a monstrous appearance.

Mary Shelley masterfully invented the science fiction/horror genre with her tale of a creature brought to life, and subsequently went on to create the post-apocalyptic science fiction genre with her later novel, The Last Man.

"Mary Shelley has inspired countless filmmakers with her tale of the wretch brought to life by science gone wrong, but very few have fully captured her insightful reflections on society in the myth she left behind," says Ron Howard, Genius executive producer.

"Few know of her struggles due to gender inequities, her additional writings, her influence on other historically significant individuals and society at large. Showcasing someone like Mary Shelley and her amazing intellect, compassion and fortitude is exactly what this series is for, and we are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership with National Geographic and Fox 21 Television Studios."

Bert Salke, president of Fox 21 says "The choice of Mary Shelley as the subject of our third season speaks to the incredible depth of the franchise. How fitting at this moment in time to pivot to one of the many female geniuses in human history, and Mary's story is both stranger than fiction and incredibly dramatic. We can't wait to get started."

National Geographic orders Ebola crisis drama series as well as a Syria refugee war drama; puts 2 more possible shows in development.

National Geographic ((DStv 181 / StarSat 220 / Cell C black 261) has commissioned a scripted drama series, The Hot Zone, revolving around the Ebola crisis, as well as a Syria war drama entitled Ten Borders, with several other possible scripted series ordered to development.

Ordered to development is a scripted drama TV version of the film and book Hidden Figures, as well as a secret service drama entitled The White House Detail.

The Hot Zone is based on the best-seller by Richard Preston and is the true story of how the Ebola virus started in a central African rain forest and found its way to the United States. A precise episode order has not yet been decided on.

The White House Detail will try to give a look at the personal and professional lives of United States Secret Service agents protecting America's White House family, starting with the 1960 election of John F. Kennedy.

It's based on the first-hand account of the service's most iconic agent, Hill, who served under five presidents and is best known for leaping onto the back of JFK's limo during the assassination in Dallas and is based on the book Five Presidents.

Ten Borders from Paramount Television is a 6-episode series that revolves around 5 unrelated people who are pulled into one another's lives through the mass exodus of people from war-torn Syria to safe refuge in Sweden.

"The incredible audience response to our scripted programming, including award nominations for Genius and the overwhelming critical praise-and Critics Choice Award nomination for The Long Road Home, have emboldened our scripted strategy," says Courteney Monroe, CEO of National Geographic Global Networks in a statement.

"We've proven we can make noise in a crowded marketplace by utilizing the premium power of the National Geographic brand and working with the right talent."

National Geographic reveals that the second season of Genius will move on from Albert Einstein to Pablo Picasso.

National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220) has announced that the second season of its fictional, factual drama series Genius will move on from Albert Einstein and again cover a white male genius, the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso.

Casting on the second season of Genius has not yet started, with the second season that will again flip between time periods as did the first, of the life of the artist who died aged 91 in 1973 after created over 50 000 works.

Pablo Picasso's passionate nature and relentless creative drive were inextricably linked to his personal life, which included tumultuous marriages, numerous affairs and constantly shifting political and personal alliances.

The artistic genius lived most of his life in the vibrant Paris of the first half of the 20th century and crossed paths with writers and artists including Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Gertrude Stein, Georges Braque, and Jean Cocteau.

Genius from Imagine Entertainment and Fox 21 Television Studios will again be executive produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, with production that will start later this year and the second season that will be broadcast in 2018 on 171 feeds of National Geographic globally.

"We are excited to be delving back in to the concept with season two," says Courteney Monroe, CEO of National Geographic Global Networks in a statement about Genius' second season.

"More so than any of his contemporaries, Picasso's work dramatically expressed the modern age and defined new cultural norms. We are excited to explore his life and his genius with the incredibly talented team behind the series."

"The remarkable story of artistic visionary Pablo Picasso is the perfect subject for season two of Genius," says Ron Howard, executive producer.

"Picasso was a trailblazer who left a profound artistic and cultural impact on the world and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership with National Geographic and Fox 21 Television Studios in telling the untold story behind the brilliant individual."

National Geographic Channel orders pilot episode for possible new real-life drama series, The Black 22s, set in 1920's Prohibition era St. Louis.

The National Geographic Channel (DStv 181) has ordered a pilot episode for a potentitial new police drama series, The Black 22s with actor David Oyelowo.

The police drama is based on the real-life story of one of America's first all-black police teams and will focus on a black police detective during America's Prohibition era in St. Louis.

David Oyelowo will be a co-executive producer. "The Black 22s is the black Untouchables," says David Oyelowo. "Our goal is to serve up a kinetic and vibrant show that displays the excitement and energy of America in the 1920s, with a cinematic punch".

"It is a moving, muscular and resonant story that perfectly exemplifies the adage that truth is strange and more compelling than fiction," says Carolyn Bernstein, National Geographic's executive vice president of global scripted programming and production.

"It also represents the kind of timely and provocative storytelling that I hope will become a hallmark of National Geographic's new scripted initiative".

National Geographic Channel orders its first scripted drama series, Blood Ivory, and two documentary series, One Strange Rock and Original Sin sex doc.

The National Geographic Channel (DStv 181) has ordered the Fox-owned factual entertainment channel's first real scripted drama series Blood Ivory set inside the illegal ivory trade.

National Geographic Channel also commissioned two new documentary series looking at the natural history of the Earth entitled One Strange Rock, as well as human sexuality, entitled Original Sin: How Sex Changed the World.

"National Geographic has strived to bring the horrors of the ivory trade to the forefront of the global conversation in recent years," says Courteney Monroe, National Geographic Global Networks CEO.

"With Blood Ivory, we are hoping to craft a smart, relevant and riveting drama series that will not only be entertaining under the guidance of some of the best storytellers working today, but also drive home the importance of ending a senseless war on the animal kingdom".

Blood Ivory, written by The Americans' Joshua Brand will look at the global network of illegal animals and ivory trade, and its connection to the trafficking of narcotics, people and weapons.

One Strange Rock as a new documentary series of 6 hour-long episodes will film for 100 weeks worldwide, exploring how Earth became what it is today.

"We're going to transport viewers on a mind-bending and thrilling visual adventure that will amaze and surprise," says Courteney Monroe about One Strange Rock.

Original Sin: How Sex Changed the World, produced by World of Wonder Production, will look at the sexual revolution over the past 5 decades in 6 hour-long episodes and how it has impacted pop culture, science, politics and society.

"In the footsteps of our decades-defining series about how pivotal moments, people and innovations shaped the '80s, '90s and 2000s, we now turn our attention to a subject that was once taboo, but that impacts everything around us,” says Tim Pastore, president of original programming and production for National Geographic Channel.

"This series will explore the myriad ways sex has evolved in public, from ancient art to being front and centre in best-selling novels, technology and politics".

Star Talk has been renewed for a third season.

More restructuring of National Geographic's international management and programming division with programming decisions now made in America.

The top management restructuring of National Geographic is continuing with more decisions regarding the global programming seen on the range of National Geographic Channels like National Geographic, NatGeo WILD and NatGeo Gold on MultiChoice's DStv and StarTimes Media SA's StarSat that will be made in the United States instead of London and Europe.

Hamish Mykura is now becoming the executive vice president of programming and development for National Geographic Global Networks.

Hamish Mykura will be reporting directly to Tim Pastore, the United States boss who will now oversee National Geographic's unscripted programming globally as president of original programming and production at National Geographic Global Networks.

Hamish Mykura was previously the executive vice president and head of international content.

Hamish Mykura will stay in National Geographic's London headquarters which will continue to commission some international content, although the bulk of commissioning will now be done from Washington DC in the United States from now on.

Jules Oldroyd, the senior vice president of programming strategy and development at National Geographic in London will be moving to Washington.

Jules Oldroyd will now be reporting to Brad Dancer, the executive vice president of programme planning and research, so that National Geographic can better align global roll-outs for premium programming worldwide. Brad Dancer's scope increases internationally.

Heather Moran's role is also increased and as executive vice president for programming, strategy and operations it will widen from just the United States to now include oversight of global production operations of National Geographic.

Liz Dolan, chief marketing officer for Fox International Channels (FIC) will now also be the interim chief marketing officer for National Geographic's channels globally and report to Courteney Monroe.

"By aligning my senior team to serve the global interests of the channels, we are now even better positioned to become the world's leading destination for premium science, adventure and exploration programming," says Courteney Monroe, who was appointed as the new CEO of National Geographic Global Networks in November 2015.

Courteney Monroe appointed as the new CEO of National Geographic Global Networks; Ward Platt the new COO of National Geographic Partners.

Courteney Monroe has been appointed as the new CEO of National Geographic Global Networks.

Courteney Monroe now becomes the new National Geographic Channels boss who will be in charge of channels like National Geographic Channel (DStv 181) and Nat Geo Wild (DStv 182).

She will oversee global programming, operations and global marketing for the portfolio of National Geographic Channels worldwide, and will also be in charge of National Geographic Studios, the in-house TV production studio making shows like Brain Games and Explorer.

Courteney Monroe had been the CEO of National Geographic Channels in the United States.

Meanwhile Ward Platt, currently the chief operating officer (COO) of Fox International Channels and CEO of National Geographic Channels International has been appointed in the new position of COO of National Geographic Partners.

In this position Ward Platt will oversee the entire portfolio of National Geographic Partners' businesses, including channels distribution, advertising revenue, digital publishing, licensing, travel and consumer products. He will also look after the National Geographic Partners' international operations.

Hamish Mykura, National Geographic Channels International vice president and head of content remains in his position.

The appointments come after 21st Century Fox completed its deal to take majority control of National Geographic and started firing 10% of the overall staff earlier this month.

"Upon completing the transaction to form National Geographic Partners, we are thrilled to bring these incredibly talented executives to the senior leadership team," says Declan Moore, CEO of National Geographic Partners chief Moore said in a statement.

"We're excited to officially begin our journey to bring a new and integrated National Geographic experience to people worldwide, and I look forward to partnering with Ward Platt and working with Susan Goldberg, Courteney Monroe and Jeffrey Schneider to share the National Geographic mission with an even larger audience," says Declan Moore.

National Geographic Channel goes looking for God in new series, The Story of God, with Morgan Freeman, set for global broadcast in 2016.

The National Geographic Channel (DStv 181) is launching a search for God with a new series, The Story of God, set to broadcast globally on the channel in 2016 with presenter Morgan Freeman.

Morgan Freeman, who also presented Discovery Networks' scientific exploration series Through the Wormhole, will go on a global exploration, looking at mankind's quest to find and understand God.

"Man's relationship to God is the most important question in the history of humanity," says Morgan Freeman. "This ambitious expedition through the ages and around the globe seeks to understand how faith has shaped our lives, no matter what religion or belief."

The Story of God will be produced by Revelations Entertainment with James Younger, Lori McCreary and Morgan Freeman all as executive producers.

According to National Geographic Channel, Morgan Freeman will "embark on an epic exploration and intimate reflection on God, immersing himself in religious experiences and rituals all around the world, as well as becoming a test subject in scientific labs to examine how the frontiers of neuroscience and cosmology are intersecting the traditional domain of religion".

The Story of God will be shown in 171 countries and territories in 2016 on the National Geographic Channel.

Each episode of The Story of God will centre around one big question about the divine, from the mystery of creation, to the true power of miracles, to the promise of resurrection.

"These timeless and universal mysteries impact people from every faith," says the National Geographic Channel.

Morgan Freeman will be on the ground at some of humanity's greatest religious sites.

He will visit Jerusalem's Wailing Wall, the Vatican, India's Bodhi Tree, abandoned Mayan temples in the Guatemalan jungle and the Lakewood megachurch in Texas.

He will also travel with archaeologists to uncover some of the long-lost religions like the 10 000 year old ruins at Gobekli Tepe in Turkey and the ancient Celtic monument at Stonehenge.

"The Story of God is one of the greatest mysteries and most important ideas in the world," says Morgan Freeman. "For me, this is a personal and enduring quest to understand the divine."

Courteney Monroe, National Geographic Channels CEO, calls The Story of God "an epic and very personal journey to understand mankind's religious devotion".

"Blending science, history, anthropology and personal experience, we're harnessing the power of the National Geographic brand and our unparalleled global reach to tell a meaningful and awe-inspiring story of religion and spirituality, across disciplines and faiths."

"With Morgan Freeman as our storyteller, we're going to produce a visually stunning and thought-provoking series that will spur meaningful conversations about God and faith, by believers and non-believers alike," says Lori McCreary, executive producer from Revelations Entertainment.

BREAKING. Further National Geographic Channel management shakeup as National Geographic's executive overhaul widens.

David Lyle is suddenly also out the door at National Geographic Channels as CEO, following Howard T. Owens who is a gonner as president of National Geographic Channels.

David Lyle was CEO for just three years and his exit is part of an entire management shakeup and top executive overhaul at National Geographic's TV business.

Under David Lyle's tenure viewers in South Africa and Africa saw Nat Geo shows like Killing Lincoln, Brain Games, Wicked Tuna, Killing Kennedy, SEAL Team Six and the latest National Geographic Channel showcase series, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.

Courteney Monroe who has been the chief marketing officer for National Geographic Channels in the United States since January 2012 is taking over as new CEO from David Lyle.

Nat Geo is also announcing that David Hill - a member of the National Geographic Channels board of directors and who is a senior executive vice president of National Geographic shareholder 21st Century Fox - is adding the title of chairman of National Geographic Channels US.

What this means is that David Hill is again taking on a much more influential role at Nat Geo - which he basically ran for half a year before David Lyle was made CEO in 2011.

"I am taking my leave as CEO of National Geographic Channels," says David Lyle. "I am exhilarated but somewhat saddened also".

"Both Nat Geo WILD and National Geographic Channel have introduced great franchise series that stand them in good stead for the future," says David Lyle.

The majority of the programming of National Geographic Channels US are channeled through to the National Geographic Channel (DStv 181), Nat Geo WILD (DStv 182) and Nat Geo GOLD (StarSat 300) seen on MultiChoice's DStv and On Digital Media's StarSat satellite pay-TV platforms in South Africa.