DRAMA FIRST FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AT MIPTV

Published: 25 February 2009

National Geographic Television International (NGTI) is bringing its first ever fully-scripted drama programme to MipTV this year. I, Darwin, also a first for world-renowned factual producer National Geographic Television, will be a 1 x 110 mins film or 2 x 52 mins mini-series for US public television’s NOVA, created to celebrate the 200th anniversary since Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary since the publication of On the Origin of Species.

Charles Darwin’s receipt of a letter from naturalist Alfred Wallace in 1858, explaining his own theory of evolution, was the trigger event that led to the publication of Darwin’s seminal theory on the origin of species. But the path that brought Darwin to this point has never been explored from Darwin’s own perspective, in a personal way on film. Now, using extensive scholarship and a massive on-line resource, the Darwin Correspondence Project, NGT will provide a dramatic account of the life of one of the most influential men in the history of science….told in his own words.

So, who was this man and what drove him? How did he come up with his radical theory and what inner toll did he pay? And why did he sit on one of the most startling scientific breakthroughs in history for nearly two decades? National Geographic Television’s feature-length dramatic film will unravel the mystery of this essential man, track the adventure that led to his unprecedented theory, and explore his intensely personal struggle to come to grips with his revolutionary idea.

Michael Rosenfeld, president of National Geographic Television comments: “On paper, NGT producing a fully-scripted drama does seem like a departure from our usual high-end factual programming, but we have employed the same excellent story-telling skills and rigorous fact-checking to produce a powerful script that completely captures the most dramatic period in Darwin’s life - and from a unique perspective – Darwin’s own.”

Maurice van Sabben, president of National Geographic Television International adds: “The addition of a National Geographic-produced, fully-scripted drama to our programme slate this MipTV is a very exciting development for NGTI. A defining piece of event television, we are confident that I, Darwin will appeal to both factual and drama buyers and will stand out in this busy anniversary year due to its factual rigour and the expertise of the writing and production teams.”

“NOVA has travelled the world to cover evolutionary science. This year, with the 200th anniversary of Darwin we are especially excited to include I, Darwin in our programming season,” said Paula Apsell, senior executive producer for NOVA. “It’s a unique and important look at the man behind evolution, one of the most essential and least understood of all scientific theories, and the foundation of biological science.”

The meticulously researched and scientifically accurate screenplay has been written by UK writer, John Goldsmith. Former head of the British Writers’ Guild, Goldsmith has scripted numerous historical dramas including Victoria and Albert, David Copperfield, and Kidnapped! The project will be produced by Norman Stephens who has produced more than 25 made-for-TV movies including the dramatic film for A&E Networks, Benedict Arnold, and Peabody Award and multiple Emmy Award winner, Bang, Bang, You’re Dead! John Bredar is executive producer for NGT and Paula Apsell is senior executive producer for NOVA. The script has been crafted in consultation with a respected group of Darwin and evolution scholars.