NGTI UNVEILS MIPCOM SLATE

Published: 17 September 2008

NGTI (National Geographic Television International) is launching a varied slate of factual programmes at Mipcom this year – ranging from new wildlife and history titles, to society/current affairs and environmental programmes.

In wildlife, the slate features some rarely filmed animals, as well as some evergreen favourites. MYSTERIES OF THE MOOSE (1 x 52) from NGT takes an unprecedented look at these shy and wily creatures, while CHAMELEON BEACH (1 x 52), an acquisition from new indie partner Loke Film, follows chameleons living by a lagoon in Greece. CASSOWARIES (1 x 52), a BK Films production for ABC, BBC and ZDFE, provides a rare glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most bizarre and majestic birds. SUPERPRIDE (1 x 52) from NGT tracks a massive pride of lions as it moves across the Serengeti and three popular NGT series return with new seasons: HUNTER HUNTED 4 (6 x 52). DANGEROUS ENCOUNTERS 3 (4 x 52) and WORLD’S DEADLIEST ANIMALS 2 (4 x 52).

Lead Environment titles are produced by NGT: EARTH REPORT 2 (1 x 52) and ECO-ENGINEERING (3 x 52). Earth Report is the second in a series taking the annual pulse of the planet, revealing which countries are helping to heal the earth and which ones are adding to its ills. Eco-Engineering investigates how to power the planet and build big while still being green. Featured topics include the construction of the World Trade Centre in Bahrain.

In History, two of the lead titles are STONEHENGE DECODED (1 x 52/1 x 90) and DRUID SACRIFICE (1 x 52). Combining ground-breaking new discoveries, cutting edge CGI and high quality dramatic recreations, Stonehenge Decoded, produced by Change Productions for NGT, transports us back 4,500 years to the world of Stonehenge, to provide startling new insights into one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries, and perhaps reveal once and for all, just why the monument was built, and what it was used for. Druid Sacrifice uses sensational new finds, and other extraordinary discoveries on ancient battlefields, in limestone caves and deep in Britain’s peat bogs to investigate the truth about the last days of this ancient Celtic cult. Druid Sacrifice was produced by Change Productions for Five and NGC. NGTI has recently acquired a dramatic new history show from regular independent production partner, Electric Pictures. Produced for ABC and ZDF, HUNT FOR HMAS SYDNEY (1 x 52) tells the gripping story of the search for an Australian warship that was sunk at the hands of the Germans in 1941, taking all its 645 crew to a watery grave.

New Science titles include: MOMENT OF DEATH (1 x 52), looking at the definition of death and new techniques to bring people back from the brink, and MEGASTRUCTURE BREAKDOWN (2 x 52), a new series about dismantling some of the world’s biggest structures. NGTI’s Society/Current Affairs slate sees a fourth season of the popular prison series LOCKDOWN (6 x 52) and introduces CONGO BUSH PILOTS: JUNGLE FLYERS (1 x 52) and MURDER IN THE SNOW (1 x 52). Murder in the Snow, recently acquired from returning indie partner 360 Degree Films, tells the compelling true story of how western climbers in the Himalayas witnessed the murder of a Tibetan nun, capturing it on film for all the world to see – and how the lives of all involved were changed forever.

NGTI’s Kids division is also formally launching its new pre-school animated series TOOT & PUDDLE (52 x 11) at MIPCOM. Toot & Puddle follows the escapades of two very different best-buddy pigs – Toot, the globe-trotting adventurer and Puddle, the backyard explorer. Produced by Mercury Filmworks, in association with National Geographic Kids Entertainment, Toot & Puddle premieres on Treehouse and Noggin US this autumn.

“NGTI comes to Mipcom with well over 60 hours of new factual programming, covering a range of genres” says Maurice van Sabben, NGTI’s president. “But it’s really all about quality, not quantity and that quality is guaranteed by the consistently excellent output and strong story-telling from NGT, as well as from those independent producers such as Electric Pictures and 360 Degree Films who create programming that fits within the National Geographic brand. “Mipcom is a great event for showcasing new programming and the market remains a key focus for our business. Judging by early interest in many of these titles we are excited about the opportunities that our new slate will provide in Cannes.”