NGTI SECURES NEW SALES TO UK BROADCASTERS

Published: 15 September 2005

National Geographic Television International today announces that it has completed a number of programme deals with broadcasters in the UK.

Five has licensed a package of programmes including: HUNTER AND HUNTED (6 X 52), a new natural history series which looks at how animals are increasingly stalking humans, plus weather science shows THE TRUE FACE OF HURRICANES (1 X 52), and SUPERTWISTERS (1 x 52). In addition, Five has re-licensed killer squid documentary DEVILS FROM THE DEEP.

Channel 4 has licensed GUNS, GERMS AND STEEL (2 x 52), the major event series based on Jared Diamond’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name. GUNS, GERMS AND STEEL is a Lion TV Production for National Geographic Television & Film and investigates why some countries are highly developed and some remain poor.

On cable and satellite, Sky Travel has taken 16 hours of TABOO, from series two and three. TABOO is a gripping exploration of all things ‘forbidden’ from around the world: subject matters covered include extreme cuisine, gender benders, rites of passage and extreme body art. Sky Travel has also taken four one-hour programmes from the NGT&F back catalogue: LAND OF THE ANACONDA, SEA MONSTERS, DISASTER and MY BIKINI BABY, as well as re-licensing DIAN FOSSEY.

Edwina Thring, head of programmes at NGTI comments: “Wildlife programming seems to be having a resurgence in popularity in the UK and NGTI is well placed to meet needs from broadcasters such as Five. Whether buyers are looking for blue-chip programming, science-based wildlife or the more commercial man and beast shows, we always have something new in the pipeline - and with the National Geographic brand, they can always be assured of excellent stories and top production values.

”Guns, Germs and Steel is a tremendous series that provides valuable insight into the world around us and why nations have developed as they have over the centuries. We are delighted that it will have an airing in the UK on Channel 4.”