RTE GOES ‘WILD’ OVER NEW TITLES FROM NGTI

Published: 1 May 2008

National Geographic Television International (NGTI) is pleased to announce the signing of a new deal with Ireland’s state broadcaster RTE.

The 15-hour contract is predominantly for wildlife titles and features a number of new programmes launched at MipTV, including LAKE OF A THOUSAND CAIMAN (1 X 52), QUEST FOR THE MEGAFISH OF THE AMAZON (1 X 52) and THE VALLEY OF THE WOLVES (1 X 52) – all produced by National Geographic Television. RTE has also acquired EDEN AT THE END OF THE WORLD (1 x 52). This beautiful production tells the fascinating story of the diverse wildlife in Patagonia and a revolutionary conservation project designed to protect it. It is voiced by Irish resident Jeremy Irons – a popular narrator with RTE audiences.

Environmental Special SIX DEGREES COULD CHANGE THE WORLD (1 x 52) is also part of the deal. This milestone programme, one of MipDoc 2008’s ‘most viewed’, is based on the book by Mark Lynas and investigates the likely consequences of climate change around the world, one degree at a time. Additional NGT titles in the package are: CROCODILES UNDER THE SKIN (1 x 52), ULTIMATE VIPER (1 x 52), WHAT KILLED THE MAMMOTHS (1 x 52) and WORLD’S DEADLIEST ANIMALS (4 x 52).

RTE continues to be a big supporter of NGTI’s growing portfolio of independent producers. From Australia’s ABC Productions it has acquired AUSTRALIA: LAND OF PARROTS (1 x 52) – the recent Grand Prix winner at the "Festival de L'oiseau et de la Nature" in Abbeville, France. From YNR Marketing/Ocean Planet Images it has acquired the blue-chip special HUMPBACKS: FROM FIRE TO ICE (1 x 52). Narrated by David Attenborough this stunning programme follows a year in the life of a Humpback whale and her calf as they travel from Alaska to Hawaii and back again. From the same producer, SECRETS OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF (1 x 52) completes the package.

NGTI sales manager Joanna Rowley worked with RTE’s Brian Walsh to conclude the deal. She comments: “RTE remains a key buyer of NGTI’s programming across all genres, but especially wildlife, and we are delighted that so many of our new titles have proved so popular.”

“Our wildlife strand continues to go from strength to strength, so finding excellent, entertaining wildlife is a key part of my role”, says Brian Walsh, deputy head of acquisitions and scheduler of acquired documentaries at RTE. “NGTI continues to be a perfect partner for us as it constantly brings great programmes to our attention – both from NGT and independent producers. This time around we were also really pleased to see another programme voiced by Jeremy Irons. We licensed three shows narrated by him from NGTI last year and not only did he appeal to our viewers but it also saved us dubbing the programme with local voice talent!”