Exclusive: Erik Osterholm, longtime Bourdain producer/director and Down To Earth co-creator Michael Simkin launch Ultra Boom Media. The two producers are joining forces to create Ultra Boom Media alongside Oscar/Emmy nominated filmmaker Omar Mullick and veteran media and creative exec Carrie Kaylor.
Osterholm previously served as director/producer on both iconic unscripted series, Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and Vice’s Emmy-winning HBO series. As a former SVP of development at Zero Point Zero, Erik developed and produced a number of series, including The Business of Drugs, Emmy Nominated Connected with Latif Nasser for Netflix, and the CNN original series Nomad with Carlton McCoy.
As the Co-creator and showrunner of Netflix’s Emmy award-winning documentary series Down to Earth with Zac Efron, Simkin also steered Zac Efron’s production company, Ninja’s Runnin Wild, producing scripted films like Extremely, Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, That Awkward Moment and Dirty Grandpa with Robert DeNiro.
Osterholm previously served as director/producer on both iconic unscripted series, Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and Vice’s Emmy-winning HBO series. As a former SVP of development at Zero Point Zero, Erik developed and produced a number of series, including The Business of Drugs, Emmy Nominated Connected with Latif Nasser for Netflix, and the CNN original series Nomad with Carlton McCoy.
As the Co-creator and showrunner of Netflix’s Emmy award-winning documentary series Down to Earth with Zac Efron, Simkin also steered Zac Efron’s production company, Ninja’s Runnin Wild, producing scripted films like Extremely, Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, That Awkward Moment and Dirty Grandpa with Robert DeNiro.
- 5/6/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Here is a wrap-up of all the TV news you need to know from Thursday, September 7, 2023.
CBS has announced an "action-packed" new game show for the fall.
Damon Wayans Jr. will host Raid the Cage, premiering on Friday, October 13, on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.
In addition to hosting, Wayans Jr. also serves as an executive producer of the series.
Emmy winner Jeannie Mai Jenkins joins Wayans Jr. as co-host of the fresh take on a format that has thrilled viewers in over 15 countries internationally.
"Together, the duo brings an infectious chemistry to the series, where the goal is to get in, get out and get rich," the logline teases.
"Strategy, teamwork and nerve are key to winning big in Raid the Cage."
"In the new game show, two teams of two face off to grab-and-go prizes from the Cage before their time runs out and the doors close,...
CBS has announced an "action-packed" new game show for the fall.
Damon Wayans Jr. will host Raid the Cage, premiering on Friday, October 13, on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.
In addition to hosting, Wayans Jr. also serves as an executive producer of the series.
Emmy winner Jeannie Mai Jenkins joins Wayans Jr. as co-host of the fresh take on a format that has thrilled viewers in over 15 countries internationally.
"Together, the duo brings an infectious chemistry to the series, where the goal is to get in, get out and get rich," the logline teases.
"Strategy, teamwork and nerve are key to winning big in Raid the Cage."
"In the new game show, two teams of two face off to grab-and-go prizes from the Cage before their time runs out and the doors close,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures is saying “Yup” to a documentary about an artist referenced in Nope.
The company has acquired North American rights to Exposing Muybridge, an award-winning film exploring the life and career of Eadweard Muybridge, an English-born, American-based photographer known for his pioneering motion studies. Gravitas will release the documentary, directed by Marc Shaffer, tomorrow on Digital HD, cable and satellite VOD, Blu-ray and DVD.
Muybridge’s work has been thrust front and center this summer courtesy of Jordan Peele’s horror-sci fi feature Nope. The photographer’s “Plate Number 626,” a motion study of a race horse ridden by a Black jockey, figures prominently in the box office hit.
Exposing Muybridge, meanwhile, boasts Hollywood connections of its own. Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman, an avid Muybridge fan and collector, is featured in the documentary, along with historians of film and photography, a museum curator, a wet-plate photographer and others.
Muybridge...
The company has acquired North American rights to Exposing Muybridge, an award-winning film exploring the life and career of Eadweard Muybridge, an English-born, American-based photographer known for his pioneering motion studies. Gravitas will release the documentary, directed by Marc Shaffer, tomorrow on Digital HD, cable and satellite VOD, Blu-ray and DVD.
Muybridge’s work has been thrust front and center this summer courtesy of Jordan Peele’s horror-sci fi feature Nope. The photographer’s “Plate Number 626,” a motion study of a race horse ridden by a Black jockey, figures prominently in the box office hit.
Exposing Muybridge, meanwhile, boasts Hollywood connections of its own. Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman, an avid Muybridge fan and collector, is featured in the documentary, along with historians of film and photography, a museum curator, a wet-plate photographer and others.
Muybridge...
- 8/1/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Always on the hunt for new wildlife programming, Nat Geo Wild has ordered three-part event series “Kingdom of the White Wolf,” news that TheWrap reported exclusively as part of the cable channel’s 2019-20 slate. We’ve also got your first look at the Arctic-set specials.
In our exclusive preview video from the Market Road Films production, which is set to premiere in August, a pack of 10 white wolves are experiencing “the best, and possibly last, day of their lives,” narrator Ronan Donovan tells us. After playtime, comes the hunt — and this is the young pups’ first opportunity to see mom and dad do their thing.
Here’s the deal, though: Those musk oxen are in herd formation themselves.
Also Read: Nat Geo Wild 2019-20 Slate Goes 'Dr Pol' Crazy, Cashes in on 'Black Panther' (Exclusive)
Watch our “Kingdom of the White Wolf” sneak peek via the video above.
In our exclusive preview video from the Market Road Films production, which is set to premiere in August, a pack of 10 white wolves are experiencing “the best, and possibly last, day of their lives,” narrator Ronan Donovan tells us. After playtime, comes the hunt — and this is the young pups’ first opportunity to see mom and dad do their thing.
Here’s the deal, though: Those musk oxen are in herd formation themselves.
Also Read: Nat Geo Wild 2019-20 Slate Goes 'Dr Pol' Crazy, Cashes in on 'Black Panther' (Exclusive)
Watch our “Kingdom of the White Wolf” sneak peek via the video above.
- 5/9/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Nat Geo will unveil its 2019-20 programming slate on Tuesday, presenting as part of new parent company Disney’s upfront event. For those who can’t wait that long to walk on the “Wild” side, TheWrap can exclusively reveal Nat Geo Wild’s news now.
For starters, “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” “Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet,” “Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER” and “Snake City” have all been renewed. For “Dr. Pol,” Nat Geo Wild’s longest-running and highest-rated series, the next run will mark its 16th season.
You’ll notice a lot more Pol programming in the slate, including two events, “12 Days of Pol” and “4th of Pol-y.” What a treat. That’s a little vet humor.
Also Read: Mark Steines to Host Nat Geo's 'Animal ER Live' in First TV Job Since Hallmark Channel Ouster
Additionally, Nat Geo Wild has ordered six new series, including “Critter Fixers,” which premieres...
For starters, “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” “Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet,” “Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER” and “Snake City” have all been renewed. For “Dr. Pol,” Nat Geo Wild’s longest-running and highest-rated series, the next run will mark its 16th season.
You’ll notice a lot more Pol programming in the slate, including two events, “12 Days of Pol” and “4th of Pol-y.” What a treat. That’s a little vet humor.
Also Read: Mark Steines to Host Nat Geo's 'Animal ER Live' in First TV Job Since Hallmark Channel Ouster
Additionally, Nat Geo Wild has ordered six new series, including “Critter Fixers,” which premieres...
- 5/9/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
A new special from comedian Jena Friedman and series Mostly 4 Millennials from Derrick Beckles and Eric Andre were announced by Adult Swim today. Friedman has worked as a correspondent for National Geographic Explorer and Vice, and was a field producer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and writer for Late Show with David Letterman. She’s appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, @Midnight the Netflix mocumentary…...
- 5/15/2017
- Deadline TV
After months of trekking through the Costa Rican jungle looking for their missing son, Peggy and Roman Dial believe they finally know what happened to the 27-year-old explorer when he vanished in 2014.
Roman, whose exhaustive quest to find out what happened to Cody has been featured in the National Geographic Channel's true crime series Missing Dial, told ABC's Nightline Friday that he now believes his son died at the hands of the jungle.
Cody's remains were found deep in the jungles of the Corcovado National Park on May 19, along with his passport and $30. Costa Rican authorities say they believe...
Roman, whose exhaustive quest to find out what happened to Cody has been featured in the National Geographic Channel's true crime series Missing Dial, told ABC's Nightline Friday that he now believes his son died at the hands of the jungle.
Cody's remains were found deep in the jungles of the Corcovado National Park on May 19, along with his passport and $30. Costa Rican authorities say they believe...
- 6/26/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- People.com - TV Watch
After months of trekking through the Costa Rican jungle looking for their missing son, Peggy and Roman Dial believe they finally know what happened to the 27-year-old explorer when he vanished in 2014. Roman, whose exhaustive quest to find out what happened to Cody has been featured in the National Geographic Channel's true crime series Missing Dial, told ABC's Nightline Friday that he now believes his son died at the hands of the jungle. Cody's remains were found deep in the jungles of the Corcovado National Park on May 19, along with his passport and $30. Costa Rican authorities say they believe...
- 6/26/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
After months of trekking through the Costa Rican jungle looking for their missing son, Peggy and Roman Dial believe they finally know what happened to the 27-year-old explorer when he vanished in 2014. Roman, whose exhaustive quest to find out what happened to Cody has been featured in the National Geographic Channel's true crime series Missing Dial, told ABC's Nightline Friday that he now believes his son died at the hands of the jungle. Cody's remains were found deep in the jungles of the Corcovado National Park on May 19, along with his passport and $30. Costa Rican authorities say they believe...
- 6/26/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
Famed explorer Roman Dial and his wife, Peggy Dial, are getting closer to finding out what happened to their 27-year-old son, Cody, who vanished in the Costa Rican jungle in 2014. But it's not going as smoothly as they anticipated. Missing Dial, the National Geographic Channel's six-part, true crime documentary series, follows the Alaskan couple and the two investigators they hired as they search for clues about Cody's mysterious disappearance in one of the world's most dangerous jungles. Roman is the legendary National Geographic Explorer and adventurer who taught his son how to survive in the wilderness and is doing...
- 6/11/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
Famed explorer Roman Dial and his wife, Peggy Dial, are getting closer to finding out what happened to their 27-year-old son, Cody, who vanished in the Costa Rican jungle in 2014. But it's not going as smoothly as they anticipated. Missing Dial, the National Geographic Channel's six-part, true crime documentary series, follows the Alaskan couple and the two investigators they hired as they search for clues about Cody's mysterious disappearance in one of the world's most dangerous jungles. Roman is the legendary National Geographic Explorer and adventurer who taught his son how to survive in the wilderness and is doing...
- 6/11/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
On Thursday, just three days before the premiere of the National Geographic Channel's new true-crime series, Missing Dial, Roman and Peggy Dial got word that authorities had found human remains in the Costa Rican jungle - near where they believe their 27-year-old son, Cody, went missing in 2014. Now they may get the answers about their son's mysterious disappearance they have waited for all this time - answers they never hoped they would have to hear. "It is with profound sadness and incredibly mixed emotions that I can say my son’s remains have likely been found," Roman tells People exclusively.
- 5/21/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
On Thursday, just three days before the premiere of the National Geographic Channel's New True-Crime Series, Missing Dial, Roman and Peggy Dial got word that authorities had found a body in the Costa Rican jungle - near where they believe their 27-year-old son went missing in 2014. Now they may get the answers about his mysterious disappearance they have waited for all this time - but answers ones they never hoped they would have to hear. "It is with profound sadness and incredibly mixed emotions that I can say my son’s remains have likely been found," Roman Dial tells People exclusively.
- 5/21/2016
- by @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
Roman and Peggy Dial want answers. On July 10, 2014, the Alaskan couple's 27-year-old son, Cody Dial, an experienced outdoorsman, set out to trek through the jungles of Costa Rica's lush but treacherous Corcovado National Park. The day before he left, he sent an email to his parents from an Internet café, joking that since he would be hiking between the park's main trail and the coastline, that, "It should be difficult to get lost forever." That was the last time Roman and Peggy, ever heard from their son. "He is on our minds 24 hours a day," says Peggy. "The only time...
- 5/20/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
Roman and Peggy Dial want answers. On July 10, 2014, the Alaskan couple's 27-year-old son, Cody Dial, an experienced outdoorsman, set out to trek through the jungles of Costa Rica's lush but treacherous Corcovado National Park. The day before he left, he sent an email to his parents from an Internet café, joking that since he would be hiking between the park's main trail and the coastline, that, "It should be difficult to get lost forever." That was the last time Roman and Peggy, ever heard from their son. "He is on our minds 24 hours a day," says Peggy. "The only time...
- 5/20/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
For the love of God, Just Shave.
Does this picture of a bearded Leonardo DiCaprio have you wishing for his baby-faced, clean-cut days?
Leo, 39, hosted a screening of the Netflix documentary Mission Blue on Wednesday in West Hollywood, Calif., where he posed with National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle.
Photos: Hollywood's Sexiest Shirtless Men
Slicking his hair back into a ponytail, he also gave us a look at this impressive facial hair, which as you can see in the picture below taken at his foundation's recent inaugural gala, has even infiltrated his neck.
Now let's just take a second to remember Leo in The Wolf of Wall Street, which came out on Christmas last year.
Safe to say, facial hair just isn't for everyone.
Video: Carey Mulligan Dishes on Kissing Leonardo DiCaprio
... Hey, we can't all be Bradley Cooper right?...
Does this picture of a bearded Leonardo DiCaprio have you wishing for his baby-faced, clean-cut days?
Leo, 39, hosted a screening of the Netflix documentary Mission Blue on Wednesday in West Hollywood, Calif., where he posed with National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle.
Photos: Hollywood's Sexiest Shirtless Men
Slicking his hair back into a ponytail, he also gave us a look at this impressive facial hair, which as you can see in the picture below taken at his foundation's recent inaugural gala, has even infiltrated his neck.
Now let's just take a second to remember Leo in The Wolf of Wall Street, which came out on Christmas last year.
Safe to say, facial hair just isn't for everyone.
Video: Carey Mulligan Dishes on Kissing Leonardo DiCaprio
... Hey, we can't all be Bradley Cooper right?...
- 8/14/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
Jsw Foundation and National Geographic Explorer today hosted an event focused on the imperatives for engaging science and environmental education for today’s young minds. Dr. Francis Downey, Vice President & Publisher, National Geographic Explorer emphasised the relevance and importance of the ‘Explorer’ learning platform. Also at the event, India’s greatest poet and lyricist, Shri Gulzar launched his new book of poems on the environment.
Mrs. Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, Jsw Foundation, said “As an organization, our sole motive for this event is to encourage dialogue and patronize like-minded organizations and take another step to the cause of climate change and enable a platform for debate on the ways and means to save the environment. We will be introducing the National Geographic Explorer program in all of our Jvm schools to encourage awareness for Mother Earth and the importance of conservation.”
Dr. Downey added, “This is a great opportunity for National Geographic Explorer...
Mrs. Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, Jsw Foundation, said “As an organization, our sole motive for this event is to encourage dialogue and patronize like-minded organizations and take another step to the cause of climate change and enable a platform for debate on the ways and means to save the environment. We will be introducing the National Geographic Explorer program in all of our Jvm schools to encourage awareness for Mother Earth and the importance of conservation.”
Dr. Downey added, “This is a great opportunity for National Geographic Explorer...
- 7/31/2014
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Netflix plans to debut three original documentaries over the next few months. First up is The Battered Bastards Of Baseball. It chronicles how in 1973 Bonanza actor Bing Russell formed what at the time was America’s sole independent baseball team. Seen as a real-life version of the Bad News Bears, the Mavericks lasted three years before they were pushed out of Portland by the return of the major-league-backed Portland Beavers. The pic was co-directed by Chapman Way and Maclain Way, produced by Juliana Lembi, exec produced by Nancy Schafer and includes cast members Kurt Russell (Bing Russell’s son) and Todd Fields. It’s set to premiere July 11 on Netflix. Also on the slate is Mission Blue. It tells the story of legendary oceanographer, marine biologist, environmentalist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle and her impassioned campaign to save the world’s oceans from modern threats like climate change,...
- 5/9/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
“The World Of…” documentary series is available for free viewing on FilmOn! “The World Of…” consists of 27 amazing documentaries produced by the pioneer of the “National Geographic Explorer” specials. The documentaries show its viewers adventure and nature from around the world. Here’s more you can expect from this documentary series: “Welcome to the world of mystery and adventure, of risk and inspiration, of spirit and danger. This unprecedented series takes you to the far corners of the globe, to explore the secrets of nature and wildlife, the frontiers of science and technology, the compelling questions of history and the world we live in.” You can watch this documentary series [ Read More ]
The post Watch The World Of…Documentary Series for Free on FilmOn appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Watch The World Of…Documentary Series for Free on FilmOn appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 12/23/2013
- by monique
- ShockYa
Alec Baldwin returns to TV Friday (June 14) in a more serious role, as the host of National Geographic's programming block "Night of Exploration."
"What happens is you do some of these, and you are done with it," he says. Baldwin had just taped the season's worth of introductions and was at The Explorer's Club, the National Geographic Society's Manhattan headquarters.
"I don't necessarily want to be a cable channel prestige documentary host," Baldwin says. "I don't necessarily want to get locked into a certain kind of work. I did 'Great Migrations' for National Geographic and 'Frozen Planet' for Discovery."
"I thought I was done with that and then they called with this," he continues. "This was an honor."
It's National Geographic's 125th anniversary and Baldwin will host other shows throughout the year.
Despite his seven years on "30 Rock," getting his first break on "The Doctors" and doing so much TV,...
"What happens is you do some of these, and you are done with it," he says. Baldwin had just taped the season's worth of introductions and was at The Explorer's Club, the National Geographic Society's Manhattan headquarters.
"I don't necessarily want to be a cable channel prestige documentary host," Baldwin says. "I don't necessarily want to get locked into a certain kind of work. I did 'Great Migrations' for National Geographic and 'Frozen Planet' for Discovery."
"I thought I was done with that and then they called with this," he continues. "This was an honor."
It's National Geographic's 125th anniversary and Baldwin will host other shows throughout the year.
Despite his seven years on "30 Rock," getting his first break on "The Doctors" and doing so much TV,...
- 6/14/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
“Argo” (edited by William Goldenberg, A.C.E.) and “The Silver Linings Playbook” (edited byJay Cassidy, A.C.E. and Crispin Struthers) won Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic) and Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy/Musical) respectively at the 63rd Annual Ace Eddie Awards tonight where trophies were handed out in ten (10) categories of film, television and documentaries.
The black-tie ceremony was held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel with over 1,000 in attendance to celebrate the year’s best editing. “Brave” (edited by Nicholas C. Smith, A.C.E. & Robert Grahamjones, A.C.E.) won Best Edited Animated Feature Film and “Searching For Sugar Man” (edited by Malik Bendjelloul) won Best Edited Documentary (Feature).
Television winners included ”Nurse Jackie – Handle Your Scandle” (edited by Gary Levy) for Best Edited Half-Hour Series for Television, “Breaking Bad – Dead Freight” (edited by Skip MacDonald, A.C.E.) for Best Edited One-Hour Series for Commercial television,...
The black-tie ceremony was held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel with over 1,000 in attendance to celebrate the year’s best editing. “Brave” (edited by Nicholas C. Smith, A.C.E. & Robert Grahamjones, A.C.E.) won Best Edited Animated Feature Film and “Searching For Sugar Man” (edited by Malik Bendjelloul) won Best Edited Documentary (Feature).
Television winners included ”Nurse Jackie – Handle Your Scandle” (edited by Gary Levy) for Best Edited Half-Hour Series for Television, “Breaking Bad – Dead Freight” (edited by Skip MacDonald, A.C.E.) for Best Edited One-Hour Series for Commercial television,...
- 2/17/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
When I was a boy in New York City I remember being enthralled by a book published then by a young Norwegian 'Explorer' called Thor Heyerdahl about his travels into the vast Pacific. The book told of an impossible dream of Heyerdahl to drift by raft from off Peru, not really navigating but being carried by natural currents into the depths of the Pacific vastness to 'discover', as did thousands of years before by the ancient Tiki people of Peru, islands in the Pacific where they settled and populated. Heyerdahl was derided and discouraged in his plans to 're-enact' the ancient voyages and prove his crazy theory. Of course he was right and he did completely prove his outlandish theories to be correct. But what a trip!! And that is the tale this wonderful new film tells.... Of a group of 'mad' (or eccentric) young Norwegian men who want to sail into fate and make their mark on the world. And they are led by the biggest madman of all - Heyerdahl - who is proven to be a visionary hero. It was interesting to me to see this hero of my childhood seen in another - and darker - light. He was a genius and more than a little insane. What a revelation to me after all these years!!! I spoke to the Directors of 'Kon Tiki' Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg in La recently where we met after being initially introduced at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. They are Oslo residents and lifelong friends who started making films when they were 10 years old. They began in the '80's to make music videos. From the beginning they were influenced by Us films which they always liked. In the early 90's when out of film school they made TV commercials. They now own Motion Blur which is the biggest Norwegian production house for commercials. In 2008 they made their first Directed feature, 'Max Manus' which was a WW2 feature. It had a Us$10 million budget and sold 5 million theater tickets and 1.2 million bought non theatrical access for a gross of Us$20 million. Big success. Kon Tiki has had the 2nd biggest Norwegian theatrical run at $14.2 million box office receipts. Internationally The Weinstein Company has bought North America and the UK all rights. Hanway the excellent UK International Sales Company is handling 50 territories for sales. Today the Directors are stretching their legs a bit and touring the states with their families. They are considering work in the Us and consider themselves 'entrepreneurs'. They are currently taking meetings and reviewing new projects. I wish them well, they are very talented and told this tough story with great flair and honesty. The following text I have edited down from Wikipedia but nerds like me who want more can look him Heyerdahl up there. This below is Not about the film but reflects the background story a bit, history and fuss that Heyerdahl evoked, a really remarkable man. from Wikipedia - Thor Heyerdahl (October 6, 1914, Larvik, Norway – April 18, 2002, Colla Micheri, Italy) was a Norwegian ethnographer and adventurer with a background in zoology and geography. He became notable for his Kon-Tiki expedition, in which he sailed 8,000 km (5,000 mi) across the Pacific Ocean in a self-built raft from South America to the Tuamotu Islands in 1947. The expedition was designed to demonstrate that ancient people could have made long sea voyages, creating contacts between apparently separate cultures. This was linked to a diffusionist model of cultural development. Heyerdahl was born in Larvik, the son of master brewer Thor Heyerdahl and his wife Alison Lyng. As a young child, Heyerdahl showed a strong interest in zoology. He created a small museum in his childhood home, with a Vipera berus as the main attraction. He studied zoology and geography at the University of Oslo. At the same time, he privately studied Polynesian culture and history, consulting what was then the world's largest private collection of books and papers on Polynesia, owned by Bjarne Kropelien, a wealthy wine merchant in Oslo. This collection was later purchased by the University of Oslo Library from Kropelien's heirs and was attached to the Kon-Tiki Museum research department. After seven terms and consultations with experts in Berlin, a project was developed and sponsored by Heyerdahl's zoology professors, Kristine Bonnevie and Hjalmar Broch. He was to visit some isolated Pacific island groups and study how the local animals had found their way there. In the Kon-Tiki expedition, Heyerdahl and five fellow adventurers went to Peru, they constructed a pae-pae raft from balsa wood and other native materials, a raft that they called the Kon-Tiki. The Kon-Tiki expedition was inspired by old reports and drawings made by the Spanish Conquistadors of Inca rafts, and by native legends and archaeological evidence suggesting contact between South America and Polynesia. After a 101-day, 4,300 nautical mile (4,948 miles or 7,964 km)[6] journey across the Pacific Ocean, Kon-Tiki smashed into the reef at Raroia in the Tuamotu Islands on August 7, 1947. Heyerdahl, who had nearly drowned at least twice in childhood, did not take easily to water, and said later that there were times in each of his raft voyages when he feared for his life. Kon-Tiki demonstrated that it was possible for a primitive raft to sail the Pacific with relative ease and safety, especially to the west (with the wind). The raft proved to be highly maneuverable, and fish congregated between the nine balsa logs in such numbers that ancient sailors could have possibly relied on fish for hydration in the absence of other sources of fresh water. Inspired by Kon-Tiki, other rafts have repeated the voyage. Heyerdahl's book about the expedition, The Kon-Tiki Expedition: By Raft Across the South Seas, has been translated into over 67 languages. The documentary film of the expedition, itself entitled Kon-Tiki, won an Academy Award in 1951. Anthropologists continue to believe, based on linguistic, physical, and genetic evidence, that Polynesia was settled from west to east, migration having begun from the Asian mainland. There are controversial indications, though, of some sort of South American/Polynesian contact, most notably in the fact that the South American sweet potato is served as a dietary staple throughout much of Polynesia. Blood samples taken in 1971 and 2008 from Easter Islanders without any European or other external descent were analysed in a 2011 study, which concluded that the evidence supported some aspects of Heyerdahl's hypothesis. Heyerdahl attempted to counter the linguistic argument with the analogy that, guessing the origin of African-Americans, he would prefer to believe that they came from Africa, judging from their skin colour, and not from England, judging from their speech. Heyerdahl claimed that in Incan legend there was a sun-god named Con-Tici Viracocha who was the supreme head of the mythical fair-skinned people in Peru. The original name for Viracocha was Kon-Tiki or Illa-Tiki, which means Sun-Tiki or Fire-Tiki. Kon-Tiki was high priest and sun-king of these legendary "white men" who left enormous ruins on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The legend continues with the mysterious bearded white men being attacked by a chief named Cari who came from the Coquimbo Valley. They had a battle on an island in Lake Titicaca, and the fair race was massacred. However, Kon-Tiki and his closest companions managed to escape and later arrived on the Pacific coast. The legend ends with Kon-Tiki and his companions disappearing westward out to sea. When the Spaniards came to Peru, Heyerdahl asserted, the Incas told them that the colossal monuments that stood deserted about the landscape were erected by a race of white gods who had lived there before the Incas themselves became rulers. The Incas described these "white gods" as wise, peaceful instructors who had originally come from the north in the "morning of time" and taught the Incas' primitive forefathers architecture as well as manners and customs. They were unlike other Native Americans in that they had "white skins and long beards" and were taller than the Incas. The Incas said that the "white gods" had then left as suddenly as they had come and fled westward across the Pacific. After they had left, the Incas themselves took over power in the country. Heyerdahl said that when the Europeans first came to the Pacific islands, they were astonished that they found some of the natives to have relatively light skins and beards. There were whole families that had pale skin, hair varying in color from reddish to blonde. In contrast, most of the Polynesians had golden-brown skin, raven-black hair, and rather flat noses. Heyerdahl claimed that when Jakob Roggeveen first discovered Easter Island in 1722, he supposedly noticed that many of the natives were white-skinned. Heyerdahl claimed that these people could count their ancestors who were "white-skinned" right back to the time of Tiki and Hotu Matua, when they first came sailing across the sea "from a mountainous land in the east which was scorched by the sun." The ethnographic evidence for these claims is outlined in Heyerdahl's book Aku Aku: The Secret of Easter Island. Heyerdahl proposed that Tiki's neolithic people colonized the then-uninhabited Polynesian islands as far north as Hawaii, as far south as New Zealand, as far east as Easter Island, and as far west as Samoa and Tonga around 500 Ad. They supposedly sailed from Peru to the Polynesian islands on pae-paes—large rafts built from balsa logs, complete with sails and each with a small cottage. They built enormous stone statues carved in the image of human beings on Pitcairn, the Marquesas, and Easter Island that resembled those in Peru. They also built huge pyramids on Tahiti and Samoa with steps like those in Peru. But all over Polynesia, Heyerdahl found indications that Tiki's peaceable race had not been able to hold the islands alone for long. He found evidence that suggested that seagoing war canoes as large as Viking ships and lashed together two and two had brought Stone Age Northwest American Indians to Polynesia around 1100 Ad, and they mingled with Tiki's people. The oral history of the people of Easter Island, at least as it was documented by Heyerdahl, is completely consistent with this theory, as is the archaeological record he examined (Heyerdahl 1958). In particular, Heyerdahl obtained a radiocarbon date of 400 Ad for a charcoal fire located in the pit that was held by the people of Easter Island to have been used as an "oven" by the "Long Ears," which Heyerdahl's Rapa Nui sources, reciting oral tradition, identified as a white race which had ruled the island in the past (Heyerdahl 1958). Heyerdahl further argued in his book American Indians in the Pacific that the current inhabitants of Polynesia migrated from an Asian source, but via an alternate route. He proposes that Polynesians traveled with the wind along the North Pacific current. These migrants then arrived in British Columbia. Heyerdahl called contemporary tribes of British Columbia, such as the Tlingit and Haida, descendants of these migrants. Heyerdahl claimed that cultural and physical similarities existed between these British Columbian tribes, Polynesians, and the Old World source. Heyerdahl's claims aside, however, there is no evidence that the Tlingit, Haida or other British Columbian tribes have an affinity with Polynesians. Heyerdahl's theory of Polynesian origins never gained acceptance among anthropologists. Physical and cultural evidence had long suggested that Polynesia was settled from west to east, migration having begun from the Asian mainland, not South America. In the late 1990s, genetic testing found that the mitochondrial DNA of the Polynesians is more similar to people from southeast Asia than to people from South America, showing that their ancestors most likely came from Asia.[12] Easter Islanders are of Polynesian descent. Anthropologist Robert Carl Suggs included a chapter titled "The Kon-Tiki Myth" in his book on Polynesia, concluding that "The Kon-Tiki theory is about as plausible as the tales of Atlantis, Mu, and 'Children of the Sun.' Like most such theories it makes exciting light reading, but as an example of scientific method it fares quite poorly." Anthropologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Wade Davis also criticised Heyerdahl's theory in his book The Wayfinders, which explores the history of Polynesia. Davis says that Heyerdahl "ignored the overwhelming body of linguistic, ethnographic, and ethnobotanical evidence, augmented today by genetic and archaeological data, indicating that he was patently wrong."...
- 1/16/2013
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
There are many things that make Steven Spielberg's 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial' -- thirty years old this year -- a magical masterpiece: a sensitive script, fantastic special effects (it's often easy to forget the title star is a mechanical puppet), John Williams' uplifting score. But one of the most over-looked aspects is the cast.
Eschewing big name stars and established child actors, Spielberg discovered a raft of talent, young and old, that do much to make 'E.T.' such an emotional experience. Here are their 'E.T.' stories and what happened next....
E.T. is 30 years old - hard to believe, but true
Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor)
That was then: "I used to think 'If I mess this up, what's going to happen?'" recalls Henry Thomas about his days as the lead in 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial'. "'Are they going fire me? I'm nine years old.
Eschewing big name stars and established child actors, Spielberg discovered a raft of talent, young and old, that do much to make 'E.T.' such an emotional experience. Here are their 'E.T.' stories and what happened next....
E.T. is 30 years old - hard to believe, but true
Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor)
That was then: "I used to think 'If I mess this up, what's going to happen?'" recalls Henry Thomas about his days as the lead in 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial'. "'Are they going fire me? I'm nine years old.
- 10/20/2012
- by The Huffington Post UK
- Huffington Post
Exclusive: I’ve learned that National Geographic Television president Maryanne Culpepper has exited the studio/documentary arm of the National Geographic Society, which produces programing for the National Geographic Channels, including National Geographic Explorer, as well as specials and series for other networks like PBS. Culpepper spent 16 years at NatGeo TV and was named president in April 2011. I hear the change at the top is part of National Geographic Society’s plan to overhaul and modernize its TV operation, expanding its production capabilities.
- 7/25/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
A month after James Cameron's historic journey to the Mariana Trench, National Geographic is giving the trip to the deepest part of the ocean the special treatment. James Cameron: Voyage to the Bottom of the Earthwill chronicle the Titanic filmmaker's solo dive and premiere Sunday, April 29 at 9 p.m. The Oscar-winning director and avid explorer made a solo trip in March in his uniquely designed submersible to the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep, the ocean’s deepest point. Story: James Cameron Makes Historic Journey to Bottom of the Ocean Cameron, a National Geographic explorer, reached a depth of 35,
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- 4/24/2012
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
James Cameron used a new camera system he developed on his dive to the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep, the ocean’s deepest point, on March 25. Photos: 'Titanic 3D' London Premiere: Kate Winslet, James Cameron Hit the Red Carpet Cameron, a National Geographic explorer, became the first man to complete a solo dive to the Challenger Deep—roughly 7 miles beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean and roughly 200 miles from Guam. A massive effort led by the Cameron | Pace Group, the company founded by Cameron and his fellow co-chairman with Vince Pace, involved bringing 3D cameras on the
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- 4/16/2012
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
James Cameron (Avatar) brings Titanic to life as audiences have never seen it before, digitally re-mastered and harnessing the innovative technology of StereoD. The re-release of Titanic also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic setting sail on April 10, 1912. Written, directed and produced by James Cameron, Titanic is the second highest grossing movie of all time. It is one of only three films to have received a record 11 Academy Awards® including Best Picture and Best Director; and launched the careers of stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
In honor of the film’s release & 100th anniversary, enter to win a Titanic 3D pocket watch courtesy of Things Remembered - Custom Engraving While You Shop! Visit their website: www.ThingsRemembered.com Twitter: @TRemembered
Official Rules: 1. You Must Be A Us Resident. Prize Will Only Be Shipped To Us Addresses. 2. Fill Out Your Real Name And Email Address Below. 3. Answer The...
In honor of the film’s release & 100th anniversary, enter to win a Titanic 3D pocket watch courtesy of Things Remembered - Custom Engraving While You Shop! Visit their website: www.ThingsRemembered.com Twitter: @TRemembered
Official Rules: 1. You Must Be A Us Resident. Prize Will Only Be Shipped To Us Addresses. 2. Fill Out Your Real Name And Email Address Below. 3. Answer The...
- 4/10/2012
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
National Geographic Channel (Ngc) and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence James Cameron have released new animation created by the company that executed the image capture in the 2009 movie Avatar , that demonstrates exactly how the Titanic sank. Using a never-before-seen stress model and forensic evidence, Cameron and some of the world’s leading Titanic experts make a [...]
Continue reading Titanic: The Final Word With James Cameron: New Footage Demonstrating Exactly How the Titanic Sank on FilmoFilia.
Related posts: James Cameron Shows Titanic 3D First Footage at CineEurope James Cameron’s Titanic 3D in April 2012 James Cameron on Avatar Re-Release, Avatar Novelization, Titanic 3D, At the Mountains of Madness 3D...
Continue reading Titanic: The Final Word With James Cameron: New Footage Demonstrating Exactly How the Titanic Sank on FilmoFilia.
Related posts: James Cameron Shows Titanic 3D First Footage at CineEurope James Cameron’s Titanic 3D in April 2012 James Cameron on Avatar Re-Release, Avatar Novelization, Titanic 3D, At the Mountains of Madness 3D...
- 4/5/2012
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
National Geographic is commemorating the anniversary of the Titanic's sinking in the North Atlantic ocean with two of the world.s leading explorers, filmmaker James Cameron and Captain Bob Ballard Save the Titanic with Bob Ballard features National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Robert Ballard as he retraces Titanic.s beginnings and examines the ship.s original plans . never before filmed. to reveal untold stories of Titanic.s heroes and the unwritten story of Titanic.s future. A cover story in National Geographic Magazine by Hampton Sides, which documents how new technologies have revealed the most complete . and most intimate . images of the famous wreck, as well as a personal essay by James Cameron, in which he reflects on his .out-of-body.-like experiences...
- 3/30/2012
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
Washington — In James Cameron's fantasy films, like "Avatar" and "The Abyss," the unexplored is splashed in color and fraught with alien danger. But on his dive to the deepest place on Earth, reality proved far different: white, barren and bland. Yet otherworldly – and amazing. "I felt like I literally, in the space of one day, had gone to another planet and come back," Cameron said Monday after returning from the cold, dark place in the western Pacific Ocean, seven miles below the surface. "It was a very surreal day." Cameron is the first person to explore the deepest valley in the ocean since two men made a 20-minute foray there more than half a century ago. He spent about three hours gliding through the icy darkness, illuminated only by special lights on the one-man sub he helped design. That was only about half as long as planned because his battery ran low.
- 3/26/2012
- by Jessie Heyman
- Moviefone
Los Angeles, March 26: "Titanic" and "Avatar" director James Cameron succeeded in reaching the depth of the Mariana Trench Sunday, becoming the first person in the world to complete the feat in a solo dive.
Cameron, who is also an avid explorer, plumbed the depths of "The Challenger Deep", a depth of 35,756 feet southwest of Guam in the Pacific Ocean, National Geographic said.
The director surfaced from the ocean at about 7 p.m., reported Xinhua.
"All systems Ok," Cameron, who is National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, told the crew after reaching the lowest point on earth.
"Just arrived at the.
Cameron, who is also an avid explorer, plumbed the depths of "The Challenger Deep", a depth of 35,756 feet southwest of Guam in the Pacific Ocean, National Geographic said.
The director surfaced from the ocean at about 7 p.m., reported Xinhua.
"All systems Ok," Cameron, who is National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, told the crew after reaching the lowest point on earth.
"Just arrived at the.
- 3/26/2012
- by Lohit Reddy
- RealBollywood.com
James Cameron has broken another record—but this time not at the box office. The filmmaker and explorer has made a remarkable solo trip in his uniquely designed submersible to the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep, the ocean’s deepest point, according to National Geographic. Photos: 10 Billion Dollar Babies: Movies That Have Crossed the 10 Figure Mark The dive makes Cameron the first human to alone reach the Challenger Deep—roughly 7 miles beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean and roughly 200 miles from Guam. Cameron, a National Geographic explorer, began his historic trip at 5:50 a.m. Monday, local time. He
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- 3/25/2012
- by THR staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Filmmaker and ocean explorer James Cameron is headed back into the water. This time he is teaming up with National Geographic and headed to the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest and darkest point in the ocean. Cameron will travel 7-miles down in a specially designed submarine.
This is all part of a 3D documentary that Cameron is making called Deepsea Challenge. And the point of it is to expand our knowledge and understanding of these largely unknown parts of the planet. He'll spend 6 hours down there collecting information and doing research, a lot of which might end up on the big screen in the Avatar sequels.
Here's some more information from the official press release:
Cameron’s historic "Deepsea Challenge" expedition will be the first extensive scientific exploration by a manned vehicle to the Mariana Trench's lowest point, the "Challenger Deep." Cameron plans to spend six hours at the...
This is all part of a 3D documentary that Cameron is making called Deepsea Challenge. And the point of it is to expand our knowledge and understanding of these largely unknown parts of the planet. He'll spend 6 hours down there collecting information and doing research, a lot of which might end up on the big screen in the Avatar sequels.
Here's some more information from the official press release:
Cameron’s historic "Deepsea Challenge" expedition will be the first extensive scientific exploration by a manned vehicle to the Mariana Trench's lowest point, the "Challenger Deep." Cameron plans to spend six hours at the...
- 3/9/2012
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Photo by Mark Thiessen/National Geographic
Explorer and filmmaker James Cameron emerges from the hatch of Deepsea Challenger during testing of the submersible in Jervis Bay, south of Sydney, Australia. In the coming weeks the vessel will travel to the bottom of the Mariana Trench and is the centerpiece of Deepsea Challenge, a joint scientific project by Cameron, the National Geographic Society and Rolex to conduct deep-ocean research
Filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence James Cameron announced today that he will attempt to reach the world’s deepest point, the Mariana Trench, nearly 7 miles (11.2 km) beneath the ocean’s surface, in the coming weeks. Cameron’s dive in his specially designed submersible marks the launch of Deepsea Challenge, a joint scientific project by Cameron, the National Geographic Society and Rolex to conduct deep-ocean research and exploration to expand our knowledge and understanding of these largely unknown parts of the planet.
Explorer and filmmaker James Cameron emerges from the hatch of Deepsea Challenger during testing of the submersible in Jervis Bay, south of Sydney, Australia. In the coming weeks the vessel will travel to the bottom of the Mariana Trench and is the centerpiece of Deepsea Challenge, a joint scientific project by Cameron, the National Geographic Society and Rolex to conduct deep-ocean research
Filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence James Cameron announced today that he will attempt to reach the world’s deepest point, the Mariana Trench, nearly 7 miles (11.2 km) beneath the ocean’s surface, in the coming weeks. Cameron’s dive in his specially designed submersible marks the launch of Deepsea Challenge, a joint scientific project by Cameron, the National Geographic Society and Rolex to conduct deep-ocean research and exploration to expand our knowledge and understanding of these largely unknown parts of the planet.
- 3/8/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence James Cameron announced today that he will attempt to reach the world's deepest point, the Mariana Trench, nearly 7 miles (11.2 km) beneath the ocean.s surface, in the coming weeks. Cameron.s dive in his specially designed submersible marks the launch of "Deepsea Challenge", a joint scientific project by Cameron, the National Geographic Society and Rolex to conduct deep-ocean research and exploration to expand our knowledge and understanding of these largely unknown parts of the planet. Cameron.s historic "Deepsea Challenge" expedition will be the first extensive scientific exploration by a manned vehicle to the Mariana Trench.s lowest point, the .Challenger Deep.. Cameron plans to spend six hours at the...
- 3/8/2012
- Comingsoon.net
"National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence" -- and "Titanic" movie Oscar winner -- James Cameron will lead a new two-hour special called "Titanic: The Final Word With James Cameron" on April 8 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking. Described as the "ultimate cold-case investigation into the tragedy," Cameron's NatGeo special will unfold on a sound stage with a 42-foot replica of the ship in the background, as Cameron gathers the world's foremost Titanic experts -- engineers, naval architects, artists and historians -- to try to come up with the ultimate explanation...
- 3/5/2012
- by Kimberly Potts
- The Wrap
Arrested and held in captivity in North Korea for 140 days in 2009 -- along with Euna Lee, a colleague from the Al Gore-run Current TV -- Laura Ling becomes the host and principal correspondent of E! Entertainment Television's documentary series "E! Investigates" with a probe of teen suicides Wednesday, Dec. 8.
"I do feel like some of the people we interview can relate to me a little bit more," Ling tells Zap2it after having gathered material in Miami and Cincinnati recently. "With some of these stories, teen suicide in particular, people have gone through their own tragedies. I don't want to say I didn't have an appreciation of life before, but I think I have a greater one now. I just value every second I have."
Pardoned almost five months after she was detained on the allegation of illegally entering North Korea from China, Ling was brought back to the United...
"I do feel like some of the people we interview can relate to me a little bit more," Ling tells Zap2it after having gathered material in Miami and Cincinnati recently. "With some of these stories, teen suicide in particular, people have gone through their own tragedies. I don't want to say I didn't have an appreciation of life before, but I think I have a greater one now. I just value every second I have."
Pardoned almost five months after she was detained on the allegation of illegally entering North Korea from China, Ling was brought back to the United...
- 10/25/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
On any given day, more than 80,000 Americans are in solitary confinement, also known as administrative segregation. The National Geographic Explorer series entry “Solitary Confinement” focuses on Colorado State Prison, a maximum security facility that houses 756 inmates in solitary confinement, some for decades. Prisoners are sent there from other facilities when they are deemed unmanageable (e.g., they are involved in gang activities or have attacked guards). Administrative segregation is the toughest disciplinary tool in the American prison system.Based on the concept of...
- 10/10/2010
- by Bob Etier, Documentary Examiner
- Examiner Movies Channel
The former CBS News producer imprisoned for attempting to extort David Letterman was nominated for an Emmy on Thursday.
Robert "Joe" Halderman, the "48 Hours Mystery" producer who pled guilty to attempted grand larceny in March, was one of four producers honored for outstanding continuing news coverage for a story about a student convicted of killing her roommate. Halderman is currently serving a six-month sentence.
As usual, PBS received the most nominations, getting 37. The public broadcaster was followed by CBS (31), HBO (20), National Geographic (19), NBC (17), ABC (9), CNN and History Channel (6), CNBC (4), BBC America 2 (2) and MSNBC (1).
CBS' "60 Minutes" was the most honored news program, getting 16 award nominations. "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric" received eight nods, "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" and "National Geographic Explorer" earned six.
The Lifetime Achievement award will be given to documentarian Frederick Wiseman, who has produced, directed and edited 38 films.
"From the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,...
Robert "Joe" Halderman, the "48 Hours Mystery" producer who pled guilty to attempted grand larceny in March, was one of four producers honored for outstanding continuing news coverage for a story about a student convicted of killing her roommate. Halderman is currently serving a six-month sentence.
As usual, PBS received the most nominations, getting 37. The public broadcaster was followed by CBS (31), HBO (20), National Geographic (19), NBC (17), ABC (9), CNN and History Channel (6), CNBC (4), BBC America 2 (2) and MSNBC (1).
CBS' "60 Minutes" was the most honored news program, getting 16 award nominations. "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric" received eight nods, "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" and "National Geographic Explorer" earned six.
The Lifetime Achievement award will be given to documentarian Frederick Wiseman, who has produced, directed and edited 38 films.
"From the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,...
- 7/15/2010
- by By James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"Glee" is picking up another award this week, this time for its attention to social issues.
The show will be one of eight recipients of the third annual Television Academy Honors, which honors "television with a conscience." "Glee" is winning its award for the episode "Wheels," which focuses on the wheelchair-bound Artie (Kevin McHale) and also includes the tear-inducing revelation that Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) has a sister with Down syndrome.
Two other scripted shows are also receiving awards at a ceremony on Wednesday night (May 5) in Beverly Hills. "CSI" is being honored for its episode "Coup de Grace," about the fallout after a police officer shoots an off-duty colleague, while "Private Practice" will be recognized for "Nothing to Fear," which deals with physician-assisted suicide.
The other honorees are HBO's movie "Taking Chance"; "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?," an HBO documentary about Alzheimer's disease; "National Geographic Explorer: Inside Death Row,...
The show will be one of eight recipients of the third annual Television Academy Honors, which honors "television with a conscience." "Glee" is winning its award for the episode "Wheels," which focuses on the wheelchair-bound Artie (Kevin McHale) and also includes the tear-inducing revelation that Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) has a sister with Down syndrome.
Two other scripted shows are also receiving awards at a ceremony on Wednesday night (May 5) in Beverly Hills. "CSI" is being honored for its episode "Coup de Grace," about the fallout after a police officer shoots an off-duty colleague, while "Private Practice" will be recognized for "Nothing to Fear," which deals with physician-assisted suicide.
The other honorees are HBO's movie "Taking Chance"; "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?," an HBO documentary about Alzheimer's disease; "National Geographic Explorer: Inside Death Row,...
- 5/4/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
From the vampire and werewolf clashes of The Twilight Saga to the disturbing events of Paranormal Activity, there appears to be no end in sight for the overwhelming popularity of stories in film and television that deal with the paranormal and supernatural.
Although a majority of these hair-raising creations are the product of Hollywood's imagination, like the old saying goes, "There is some truth to every story"; and in my quest to find some truth of this elusive world, I was amazed to discover a gold mine of it in a real-life explorer of the paranormal amidst the entertainment industry.
Christopher Chacon is a world adventurer and paranormal explorer who has investigated more real-life paranormal phenomena than any fictional TV series or movie can depict. And if you think this "calling" is unorthodox enough, it's actually the balancing of this extraordinary work and his creative endeavors in the entertainment industry...
Although a majority of these hair-raising creations are the product of Hollywood's imagination, like the old saying goes, "There is some truth to every story"; and in my quest to find some truth of this elusive world, I was amazed to discover a gold mine of it in a real-life explorer of the paranormal amidst the entertainment industry.
Christopher Chacon is a world adventurer and paranormal explorer who has investigated more real-life paranormal phenomena than any fictional TV series or movie can depict. And if you think this "calling" is unorthodox enough, it's actually the balancing of this extraordinary work and his creative endeavors in the entertainment industry...
- 11/20/2009
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
National Geographic Channel has great documentaries for you to check out this week. Hooked: Monster Fish Of Australia Monday, October 19 at 10Pm Et/Pt Follow Dr. Zeb Hogan, National Geographic Explorer and aquatic ecologist as he goes deep into the Australian outback to the Fitzroy River - his quest - to find the elusive freshwater sawfish. Looking like a cross between a shark and a chainsaw, the freshwater sawfish is nearly extinct from the rest of the world. Video .Sawfish Pupping Ground. . The sawfish is a disappearing species. To tag and measure them, Zeb must endure the rising tide and the threat of saltwater crocs. Video .Mega Sawfish. . After days...
- 10/20/2009
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
Steve Burns has been named executive vp content at National Geographic Channel. He will be based at the network's headquarters in Washington, D.C.
A 30-year industry veteran, Burns will be responsible for NGC programming and strategy content, including development, production, acquisitions and scheduling. He will report to CEO David Haslingden.
The appointment follows Haslingden's announcement that the company plans to push NGC into a "larger international strategy," in which Burns will play an important role.
Burns joins NGC from Discovery Networks, where he has held several senior and executive titles since 1992. Most recently, he served as executive vp and chief science editor and oversaw a series of expedition specials called Discovery Channel Quest.
Before joining Discovery Networks, Burns was a supervising producer with NGC, where he contributed to its Emmy Award-winning series Explorer.
"I'm pleased to be returning home to this respected brand at such an important phase of its evolution," Burns said. "The proven programming strategy of combining strong series and high-profile specials has created tremendous ratings momentum for the network, and I look forward to building on that success."...
A 30-year industry veteran, Burns will be responsible for NGC programming and strategy content, including development, production, acquisitions and scheduling. He will report to CEO David Haslingden.
The appointment follows Haslingden's announcement that the company plans to push NGC into a "larger international strategy," in which Burns will play an important role.
Burns joins NGC from Discovery Networks, where he has held several senior and executive titles since 1992. Most recently, he served as executive vp and chief science editor and oversaw a series of expedition specials called Discovery Channel Quest.
Before joining Discovery Networks, Burns was a supervising producer with NGC, where he contributed to its Emmy Award-winning series Explorer.
"I'm pleased to be returning home to this respected brand at such an important phase of its evolution," Burns said. "The proven programming strategy of combining strong series and high-profile specials has created tremendous ratings momentum for the network, and I look forward to building on that success."...
National Geographic's digital motion division is collaborating with online distributor Thought Equity to manage its vast collection of film and video footage, the company said Tuesday. The partnership, which complements their existing licensing business, will allow entertainment and production companies worldwide to have real-time access to footage from National Geographic's programs and films, including television and film productions, the Explorer series and exclusive productions for the National Geographic Channel.
- 8/22/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
National Geographic Ventures has shuffled its executive ranks, with president and CEO Dennis Patrick taking the title of chairman. Patrick will step down as president but retain his CEO status with chairman Gilbert Grosvenor vacating his post. Chairman since 1996, Grosvenor will remain on the board at NGV, the Washington, D.C.-based division of National Geographic Society that provides content for a range of platforms, including the National Geographic Channel and the National Geographic Explorer series.
- 2/17/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
National Geographic Channel said Thursday that the documentary series National Geographic Explorer is moving to the network with a new season set to premiere in the winter. The Emmy-winning series, which has been airing as Ultimate Explorer on MSNBC, moves to NGC as part of a new agreement that includes an exclusive three-year deal between the network and National Geographic Television & Film, which produces Explorer. The series premiered in 1985 on Nickelodeon and later moved to TBS and then CNBC before landing at MSNBC in 2001.
NEW YORK -- PBS once again walked away with the most News and Documentary Emmy Awards on Wednesday night but reaped only half of the rich bounty it secured a year ago. PBS won seven Emmys, with Nova earning three awards, the most of any show: two for historical programming and one for best documentary for Why the Towers Fell, about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. CBS earned five Emmys, followed by ABC, NBC, MSNBC and Discovery Channel, all of which took home three. CNN, TLC, CNBC and HBO copped one award apiece. MSNBC's National Explorer won three times in two categories: craft, and music and sound.
Fox News Channel and MSNBC tussled in a war of words Wednesday over a Fox promo spot that referred to former NBC News/MSNBC contributor Peter Arnett's appearance on Iraqi TV. (Arnett was fired Monday by National Geographic Explorer, which airs on MSNBC, and was also dumped as a contributor to NBC News for that interview.) "He spoke out against America's armed forces," Fox's promo spot said. "He said America's war against terrorism had failed. He even vilified America's leadership ... and he worked for MSNBC. Ask yourself, is this 'America's News Channel'? Real journalism: fair and balanced. We report; you decide." Said MSNBC spokesman Jeremy Gaines: "It's interesting that Fox News Channel now finds us relevant since several weeks ago, we were deemed irrelevant. I find it outrageous they would run this promo and continue to employ Geraldo Rivera." Fox was responding to a promo MSNBC ran Tuesday in which MSNBC said it would not do anything to endanger troops but did not refer specifically to Rivera -- who was forced out of Iraq after describing U.S. troop positions on air -- or Fox. Replied a Fox spokeswoman: "Sometimes we like playing against the J.V. MSNBC should be more concerned about being an embarrassment to (parent company) General Electric."...
Just when Peter Arnett's post-Operation Tailwind career rehabilitation campaign was hitting its peak, the veteran war correspondent made what he admitted was "a stupid misjudgment" in granting an interview to Iraqi state TV that Monday cost him his job with National Geographic Explorer and ended his burgeoning relationship with NBC News and MSNBC. Arnett appeared Monday morning on NBC's Today to apologize "to the American people" for comments he made in a 15-minute interview with Iraqi-controlled television, in which he strongly criticized the tactics of the U.S.-led war effort and praised Iraqi officials for their "courtesy" in allowing reporters to work in the country in the years since the 1991 Persian Gulf War. But by day's end, Arnett had been hired to cover the war by Britain's left-leaning tabloid the Daily Mirror, which carried a lengthy first-person story from its new correspondent on its Web site that was anything but contrite. "I am still in shock and awe at being fired," Arnett wrote. The U.S. government does not "want credible news organizations reporting from here because it presents them with enormous problems. ... The right-wing media and politicians are looking for any opportunity to be critical of the reporters who are here, whatever their nationality. I made the misjudgment which gave them the opportunity to do so." In dumping Arnett, officials with National Geographic and NBC News said Arnett's decision to discuss his opinions of U.S.-led operation was as much of a problem as his judgment call in granting an interview that was sure to be fodder for Iraqi propaganda efforts.
Just when Peter Arnett's post-Operation Tailwind career rehabilitation campaign was hitting its peak, the veteran war correspondent made what he admitted was "a stupid misjudgment" in granting an interview to Iraqi state TV that Monday cost him his job with National Geographic Explorer and ended his burgeoning relationship with NBC News and MSNBC. Arnett appeared Monday morning on NBC's Today to apologize "to the American people" for comments he made in a 15-minute interview with Iraqi-controlled television, in which he strongly criticized the tactics of the U.S.-led war effort and praised Iraqi officials for their "courtesy" in allowing reporters to work in the country in the years since the 1991 Persian Gulf War. But by day's end, Arnett had been hired to cover the war by Britain's left-leaning tabloid the Daily Mirror, which carried a lengthy first-person story from its new correspondent on its Web site that was anything but contrite. "I am still in shock and awe at being fired," Arnett wrote. The U.S. government does not "want credible news organizations reporting from here because it presents them with enormous problems. ... The right-wing media and politicians are looking for any opportunity to be critical of the reporters who are here, whatever their nationality. I made the misjudgment which gave them the opportunity to do so." In dumping Arnett, officials with National Geographic and NBC News said Arnett's decision to discuss his opinions of U.S.-led operation was as much of a problem as his judgment call in granting an interview that was sure to be fodder for Iraqi propaganda efforts.
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