Nat Geo Unveils Seven-Hour Global Event

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Great Migrations is a new global initiative from National Geographic Society and National Geographic Channels that includes a seven-hour series due for a 2010 broadcast, as well features in Nat Geo magazines, books, digital content, consumer products and more.

The seven-hour HD series has been three years in the making. Produced by National Geographic Television, Great Migrations premieres globally on National Geographic Channels in late 2010, with four hours chronicling epic stories of animal migration across the globe and additional hours looking at the science behind animal migration, the advanced technology required to capture the  footage and rare behaviors documented during the filming, and a visual concert comprised of the footage set to original music. "This is the most ambitious undertaking in National Geographic Channel history," said Sydney Suissa, the executive VP of content for National Geographic Channels International. "Working with National Geographic Television, we have assembled a team of the best wildlife cinematographers in the business and gave them the most advanced technology in existence to capture these incredible stories of survival."

"The scope of this project draws upon all of the Society’s passion for the natural world," commented Michael Rosenfeld, the president of National Geographic Television. "We are using every resource at our disposal to produce and distribute this spectacular content in a coordinated effort across all of our media platforms. Many of the planet’s great migrations are at risk, so the series is going to illuminate the fragile existence of these great animal movements and inspire a worldwide movement to protect them”.

Cross-platform initiatives include features in National Geographic Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, National Geographic Adventure, National Geographic Kids Magazine, National Geographic Young Explorer, Explorer and Extreme Explorer; a 300+ page book, Great Migrations: Incredible Stories of Animals on the Move; a National Geographic children’s book; DVD; online content; the creation of a Great Migrations philanthropic arm; maps; mobile content, iPhone apps, downloadable games; National Geographic Live! lecture series and screenings; an exhibit at National Geographic headquarters; educational programs and consumer products such as apparel, calendars, games, puzzles, and stationery.