Elusive Giant Squid Subject of NHK Co-Pro

CANNES: The largest-ever international quest for a living giant squid is the subject of a new multimillion-dollar co-production for Science Channel, which is partnering with NHK, NHK Enterprises and Atlantic Productions for the multi-part show, set for a 2012 broadcast.

Scientists have long sought to document the giant squid in its natural habitat but have struggled to catch more than a glimpse of the elusive creature. Via a multimillion-dollar expedition, researchers will seek out the the Architeuthis dux, led bymarine biologist and giant squid expert Dr. Tsunemi Kubodera. The mission will be captured in Giant Squid: Last Mystery of the Deep, which will also showcase other nearly unknown creatures, such as the mega-mouth shark and a predator that resembles a 350-million-year-old sea serpent.

NHK’s executive managing director, Hidemi Hyuga, said: “This is the start of a dream-come-true venture for NHK. We have long been in pursuit of the giant squid and have caught glimpses of it in the past ten years, but we have never succeeded in filming it in its natural habitat. With our partnership with the Science Channel, I am convinced that this ambitious project is in the hands of an ideal team.”

Clark Bunting, the president and general manager of Discovery Emerging Networks, added: “The research, technology and expertise brought together for this endeavor give us the best shot ever of finding and filming the giant squid in action and we look forward to working with other broadcasters around the world on this important project.”