Nat Geo Enters Co-Pro Deal with Rai 2

LONDON: National Geographic Television International and Rai 2 have signed a co-production agreement to partner on three new specials for the Italian channel’s prime-time documentary lineup, Voyager.

The hour-long programs included in the deal are Machu Picchu Decoded, Gallipoli’s Deep Secrets and Quest for Solomon’s Mines. Machu Picchu Decoded will kick off the Voyager fall lineup on September 1. It looks at how groundbreaking new archaeology challenges our way of thinking about the iconic Peruvian site. Gallipoli’s Deep Secrets, to air September 8, sees Robert Ballard, the man who found the Titanic and National Geographic explorer-in-residence, use cutting-edge technology to hunt for answers to one of the most controversial battles of World War I. Following on September 22, Quest for Solomon’s Mines sets out to see if Solomon, and his mines, actually existed.

The Voyager strand is created and hosted by Roberto Giacobbo. Giacobbo also stars in customized versions of each show that will air in Voyager’s upcoming fall schedule.

Maurice van Sabben, the president of NGTI, said: “NGTI has licensed programming to various parts of Rai over the years but we are delighted to have taken our relationship to a new level by working so closely together on these co-productions. We developed a true partnership with this important broadcaster to ensure the best fit for the Voyager slot and offered the world-renowned National Geographic content, but with an Italian flavor. National Geographic is a not-for-profit organization that has a mission to inspire people to care about the planet: this dovetails neatly with Rai’s remit as a state broadcaster, caring passionately about informing viewers with entertaining and credible programming.”

Giacobbo added: “The Voyager strand prides itself in presenting viewers with compelling documentaries featuring new discoveries and fascinating, strong stories. National Geographic Television shares these values for its productions and therefore is an ideal partner for us. Working together on these programmes has been a fascinating experience.”

Maryanne Culpepper, NGT’s executive VP of editorial and new business development, commented: “These three programmes are all major new Specials for National Geographic Television this year but our producers worked closely with Roberto and his team to ensure we delivered a truly customised programme for Italian viewers—not just an off-the-shelf co-production. As our international production business develops we are increasingly keen to work with broadcasters in this way. Both parties benefit from an exchange of ideas and production skills and being able to incorporate recognised hosts, local language experts and other locally-appropriate content in a National Geographic production is an extremely cost-effective way for broadcasters to obtain relevant, high-end factual programming.”