Nat Geo in Film Partnership with Abu Dhabi Firm

ABU DHABI, October 12: National Geographic Entertainment and
Imagenation Abu Dhabi are committing a total of $100 million towards the
production of ten to 15 factual feature films over the next five years.

The titles, budgeted at between $5 million and $60 million,
will develop, produce, finance and acquire projects that focus on people’s
relationships to the world, their environment and each other. The initiative
was announced in the United Arab Emirates by Tim Kelly, the president of
National Geographic Global Media, and Edward Borgerding, the CEO of Imagenation
Abu Dhabi, a division of the Abu Dhabi Media Company.

Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, the chairman of Imagenation Abu
Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Company, said, “National Geographic is a perfect
partner for Imagenation Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most identifiable and
respected global brands, and we are delighted to be working with this great
organization as it expands its film presence. National Geographic stands for
quality and is a renowned leader not just in media, but also in science,
education and exploration. It has always been able to tell epic life adventures
in ways that deeply move people of all cultures around the world.”

National Geographic’s Kelly added: “National Geographic has
many exciting and important stories to tell, and at the heart of each film will
be something vital, a subject that matters. When we talk to talent, we discover
that National Geographic has always been part of their lives. With this film
fund, we will be able to expand our outreach into the creative community and
help filmmakers produce the kinds of films they dreamed of making when they
entered the industry.”

—By Mansha Daswani