NGCI Commissions Human Ape Doc

WASHINGTON,
February 21: National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) has commissioned
Pioneer Productions to produce Human Ape, a two-hour documentary on the genetic and behavioral
similarities and differences between humans and great apes.

The show will
premiere on National Geographic Channel in the U.S. on March 17, and on the
international feeds beginning in March.

Human Ape will combine real-life footage and CGI
animation to examine the relationship between humans and apes. The show will
also chart the progress of both species from the womb through to early
development and beyond, examining how each communicate through emotions and
language, use violence and sex and utilize tools to work with their surrounding
environment. Human Ape is executive produced by Stuart Carter for Pioneer
Productions and directed by Martin Gorst. It was commissioned by Sydney Suissa,
the executive VP of content for NGCI, and will be distributed by National
Geographic Channel and Granada International.

Carter, the managing
director of Pioneer Productions, commented, “We have long had a fascination
with our genetic similarities to apes, and this film explores the question of
how far these similarities go. Pioneer Productions specializes in cutting-edge
scientific documentaries and this two-hour landmark program provides viewers
with a fascinating insight into what really makes us human.”

Suissa added: “With their
capacity for memory, communication and even problem solving, apes may be more
closely related to humans than we previously thought. Human Ape uses unique scientific research and some amazing
4-D technology to examine our relationship with apes, enlightening viewers
about our primate cousins”.

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski