NHK, Nat Geo Collaborate on HD Series

December 2, 2009 World Screen

MELBOURNE: Japanese pubcaster NHK is working with National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) on the HD mini-series Megaquake.

The show will air during NHK’s flagship NHK Special doc slot in Japan in the first quarter of 2010 as a four-part series, before rolling out as a two-part series on National Geographic Channel in early 2011.

Utilizing CGI and seismology, Megaquake illustrates the destructive force behind high magnitude earth tremors, exploring the potential impact on major cities like Tokyo and Seattle.

Japan, which is affected by 20 percent of the earthquakes occurring worldwide, has become an epicenter of research on these natural disasters. Since the January 1995 quake in Kobe, Japan has invested heavily in a seismic observation network. NHK will be drawing on this expertise for the NGCI co-pro.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch GoQuest Media’s Kuma (The Other Wife) in their Exclusive Showcase

Megaquake marks the first major co-pro between NHK and NGCI. Announcing the production, Hidemi Hyuga, NHK’s executive managing director, noted: “NHK’s unique knowledge and technological capabilities and National Geographic’s mission of inspiring people to learn and care about our planet create an ideal synergy for such an important series.”

Sydney Suissa, NGCI’s executive VP of content, added: “NGCI looks forward to this new partnership with NHK on Megaquake, a series with global relevance that breaks down one of nature’s most lethal disasters. Megaquake exposes critical vulnerabilities and highlights cutting-edge advancements in earthquake science and engineering while also uncovering seismic warning signs and trends."