National Geographic Partners made a splash earlier this week with a number of exciting announcements at its first NewFronts event since the formation of the expanded joint venture between 21st Century Fox and the National Geographic Society. The 2016-17 slate, which includes 10 new digital short series and an Instagram video series, highlights National Geographic’s ability to tell compelling multiplatform stories.
“What makes National Geographic stand out in a crowded digital media space? World-class storytelling backed by 128 years of science and exploration — and a strong sense of purpose,” said National Geographic Partners CEO Declan Moore. “Our competitive advantage starts with our people — on the ground, in the field and all around the world at any given time. Consumers and corporate partners alike come to us for our unparalleled access to the people and stories that are impacting our ever-changing world. Engagement with our brand can be seen most significantly by our massive social media footprint that now generates more than 1.6 billion monthly actions.”
New digital short series
National Geographic’s new programming includes 10 digital short series. “Before Mars,” a six-part prequel to the fall event series “MARS” from Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, is National Geographic Channel’s first-ever digital short series. “Wild_Life With Bertie Gregory” will be Nat Geo WILD’s first digital series, and it will feature wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory traveling to the Pacific Northwest in search of elusive coastal wolves.
Instagram series
The nearly 50 million Instagram users following @NatGeo will be treated to an original video series called “MoviNG Pictures,” which will share intimate moments from photographers in the field. This series will give followers a never-before-seen look at life behind the camera lens.
Virtual reality
National Geographic also announced its plan to form NG VR STUDIO, a virtual reality studio that will place viewers alongside Nat Geo explorers, photographers and storytellers through Nat Geo VR. Originals and franchises of the brand’s media properties will be included.
Casting call
There’s a nationwide casting call for a digital correspondent for National Geographic Channel’s “Explorer” series. The correspondent, to be found via social media, will have the opportunity to create digital narratives that expand on show topics while giving a voice to audiences by curating related social conversations.
Read the official press release to learn more about National Geographic’s NewFronts announcements, including the full list of the 10 new digital shorts and details about a book featuring @NatGeo’s most popular Instagram photos.
