National Geographic Lays Out Impressive Roster at CTAM Press Tour 2020

National Geographic may have found a way to keep the entire world in a box that will never keep them from exploring further.  Whether it is a journey through the life of the late, legendary Aretha Franklin or the Akashinga female rangers protecting elephants from being poached in this platform is providing audiences worldwide with a plethora of subjects and programs that will invigorate, educate, enteratain and shock simultaneously.

Nat Geo President Courteney Monroe kicked off the conference with joking that she has been running a network from home for 144 days and thrilled to spend more time with her family and teens but, “…not so sure my teens are thrilled spending so much time with me.”  Emmy nominations were plentiful raking in a total of nine and in appreciation for media support 2000 donations have been made to the National Forest Foundation.  National Geographic has proven to be one of the world’s most trusted brand by providing premium and factual storytelling.

Academy Award-winning director James Cameron has teamed up for two projects, “The Secret of Whales” narrated with the smooth, sultry tones from actress Sigourney Weaver and slated for Earth Day 2021 along with Akashinga:  The Brave Ones chronicling the training of Black female rangers in African chosen to protect elephants from being poached and murdered.

Sharkfest continue to stream through August 9th and Chris Hemsworth was announced as the host of “Shark Beach,” a docuseries focused on investigating the complicated increase of shark attacks in Australia slated for Summer 2021.  Everybody want to visit Mexico, but NO ONE want s stay in Mexico, where 98% of the crimes are never solved. “Blood on The Wall” directed by Sebastian Junger drops September 30th and exposes the internal and external influences on Mexico and how the country has beenn weighed down by crime in the 21st Century.    Chicago is the 3rd largest city in America and “City So Real,” a four part docu-series – premiering this fall providing an impressionistic portrayal of a city dealing with race, power, privilege and  resistance directed by Steve James.

And last, but certainly not least, the creative team of Genius: Aretha which included EP and Showrunner Suzan-Lori Parks, EP and Director Anthony Hemingway, Costume Designer – Jennifer Bryan, Executive Music Producer – Raphael Saadiq, Choreographer – Dondraico Johnson and Production Designer – Tim Glavin.  Aretha Franklin’s style and sound is very specific, so what liberties did Saadiq take in recreating that iconic sound? “…This was right up my alley…using upright pianos and to really think about Muscle Shoals, Jerry Wexler and all those musicians.  So I made sure I reached out to a different variety of musicians making sure that we bring in that flavor of Muscle Shoals, Detroit and Philly.  We just wanted to give it this eclectic sound so that when Cynthia stepped into the studio she would feel like I’m on stage, but I’m Aretha.”

Due to COVID-19, the team was only able to complete five of the 8 episode docuseries.  So, stay tuned…