WASHINGTON & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic Channel announced today that it has acquired the worldwide rights the to the untitled climate change feature documentary produced by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens alongside Academy Award®-winning actor, environmental activist and U.N. Messenger of Peace, Leonardo DiCaprio.
The film presents an informative and engaging account of how society can prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and native communities across the globe. Audiences are presented with visual evidence of a worsening environmental crisis that is inflicting irreversible damage on pristine landscapes from Greenland to Indonesia, disturbing the balance of our planet’s climate and hastening the extinction of beloved animals.
Serving as a warning ahead of the U.S. elections this fall to vote for leaders who prioritize climate change policies, the film also explains real, practical solutions to help save the planet. DiCaprio interviews individuals from every facet of society in both developing and developed nations who provide unique, impassioned and pragmatic views on what must be done today – and in the future – to transition our economic and political systems into environmentally friendly institutions.
Subjects include President Barack Obama, Former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State John Kerry, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Pope Francis, as well as top NASA researchers, forest conservationists, revered scientists, community leaders and fervent activists working to save the world.
“National Geographic has a long history of inspiring others to care about the planet,” said Courteney Monroe, CEO of National Geographic Global Networks. “Now, in the midst of the undeniable crisis that is climate change, we have a responsibility to inspire others to act. I have no doubt that the global reach of our brand, combined with DiCaprio’s passion for this issue and Fisher’s compelling storytelling will bring this critical issue to the forefront like never before.”
“Climate change is the most fundamental threat facing our planet,” said DiCaprio. “We must work together as a collective voice to demand major action now. Our very survival depends on it. This documentary translates the symptoms and solutions of climate change before information is distorted, as it often is, by those with a financial interest in fossil fuel production.”
“If you could know the truth about how much damage we’ve done to our planet and how much time we have to find solutions before this whole ecosystem collapses — would you want to know? We can no longer turn a blind eye to this issue and hope that it resolves itself,” added Stevens. “My hope is that this film provides a wakeup call about our inevitable fate should we fail to act. And on the eve of what could be the most important election of our time, I hope this film not only educates the public on the serious threat we face, but also forces voters to really think about how important their vote is this fall.”
National Geographic plans to release the film theatrically in New York and Los Angeles this October followed by a global premiere on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries in 45 languages preceding the U.S. election in November. For more information,visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site www.foxflash.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NGC_PR.
The film is a RatPac Documentary Films, Appian Way and Insurgent Media production. It is produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brett Ratner, Fisher Stevens, James Packer, Jennifer Davisson and Trevor Davidoski and executive produced by Martin Scorsese.
The deal was negotiated by John Sloss of Cinetic Media with Tim Pastore, President of Original Programming and Production for National Geographic Channel.
National Geographic Channels
The National Geographic Channels (The Channels) form the television and production arm of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between 21st Century Fox and the National Geographic Society. As a global leader in premium science, adventure and exploration programming, the Channels include: National Geographic Channel (NGC), Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo People and Nat Geo MUNDO. Additionally, the Channels also run the in-house television production unit, National Geographic Studios. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education with entertaining, innovative programming from A-level talent around the world, and with profits that help support the society’s mission. Globally, NGC is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 45 languages, and Nat Geo WILD is available in 131 countries and 38 languages. National Geographic Partners is also a leader in social media, with a fan base of 250 million people across all of its social pages. NGC contributes over 55 million social media fans globally on Facebook alone. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com and www.natgeowild.com.
