Music/Radio

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE TO PRESENT RECORDING ARTISTS NAS AND DAMIAN 'JR. GONG' MARLEY FOR SPECIAL PROGRAM

2009-11-19

WASHINGTON (Nov. 18, 2009)—National Geographic Live will conclude its fall event series with a one-of-a-kind evening with some of hip-hop's most legendary figures. "Distant Relatives," sponsored by VTech, will feature hip-hop icon Nas and Grammy-winning artist Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, son of Bob Marley, in a discussion about the often under-appreciated evolution of and deep-rooted connections between reggae and hip-hop.

Joining them for this conversation, moderated by MTV VJ Sway, will be key players in the development of both musical genres, including Kool Herc, Rakim, Daddy U-Roy, King Jammy, Jeff Chang, Pat McKay, Waterflow and DJ Red Alert.

The event will take place at National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at www.nglive.org, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Tickets purchased online can be picked up in the lobby prior to the event.

Hip-hop, now a multibillion-dollar industry, originated as a vital form of cultural expression in Africa that was translocated by the slave trade to the Caribbean and the American colonies. It blossomed a half century ago in the dance halls of Kingston, Jamaica, and soon migrated to the parks jams and recreational centers of New York City, where the culture became known as hip-hop.

This evolution forms the basis of the "Distant Relatives" music project, a collaborative effort by Marley and Nas, which will comprise an album set for release in early 2010, a documentary film, performances and a series of public discussions, the first of which is this event hosted by National Geographic.

An open-mic party will be hosted at popular Washington nightclub Zanzibar following the event. National Geographic ticket holders will receive free admission with proof of purchase. For more information on the Zanzibar event, visit www.zanzibar-otw.com.

This event also will be streamed live and broadcast online at www.natgeomusic.net.

About National Geographic Live
National Geographic Live is the performing arts division of the National Geographic Society, featuring live concerts, films and dynamic presentations by today's leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers and photographers, covering a wide range of topics, including exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat conservation; natural phenomena; world cultures and ancient history; and relevant issues such as climate change and sustainability. Proceeds from speaker series help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration and education. For more information, visit www.nglive.org.

About Nat Geo Music
Nat Geo Music, a division of National Geographic Entertainment, was established in 2007 to inspire people to care about the planet through the power of music. Content developed by Nat Geo Music is utilized across all National Geographic platforms, including online media, radio, print media, film and television. The Nat Geo Music label, launched in January 2009, records, releases and promotes modern music from around the globe from a variety of artists and genres. The Nat Geo Music Channel programs music from every corner of the planet and showcases global legends, local stars and up-and-coming artists. For more information, visit www.natgeomusic.net.

About VTech
VTech is one of the world's largest suppliers of corded and cordless telephones and a leading supplier of electronic learning products. It also provides highly sought-after contract manufacturing services. Founded in 1976, the Group's mission is to be the most cost-effective designer and manufacturer of innovative, high-quality consumer electronics products and to distribute them to markets worldwide in the most efficient manner. For further information on VTech's blogs and its array of products, please visit www.vtechphones.com.

About "Distant Relatives"
"Distant Relatives" is an album created by two great artists to explore and celebrate the correlations and deep-rooted connections between reggae and hip-hop, tracing both sounds back to the African motherland that is both the cradle of humanity and the wellspring of mankind's music. Unlike all previous collaborations between Jamaican and American artists, "Distant Relatives" is neither a remix nor a featured guest spot on a single track but a fully collaborative effort filling an entire album, opening new avenues of musical expression. Who better to fulfill this long-overdue mission? The youngest son of the legendary Bob Marley, and a hip-hop icon since 1991: Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Nas, whose success as a duo was proved in 2006 with the double-Grammy-Award-winning "Road to Zion."

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND NDi MEDIA PARTNER TO DEVELOP AND DISTRIBUTE 'VIRTUAL WORLD OF MUSIC' GAME

2009-11-12

WASHINGTON (Nov. 12, 2009)--National Geographic Interactive Platforms Group and NDi Media announced that they have teamed up to develop and distribute "Virtual World of Music," a new multiplayer and online social and mobile virtual gaming experience and destination for music lovers. The announcement was made today by Paul Levine, executive vice president, National Geographic Interactive Platforms Group, and senior vice president, corporate strategy and development, National Geographic Global Media.

For "Virtual World of Music," National Geographic Games, a dynamic part of National Geographic's Interactive Platforms division, will take the lead in working with NDi Media to give players from around the world a fun, exciting and authentic experience using theme music from around the world to create and share music. The game will present a music-themed virtual world and interactive environment that enables users to create and share personal music compositions. National Geographic's Mobile and Music groups, among others, also will participate in the strategic partnership.

"National Geographic Games is committed to partnering with the most innovative and creative companies like NDi Media to create games that resonate with a broad audience," said Chris Mate, vice president and general manager, National Geographic Games. "Music is a very unifying and inspirational theme, and we expect the creative interactivity of 'Virtual World of Music' to find many fans among our core National Geographic audience and beyond."

Set to launch in early 2010, "Virtual World of Music" builds on NDi Media's Mixing Studio platform, which has been used by millions of players worldwide. Designed by composers and tested by kids, the mixing platform guarantees that pros and novices alike will mix great-sounding songs every time via the game.

"Music is in our DNA," said Neil Smolar, award-winning composer and president of NDi Media. "We've enjoyed great success with our Mixing Studio platform over the last few years and we're looking forward to extending that success through this exciting relationship with the National Geographic Games team."

NDi Media's creative team includes professional musicians with a deep understanding of mixing and scoring music to visuals, which led to the creation of NDi's proprietary Mixing Studio platform.

About NDi Media
NDi Media creates casual games and entertainment properties for children of all ages. Since 2001, it has produced a portfolio of multiplatform properties featuring original characters that are licensed to broadcasters, portals and game distributors. In addition, NDi Media has a demonstrated expertise in music games, with millions of players worldwide. NDi Media also creates games inspired by established brands for clients such as Warner Bros., PBS, National Geographic, Discovery and Hit Entertainment.

About National Geographic Interactive Platforms
National Geographic Interactive Platforms, a division of National Geographic Ventures, combines into one operating unit the world-renowned National Geographic Maps as well as National Geographic Games, National Geographic Mobile and National Geographic Digital Publishing, to deliver interactive experiences to a new generation of National Geographic consumers. For more information, go to nationalgeographic.com.

NAT GEO MUSIC RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM FROM SPANISH SINGER/SONGWRITER DEPEDRO

2009-08-18

NEW YORK (Aug. 18, 2009)—"DePedro," the first solo album from the man behind the name Jairo Zavala, and also the first full-length release for the newly minted Nat Geo Music label, comes out today. The album combines the Madrid native's varied influences with a particular North American bent. "DePedro" was recorded in Calexico's studios in Tucson, Ariz., and Calexico serves as the backing band for most of the record. Calexico's lead singer, Joey Burns, duets on several tracks.

As a touring guitarist for Calexico, Zavala has toured the world, most recently playing shows in the United States with the Decemberists and Andrew Bird. But his own material is on display, too: Not only did he play at this year's SXSW, but the songs he's written with Calexico ("Victor Jara's Hands," for example, off last year's "Carried to Dust") are a constant part of the band's repertoire.

To celebrate the release, National Geographic is giving away an MP3 single, "La Memoria." To download the single and check out the video, go to www.natgeomusic.net.

Hear more from DePedro and some tracks from the new album on "National Geographic Weekend," a weekly talk show hosted by Boyd Matson, on Aug. 22 and 23. More info can be found at http://www.nationalgeograph ic.com/radio/national-geographic-weekend.html.

"The debut solo album of former Calexico guitarist Jairo Zavala is primarily in Spanish, but even if you don't speak the romance language, you'll appreciate these soothing melodies and Zavala's sexy scratchy voice. Two tracks that'll have you hooked: 'La Memoria' and 'Don't Leave Me Now.'" -- Real Simple

"...on his solo debut, 'DePedro,' for which Zavala records under the same name, members of Calexico return the favor, with stunning results...The album...is one of this year's left-field delights." - Billboard

"DePedro" is available for purchase at:

http://www.amazon.com/Depedro/dp/B002GHHHJW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1248364657&sr=8-7

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=323832952&s=143441

http://worlds-fair.net/depedro/

http://www.myspace.com/myspacedepedro

http://www.depedro.net/

http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/artist/content.label_artist/depedro/en

Nat Geo Music, a division of National Geographic Entertainment, was established in 2007 to inspire people to care about the planet through the power of music. Content developed by Nat Geo Music is utilized across all National Geographic platforms, including online media, radio, print media, film and television. The Nat Geo Music label, launched in January 2009, will record, release and promote modern music from around the globe from a variety of artists and genres. The Nat Geo Music Channel programs music from every corner of the planet and showcases global legends, local stars and up-and-coming artists.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIGITAL MEDIA PROMOTES PRIYA BANDISODE TO VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT & OPERATIONS

2009-04-13

WASHINGTON (April 13, 2009)—National Geographic Digital Media (NGDM) President John Caldwell has named Priya Bandisode vice president of strategic development & operations. Under her direction, the strategic development & operations team will be responsible for identifying and implementing business strategies that maximize revenues for the division, while building new partnerships both domestically and internationally to extend NGDM's audience and reach.

"Since joining NGDM, Priya has played an integral role in defining new strategies and initiatives that will increase both our audience and profitability," said Caldwell. "Her business strategy experience and passion for quality media content will greatly benefit National Geographic as we aggressively extend our mission to reach global audiences across digital platforms."

Bandisode previously served as director of strategic development for NGDM, responsible for business planning and performance improvement. She served as a liaison on cross-divisional initiatives and led international partnership discussions in Europe and the Middle East.

"National Geographic has always provided consumers with a truly rich content experience," said Bandisode. "I look forward to working with the NGDM management team to help us further engage audiences and extend our digital presence around the globe."

Prior to joining NGDM, Bandisode worked for AOL, where she was responsible for strategic and operations initiatives to improve profitability of the company. She also served as a management consultant for 10 years across consumer, media and telecommunications industries.

About National Geographic Ventures
National Geographic Ventures is a wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the National Geographic Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. NGV, part of the National Geographic Global Media editorial group, includes National Geographic Television production and distribution, National Geographic Television International, Digital Media (including Nationalgeographic.com) and National Geographic Interactive Platforms Group, comprising the Mobile, Gaming and Maps business groups. NGV creates and distributes content across multi-platforms and media, providing outlets for the hundreds of scientific and expedition-based grants awarded each year. For more information, go to www.nationalgeographic.com.

NAT GEO MUSIC CELEBRATES EARTH DAY WITH BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 IN LIVE BROADCAST CONCERT

2009-04-06

(Washington, DC - April 6, 2009) To celebrate Earth Day, Nat Geo Music channel is hosting a live broadcast concert featuring Grammy award-winning artist Ben Harper with Relentless7, in Rome's famed Piazza del Popolo. The concert will air live on April 22 beginning at 8 p.m. in Italy (2 p.m. US ET), and will be featured simultaneously on Nat Geo Music channel, www.natgeomusic.net, in the United States and www.natgeotv.com/earthday internationally. All of the concert's carbon emissions will be offset by planting 1,000 trees this fall in Rome's Riserva della Valle dell'Aniene park. The project is run through Impatto Zero, an initiative from Italian organization LifeGate that enables individuals and organizations to offset carbon emissions through tree-planting.

Ben Harper will perform with Relentless7, featuring Jason Mozersky (guitarist), Jordan Richardson (drummer) and Jesse Ingalls (bassist). Ben Harper and Relentless7 will perform songs from their upcoming album White Lies for Dark Times, which will be released in Italy on April 24 and in the United States on May 5.

The concert will also mark the debut performance of Bibi Tanga & The Selenites, one of the first signings to Nat Geo Music's new record label. In celebration of Earth Day, Nat Geo Music will release Bibi Tanga's It's The Earth That Moves - EP on April 21. The digital-only EP will mark the first ever release on the recently launched Nat Geo Music label. Also on stage will be Subsonica, an Italian-based group whose fusion of electronic and rock music helped them sell out their most recent European tour.

"Music is an excellent way to connect people to an important issue and inspire them to act. Nat Geo Music channel is pleased to partner with Ben Harper and Relentless7 to increase understanding about the environmental challenges facing our planet. All of our actions can — and do — make a difference," said Sydney Suissa, executive vice president of content for NGCI.

The Nat Geo Music concert is just one of the many events that National Geographic Channels International will be holding around the world to help raise environmental awareness and encourage everyone that "what you do counts." Digital exhibits featuring imagery from photographer James Balog for National Geographic Channel's "Extreme Ice" will be held in select territories, including India and Taiwan. The images uniquely illustrate the effects of climate change on the coldest regions of our planet through special time-lapse camera technology. In Portugal, National Geographic Channel has constructed an eco-friendly house that demonstrates how to "green" your home without making a huge investment or foregoing everyday comforts.

Embracing the concept of raising awareness through music, National Geographic Channel in Latin America has launched a music contest through MySpace for viewers to submit a song that helps increase understanding about significant environmental issues. National Geographic Channels International has also recently partnered with the EMI record label and Spanish band Macaco on a special music video for Earth Day featuring acclaimed actor Javier Bardem.

Nat Geo Music
Nat Geo Music channel speaks in the rhythms of the world. Following seasoned artists whose anthems have bridged borders and emerging talents revolutionizing the music scene, Nat Geo Music gives viewers an authentic sound rich in diversity. Explore the world's vibrant cultures through lyrics and beats. Music videos, long-form and short-form programming put songs into context, illustrating how music can impact, inspire and transform.

Nat Geo Music launched in October 2007 and is now available in Italy, Portugal and Latin America with further expansion expected globally. The channel is part of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI), along with the National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Adventure.

National Geographic Channels International
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to rethink the way they see television — and the world — with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television (NGT) and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its five channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S., which is a joint venture of NGT and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in 305 million homes in 165 countries and 34 languages.

For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT AND 3ALITY DIGITAL'S 'U2 3D' HITS $20 MILLION IN BOX OFFICE IN ADVANCE OF JAPAN OPENING

2009-02-25

"The 3D visuals envelop you, majestically, and that effect fuses with the band's surround-sound rapture to create a full-scale sensory high." -Entertainment Weekly

"In many ways, watching the movie is better than concert going. We feel as though we're poking our heads through the window of another world." -The Washington Post

"... Not merely a technical landmark, but also an aesthetic one... a work of art."
-The New York Times

WASHINGTON (Feb. 25, 2009)—"U2 3D," rated the No. 4 best-reviewed film and top concert film in 2008 by Rottentomatoes.com and recipient of the Best Musical Film Award at the Los Premios MTV Latin American Video Music Awards, will open in more than 40 theaters in Japan on Saturday, March 7. The film, which premiered at last year's Sundance Film Festival, has grossed more than $20 million worldwide.

Four days before "U2 3D" opens in Japan, the great Irish rock band's long-awaited new studio album "No Line on the Horizon" — their first since 2004 — will be released internationally.

Mark Katz, president of distribution, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, said, "We're delighted that 'U2 3D,' which continues to do well domestically and internationally, will be released in Japan. Because of the importance of the Japanese market, we waited to open there so the film could screen in the best-equipped 3D and IMAX theaters. And the film's release on the heels of the band's new CD is perfect timing."

"This was our company's first production, and it was truly a labor of love," said Sandy Climan, CEO of 3ality Digital, which produced and shot the movie. "We were confident that we could create an immersive experience that made viewers feel like they were part of the band, and we delivered on that promise. We're thrilled that the movie continues to enthrall audiences around the world."

Filmed in South America during U2's Vertigo Tour, "U2 3D" is the first live-action movie ever shot, produced and exhibited in digital 3D. The film captures the intimacy between band and audience in a unique, visceral way and establishes a new standard in 3D digital technology.

Directed by Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, "U2 3D" transforms a series of live concerts by one of the world's most acclaimed bands into a completely new entertainment experience. "U2 3D" takes viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey, a quantum leap beyond traditional concert films and traditional 3D, immersing audiences in the excitement and throbbing intensity of a stadium concert.

The "U2 3D" production crew shot at huge outdoor stadium shows in four Latin American venues: Mexico City, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. More than 100 hours of digital 3D footage were shot, documenting a set list that includes such seminal U2 songs as "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "Where the Streets Have No Name," "With or Without You," "Bullet the Blue Sky" and "One," as well as more recent tracks such as "Beautiful Day," "Love and Peace or Else," "Vertigo" and "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own."

"U2 3D" received the award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project from the Visual Effects Society of America at the 7th Annual VES Awards on Feb. 21, 2009. In addition to this award, the film was recognized as Best Musical Film at the Los Premios MTV Latin America Video Music Awards; received the Pioneer Award (Film & Television) from the 2008 3-D Film and Interactive Film Festival; and Best Film Produced Non-Exclusively for Giant Screen Theaters from the Giant Screen Cinema Association. "U2 3D" was the best reviewed concert film of 2008 and the fourth best reviewed film overall according to RottenTomatoes.com annual review roundup.

3ality Digital's Jon Shapiro, Peter Shapiro and John Modell, along with Owens, produced the 3ality Digital presentation. Sandy Climan, David Modell, and Michael Peyser served as executive producers, while Steve Schklair served as 3-D and digital image producer.

About National Geographic Entertainment
National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) combines into a single operating group National Geographic's Cinema Ventures, Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio. NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), bringing together all of National Geographic's editorial platforms to streamline collaboration and further support the Society's mission. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

National Geographic Cinema Ventures (NGCV), formerly known as National Geographic Giant Screen Films, is part of National Geographic Ventures (NGV), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Geographic Society. Building on its global reputation for remarkable visuals and compelling stories, NGCV produces original 2D and 3D productions for the world's largest screens. NGCV also retains distribution rights to one of the largest film libraries in the giant-screen industry.

About 3ality Digital
3ality Digital develops advanced technologies to power uniquely dynamic content and audience experiences in 3D. The company's mission is to deliver pixel-perfect 3D entertainment from image capture through broadcast, regardless of viewing platform, ultimately setting the standard for live-action digital 3D. Based in Burbank, Calif., 3ality Digital brings together world-class experts in the fields of filmmaking, science and technology to develop systems to power 3D broadcasts and environments in which audience members feel the action and become part of the moment. The company's series of "firsts" include the first movie shot completely in digital live-action 3D ("U2 3D"), the first live 3D broadcast of an NFL game (Raiders vs. Chargers, Dec. 4, 2008); the first live 3D sports broadcast available to consumers (BCS Championship, Jan. 8, 2009); the first 3D commercial broadcast on television (Sobe "Lizard Lake"); and the first episode of a scripted television series shot in live-action digital 3D ("Chuck vs. The Third Dimension," aired on NBC on Feb. 2, 2009).

NAT GEO MUSIC LAUNCHES RECORD LABEL; HIRES INDUSTRY VET MAT WHITTINGTON AS GENERAL MANAGER

2009-01-27

NEW YORK (Jan. 27, 2009)—Nat Geo Music, the music division of the National Geographic Society, has launched a full-service music label under the same name, Nat Geo Music. The label will record, release and promote modern music from around the globe from a variety of artists and genres. The label will be headed by Nat Geo Music General Manager Mat Whittington, who will report to National Geographic Entertainment President David Beal.

The Nat Geo Music label will be distributed globally through the following partnerships:

INgrooves, which will handle digital distribution directly and physical distribution via its deal with Fontana Distribution in the United States
Shock Records in Australia & New Zealand
ADA Global in Europe, Japan, the Middle East, and other territories in Asia and Africa
Napadogan Music in Canada

The label will also work with World's Fair Label Group for marketing, radio promotion, press and logistical support in the United States.

Whittington, formerly label manager for ESL Music/Thievery Corporation and who also worked for famed concert promoter I.M.P./9:30 Club, joined Nat Geo Music in 2008 to expand the brand's scope of projects.

"Nat Geo Music will work with all divisions of the National Geographic Society, in particular the burgeoning Nat Geo Music TV Channel, to market, promote and sell music from around the world," said Beal.

"The Nat Geo Music label continues National Geographic's mission of inspiring people to care about the planet via one of the most powerful human connectors — music," added Whittington. "Despite the challenging climate, there is an enormous appetite for music, and we know that the National Geographic brand can deliver amazing new artists to this global audience."

Nat Geo Music, a division of National Geographic Entertainment (NGE), was established in 2007 to inspire people to care about the planet through the power of music. Content developed by Nat Geo Music is utilized across all National Geographic platforms, including online media, radio, print media, film and television. The Nat Geo Music Channel programs music from every corner of the planet and showcases global legends, local stars and up-and-coming artists.

NAT GEO MUSIC SIGNS EXCLUSIVE GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL WITH KOBALT MUSIC GROUP

2009-01-21

CANNES (Jan. 19, 2009)--National Geographic Entertainment has entered into an exclusive relationship between its music division Nat Geo Music (www.natgeomusic.net) and leading independent global music publisher Kobalt Music Group. Kobalt will globally represent Nat Geo Music's catalog and provide full-service music publishing administration, including registration of copyrights with performance societies. National Geographic's music library contains more than 16,000 original music cues, including the organization's iconic theme song.

The announcement was made today by David Beal, president of National Geographic Entertainment, and Willard Ahdritz, CEO and founder of Kobalt.

"We think that Kobalt is uniquely positioned to complement Nat Geo Music and maximize revenue potential for our rich catalog of copyrights. Kobalt's customized services and state-of-the-art Next Generation Portal will allow us to be completely involved in the process of copyright management, royalty tracking and analysis," said Beal.

"David Beal's strategy for developing Nat Geo Music is very exciting. We are very happy to be a part of that vision by taking Nat Geo Music's film and TV administration to a new level using new technology on a global basis," added Ahdritz.

Additionally, Kobalt's film and TV departments and agents worldwide will work closely with Jeff Clyburn, a director at Nat Geo Music, to generate new revenue streams and secure synchronization opportunities for Nat Geo Music through uses in motion picture, TV, advertising and other media.

Since the 1960s National Geographic has created thousands of hours of some of the finest documentary television and motion pictures. Nat Geo Music, formed in 2006 under the direction of Beal, has expanded to include not only the music publishing catalog but also a growing music production library, music supervision services, full-service record label, live events, an international music and lifestyle cable channel, a world music Web site and original network programming.

Nat Geo Music's 24/7 television channel broadcasts throughout Europe, Latin America and Africa and features a mix of music videos and concerts from top international artists and original programming, such as "Geo Sessions," an exclusive concert and interview series; "Short Trips," mini-docs that explore the intersection between music and culture; and "UNTZ," a Friday night dance block that features the best dance music from all over the world.

About Nat Geo Music
Nat Geo Music content and product offerings celebrate cultural diversity and raise awareness for global environmental and humanitarian issues. Content developed by Nat Geo Music is utilized across all National Geographic platforms, including online media, radio, print media, film and television. Nat Geo Music programs music from every corner of the planet and includes global legends, local stars and upcoming artists such as Ben Harper, Bob Marley, Youssou N'Dour, Jack Johnson, Natacha Atlas, Cesaria Evora, Angelique Kidjo, Caetano Veloso, Compay Segundo, Gilberto Gil, Omara Portuondo, Marisa Monte and Manu Chao.

About Kobalt Music Group
Kobalt is a leading independent music publisher offering unparalleled transparency, online global copyright administration, creative and synch/licensing services, and advances to writers, publishers and other publishing rights holders. With 70 employees in offices in London, New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Berlin and Stockholm, as well as agents in over 20 major territories, Kobalt administers more than 140,000 copyrights worldwide on behalf of over 800 content holders, including the world's top songwriters, artists and other music publishers. Kobalt clients include Gwen Stefani, Kid Rock, Danja, Dr. Luke, Ryan "Alias" Tedder, Max Martin, Moby, Interpol, Barry Manilow, Desmond Child, Dennis Matkosky, Gary Burr, The Hives, 8 Mile Style (publisher of Eminem), Bridgeport Music (publisher of Parliament Funkadelic & George Clinton), EverGreen Copyrights, Music Publishing Company of America, Crosstown Songs, Big Life, Richard Ashcroft, Shelly Peiken, Nine Inch Nails, Herbert Grönemeyer, among many others. Kobalt's online system, the Kobalt Next Generation Portal, is in its third version and offers clients the ability to take pipeline advances online, uniquely analyze and track royalties, and be completely involved in the process of managing copyrights.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CINEMA VENTURES AND 3ALITY'S 'U2 3D' WINS BEST MUSICAL FILM AWARD AT MTV LATIN AMERICA'S VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS

2008-10-22

WASHINGTON (Oct. 22, 2008)—National Geographic Entertainment's first major international release, "U2 3D," a 3ality Digital production, received the "Best Musical Film" award at the recent Los Premios MTV Latin America Video Music Awards. Launched at 2008's Sundance Film Festival, "U2 3D" has grossed almost $20 million worldwide and continues to captivate audiences throughout Latin America. It will premiere soon in Japan and other international territories and will continue limited engagements in the United States and Canada. Filmed in South America during U2's Vertigo Tour, "U2 3D" is the first live-action movie ever shot, produced and exhibited in digital 3-D. The film captures the intimacy between band and audience in a unique, visceral way and establishes a new standard in 3-D digital technology.

Directed by Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, "U2 3D" transforms a series of live concerts by one of the world's most acclaimed bands into a completely new entertainment experience. "U2 3D" takes viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey, a quantum leap beyond traditional concert films and traditional 3-D, immersing audiences in the excitement and throbbing intensity of a stadium concert by the world's most popular band.

3ality Digital's Jon Shapiro, Peter Shapiro, John Modell, Steve Schklair, Sandy Climan, Michael Peyser and David Modell, along with Owens, produced the 3ality Digital presentation.

"We are delighted to have received this prestigious award for 'U2 3D,'" said Climan, CEO, 3ality Digital. "The film was a labor of love, and a true collaboration between the band, who are consummate musical artists, the directors and the 3ality Digital production team. It was our first feature-length film using our innovative 3-D technology, and we're very proud of it. We look forward with National Geographic Entertainment to welcoming audiences all over the world to experience it."

Mark Katz, president of distribution, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, said: "We're delighted that 'U2 3D' is honored as the Best Musical Film at the MTV Latin American Video Music Awards. We always felt that this was a groundbreaking film that would stir audiences and critics to cheer around the world as it pushed the boundaries of filmmaking and is the closest thing to actually experiencing the energy and excitement of a U2 concert. Since 'U2 3D' was filmed during U2's Latin American concert tour, we are especially proud to win the Best Musical Film MTV Latin American Video Award."

The "U2 3D" production crew shot at huge outdoor stadium shows in four Latin American venues: Mexico City, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. More than 100 hours of digital 3-D footage were shot, documenting a set list that includes such seminal U2 songs as "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "Where the Streets Have No Name," "With or Without You," "Bullet the Blue Sky" and "One," as well as more recent tracks such as "Beautiful Day," "Love and Peace or Else," "Vertigo" and "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own."

About National Geographic Entertainment
National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) combines into a single operating group National Geographic's Cinema Ventures, Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio. NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), bringing together all of National Geographic's editorial platforms in order to streamline collaboration and further support the Society's mission. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, and television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

National Geographic Cinema Ventures (NGCV), formerly known as National Geographic Giant Screen Films, is part of National Geographic Ventures (NGV), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. Building on its global reputation for remarkable visuals and compelling stories, NGCV produces original 2-D and 3-D productions for the world's largest screens. NGCV also retains distribution rights to one of the largest film libraries in the giant-screen industry.

About 3ality Digital
3ality Digital lives at the intersection of cutting-edge digital 3-D image processing and entertainment. As the world's preeminent developer of technologies that improve and simplify the creation, delivery and exhibition of live-action 3-D content, 3ality Digital's patented products have been used in the production of feature films, live music and sports events, and broadcast television. 3ality Digital's proprietary systems also deliver the highest-quality live-action stereoscopic images to venues ranging from digital cinema theaters to homes. The company's first feature film, "U2 3D," debuted in early 2008 to near-universal acclaim, setting a new benchmark for live-action 3-D film experiences. 3ality Digital is privately held and headquartered in Burbank, Calif.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LAUNCHES MOBILE DIVISION, NAMES AARON KOHN AS GENERAL MANAGER

2008-09-04

WASHINGTON (Sept. 4, 2008)—Ted Prince, COO of National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and executive vice president of operations for National Geographic Global (NGGM), today announced the formation of National Geographic Mobile to extend the company's core mission via mobile programming and games. Aaron Kohn will lead the global rollout of the division, serving as general manager, and will oversee the strategic direction, technology advancement and marketing developments for all National Geographic mobile initiatives. Kohn also serves as vice president of corporate strategy & development for NGGM and is responsible for the global development of new businesses and product strategy in support of NGGM's various business units.

"With the launch of National Geographic Mobile, we are pleased to partner with leading carriers and global handset manufacturers, aggregators and developers to share our library of award-winning photos, video and new properties. This is a great opportunity for us to leverage our wonderful assets and feed the growing demand from consumers who are looking for compelling, rich media content on their cell phones and for us to extend our mission globally," said Prince. "In addition, Aaron's expertise in business development and interactive entertainment coupled with his current role at NGGM will be a terrific resource for business partners seeking entertaining video, music, images and games designed for the mobile platform."

Recognized for its powerful videos and stunning photography, National Geographic will continue to license its library assets to a wide range of mobile handset manufacturers, aggregators, developers and carriers. Launching in October, National Geographic's Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) site will encompass all content optimized for mobile, including categories such as news, green, images, music and videos. All content will tie closely to features from National Geographic's award-winning magazines and Channel.

National Geographic will soon partner with PlayPhone to drive mobile content distribution online. The subscription-based service will allow consumers to download National Geographic wallpapers, ringtones, video and games through their personal computers to their phones.

"National Geographic Mobile brings our brand to a new digital platform, offering audiences the captivating video, images and sounds that only the National Geographic brand can deliver," said Kohn. "By leveraging our considerable assets, old and new audiences can now enjoy our content on the small screen."

Prior to National Geographic, Kohn spent a number of years at AOL and FOX, where he was responsible for product and business development and strategy for various units, including international, digital media, mobile, Web properties, and home video. He has more than 10 years of experience spanning the Internet, entertainment and consumer technology industries.

About National Geographic Ventures

National Geographic Ventures (NGV) is a wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of National Geographic Society, one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the National Geographic Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. NGV includes National Geographic Television production and distribution, National Geographic Television International, National Geographic Films and National Geographic Giant Screen Films, Kids Entertainment, National Geographic Home Entertainment, National Geographic Music and Radio, National Geographic Mobile, National Geographic Games, Digital Media including Digital Motion (formerly the Film Library), Nationalgeographic.com and National Geographic Maps. NGV creates and distributes content across multi-platforms and media providing outlets for the hundreds of scientific and expedition-based grants awarded each year. For more information, go to www.nationalgeographic.com.

NAT GEO MUSIC TO WEBCAST BJÖRK AND SIGUR RÓS CONCERT LIVE FROM ICELAND ON SATURDAY, JUNE 28

2008-06-27

NEW YORK (June 27, 2008)—Nat Geo Music, the music division of National Geographic Entertainment, will Webcast an open-air Náttúra concert live from Iceland on Saturday, June 28, 2008. Two of the world's most important and visionary musical entities, Björk and Sigur Rós, will headline the free concert.

The event will be available exclusively at worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET (begins at 8 p.m. BST/London or 7 p.m. GMT/Reykjavik).

To be held in a large park near the centre of Reykjavik, all of the performances will be during daylight, with Iceland's capital city and dramatic rolling scenery providing a perfect backdrop to what is expected to be one of the biggest concerts the country has seen. The Náttúra concert looks to raise awareness of the impact of the growing aluminum smelting activity on Iceland's natural landscape.

"One of Nat Geo Music's main goals is to offer artists and experts who care about global culture and the environment an outlet to create awareness for important issues. Spotlighting these amazing artists performing live in a spectacular backdrop allows our worldwide audience to enjoy great music and become aware of Iceland's environmental concerns and join the conversation," said David Beal, president of National Geographic Entertainment.

Commenting on the gig, Björk said: "Too often battles being fought for nature turn into something negative and into mudslinging. We will not go that way, we are not saying that this and that is forbidden, we are rather asking 'what about all these other possibilities?' The 21st century is not going to be another oil century but rather a century where we need to recycle, think green and design both power plants and our surroundings in harmony with nature."

Sigur Rós, who released its fifth album, "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust," this week, believes the issue of aluminum smelting in Iceland is one that can no longer be ignored. "We are not a political band and don't think musicians should set themselves as spokespeople on anything at all, but sometimes you see things going on in your own back yard and find that just as a human being you cannot stand by and do nothing. The changes that are going on in Iceland need to be the subject of debate and not snuck through the back door because no one lives in the wilderness and there is urban apathy or a general lack of awareness," said Sigur Rós vocalist Jón Thor Birgisson.

To download artist photos and bios, go to:

www.bjork.com
www.sigurros.com
www.nattura.info
http://dot.sigurros.com/natgeo/sigurros_presskit.zip
https://download.yousendit.com/E5D21F6108F3A08B

Nat Geo Music & Radio (NGMR) is a division of National Geographic Entertainment, established in 2007 to inspire people to care about the planet through the power of music. NGMR distributes and promotes its music offerings throughout all of National Geographic's media platforms, including the National Geographic Channels worldwide, National Geographic Films, National Geographic Giant Screen Films and National Geographic Kids Entertainment, as well as its magazines and digital media divisions. In addition to its programming and music supervision responsibilities, NGMR oversees the production of projects and programs with some of today's hottest artists who are actively involved in environmental and cultural issues.

Nationalgeographic.com is the award-winning Web site of the National Geographic Society and attracts 13 million unique visitors a month (source: Omniture). Nationalgeographic.com combines National Geographic's video, photography and maps with in-depth information and interactive features about animals and nature, destinations and cultures. Nationalgeographic.com's news service, National Geographic News, publishes daily stories about science and discoveries and produces electronic newsletters for more than 650,000 subscribers. Information about advertising on Nationalgeographic.com is at nationalgeographic.com/advertising.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS ANNOUNCES WINNER OF NEW PLANETARY MNEMONIC

2008-02-22

WASHINGTON (Feb. 22, 2008)--The winner of the National Geographic Children's Books Planetary Mnemonic Contest is 10-year-old Maryn Smith of Great Falls, Mont. Her mnemonic, a handy way of recalling the newly assigned 11 planets, is My Very Exciting Magic Carpet Just Sailed Under Nine Palace Elephants. The mnemonic is being recorded into a song by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Lisa Loeb.

National Geographic Children's Books created the contest in response to the recent announcement by the scientific community that there are now 11 recognized planets -- Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ceres, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and Eris. Pluto, Ceres and Eris are considered dwarf planets. The contest asked children nationwide to come up with an easy way to memorize this new celestial line-up. Smith's mnemonic was selected from over 1,000 entries.

"When I got the call, my first response was, 'I won?'" said Maryn. "I can't believe that next year my teacher will be teaching her new class the order of the planets using my mnemonic!"

The contest was launched to coincide with the fall 2007 publication of "Planets, Stars and Galaxies: A Visual Encyclopedia of Our Universe," by acclaimed astronomer David Aguilar. Loeb's song incorporating the mnemonic will be released next month to coincide with the March 2008 publication of Aguilar's next National Geographic book, "11 Planets: A New View of the Solar System."

Loeb is best known for her No. 1 single "Stay" from the Reality Bites soundtrack. "We are thrilled that Lisa signed on to this planetary mnemonic project. She's an amazing songwriter with a distinct voice and is a perfect fit to set Maryn's words to music," said Nancy Feresten, editor in chief of National Geographic Children's Books. "Kids, parents, teachers and librarians who visit our Web site and listen to this remarkable collaboration will find it is a terrific learning tool."

About National Geographic Society:
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 300 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 8,800 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

'RHYTHM ROAD' WINDS THROUGH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FOR FREE SPRING MUSIC SERIES

2008-01-11

WASHINGTON (Jan. 10, 2008)—For a third year, National Geographic Live! will present five evenings of free concerts featuring musicians from "The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad" program. This program, co-developed by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, gives talented jazz and urban musicians from around the country the chance to perform for international audiences. "The Rhythm Road" performance series at National Geographic is presented with generous support from its media sponsor, radio station WPFW, at 89.3 FM in Washington.

The goal of Rhythm Road is to foster a cultural exchange in regions of the world that may have limited access to American music and culture. Each Thursday evening concert will feature performances from two groups whose work highlights America's unique contribution to the world of music. Many of the groups performing at National Geographic are making their last stop in the United States before their overseas tours begin, while others are just returning.

This year's line-up includes:
-Jan. 17-- The Kelley Johnson Quartet (6 p.m.) reworks selections from the Great American Songbook and other jazz favorites in a creative and energetic way; Universes (7:15 p.m.) is an ensemble company of writers and performers who fuse poetry, theater, jazz and other disciplines to create challenging theatrical works.

-Jan. 24--The Ryan Cohan Quartet (6 p.m.) performs music deeply rooted in jazz and blues traditions that still crosses into new musical territories; Exegesis (7:15 p.m.) seeks to bridge the gap between modern music technology and improvisation, using live samplers and interactive music software to create the illusion of a much larger group. A reception will follow the concert.

-March 27--The Maya Azucena Band (6 p.m.) presents music influenced by artists ranging from Earth, Wind & Fire to Ella Fitzgerald, bridging the genres of soul, hip-hop, world and funk music; Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants (7:15 p.m.) integrate heavy jazz and blues with rhythms and melodies from all around the world.

-April 17--Devin Phillips & New Orleans Straight Ahead (6 p.m.) play modern jazz spiced with the rich musical traditions of New Orleans, celebrating the unique musical heritage of the birthplace of jazz; The Dana Leong Band (7:15 p.m.) combines live grooves, electronically charged tracks, rhyme and reason into a unique fusion of modern beats.

-May 1--Chris Byars Quartet (6 p.m.) has been performing music based on a lifelong study of great jazz masters for more than two decades; AFAR (7:15 p.m.) is an instrumental hip-hop band with jazz, R&B and gospel influences.

All concerts in "The Rhythm Road" series are free; no reservations or tickets are required. Performances will take place in Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium, 1600 M Street N.W., Washington. For more information, please contact the National Geographic ticket office at (202) 857-7700, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit www.nglive.org.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT NAMES BEST BUY AS EXCLUSIVE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR U2 3D THEATRICAL RELEASE IN U.S.

2008-01-09

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 8, 2008)—National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) announced today that Best Buy has been named the official Presenting Sponsor and exclusive consumer electronics partner for the "U2 3D" theatrical release in the United States. The film, directed by Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, was produced by 3ality Digital and will open in limited release Jan. 23, 2008, in approximately 25 IMAX™ theaters and will go wide to national digital 3D theaters in February.

The movie, filmed during the South America leg of U2's Vertigo Tour, captures the intimacy between band and audience in a unique, visceral way and establishes a new standard in 3-D digital technology.

"We are thrilled to welcome Best Buy as a valued partner in rolling out this unique theatrical experience," said Lisa Truitt, president of National Geographic Cinema Ventures, a division of NGE, the film's worldwide distributor. "What better sponsor to support this film than Best Buy, one of the world's most respected brands for providing cutting-edge technology products to consumers?"

Best Buy will be incorporated in NGE's expansive online, in-store, in-theater, radio and print marketing campaign for the film. As presenting sponsor, Best Buy also will receive pre-film credit for all "U2 3D" screenings and will be able to provide members of the Reward Zone loyalty program with access to Preview Nights at IMAX™ theaters in more than 25 markets.

"We are extremely excited to join NGE in presenting such a special cinematic adventure," said Barry Judge, senior vice president of marketing, Best Buy. "This sponsorship allows us to support new, ground-breaking entertainment technology while at the same time providing our customers with a completely new experience with one of the world's greatest bands."

"U2 3D is the first live-action digital 3-D movie ever produced, and we are very happy that Best Buy is collaborating on this ground-breaking endeavor," said Sandy Climan, CEO of 3aility Digital and executive producer, U2 3D. "We are pleased to have developed the filmmaking techniques and proprietary digital 3-D technology that are now allowing fans to experience music and motion pictures in an immersive way that we could only imagine a few years back. It is technology that will allow fans a new way to experience music."

"U2 3D" transforms a series of live concerts by one of the world's most acclaimed bands into a completely new entertainment experience. Owens, U2's visual content director for more than 15 years, and Pellington, who directed U2's "One" video, take viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey, a quantum leap beyond traditional concert films and traditional 3-D.

3ality Digital's Steve Schklair, Jon Shapiro, Peter Shapiro and John Modell, along with Owens, produced the 3ality Digital production. 3ality Digital's Sandy Climan, Michael Peyser and David Modell are executive producers.

Distribution of the film will be led by Mark Katz, president of NGCV distribution. Russell Schwartz, former president of marketing for New Line Cinema, will oversee the marketing of the film's release.

About National Geographic Entertainment (NGE)

National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) was established in 2007, combining into a single operating group National Geographic's Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio business units. NGE is part of the newly established National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), also formed in 2007 as a result of a restructuring at National Geographic that brings together all editorial platforms to streamline collaboration, refine digital content and further support the Society's mission.

Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 300 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, and television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) operates a global portfolio of brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Our employees strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services through approximately 1,200 retail stores across the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com, BestBuy.ca and BestBuy.com.cn), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com), Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn) and Speakeasy (Speakeasy.net). Best Buy supports the communities in which its employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit children and education.

About 3ality Digital

3ality Digital is one of the world's preeminent digital 3-D production and postproduction companies, rooted deeply in research, technology and production. 3ality Digital uses its advanced proprietary technologies in the development and production of feature films, alternative content (e.g., music, sports) and television in the digital 3-D format.

About "U2 3D"

Through the leadership of 3ality CEO Sandy Climan, the technical know-how of industry pioneer Steve Schklair and the support of David and John Modell (former owners of the Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens), the "U2 3D" project took root through the vision of entertainment producers Jon and Peter Shapiro. With breathtaking digital 3-D visuals and 5.1 Surround Sound, "U2 3D" captures the excitement of a U2 stadium show in a way never before experienced.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GLOBAL MEDIA ANNOUNCES CREATION OF DIGITAL STUDIO

2007-11-12

WASHINGTON (Nov. 12, 2007) -- National Geographic Global Media (NGGM) has created the Digital Studio, a new unit that unites several existing operations to further expand production of high-quality, cost-effective digital content. This team will be uniquely positioned within Global Media to further support the growth of National Geographic's broadband, music and television production businesses as well as serve new distribution platforms. The announcement was made by Tim Kelly, president of NGGM, a newly formed division that combines National Geographic's consumer media activities. Mark Bauman has been named executive vice president, National Geographic Digital Studio, reporting to Michael Rosenfeld, president of National Geographic Television.

The Digital Studio includes the National Geographic Short-Form Video Group, whose work has been instrumental in the rapid growth of NationalGeographic.com. National Geographic short-form videos are viewed on NationalGeographic.com and other extended digital platforms more than 16 million times each month. The Digital Studio will also produce programming for Nat Geo Music, the Society's recently launched international music channel, and will generate content for mobile downloads around the world. The Digital Studio also includes the "Wild Chronicles" unit, which produces a syndicated magazine show now beginning its third season on public television.

"Mark Bauman is a talented, creative, entrepreneurial professional, who brings a tremendous amount of experience to this new role as well as a keen sense of the National Geographic mission," Kelly said. "I've asked Michael Rosenfeld, who has played a key role in the dramatic growth of our long-form work, to work closely with Mark to identify creative synergies across the Society's many content areas and platforms to produce new material for digital distribution. The Digital Studio will be able to take maximum advantage of our infrastructure, including the production teams at work around the planet every day."

In addition to these new responsibilities, Bauman will continue to work closely with National Geographic Missions to ensure that the Society finds new and timely showcases for the important work of its grantees and their projects.

Earlier this year, Bauman was named executive vice president, National Geographic Music and Radio, responsible for connecting the new music group's ventures to the work of the Society. Bauman previously held the title of vice president of media programs, National Geographic Mission Programs, and served as the creative force behind television, digital media and music projects.

Bauman brings more than 20 years of experience to his role and has been recognized with numerous broadcast and print journalism honors, including an Emmy and seven Cine Golden Eagles.

About National Geographic Global Media
National Geographic Global Media combines the consumer content units of National Geographic into one group, including those of the National Geographic Society (NGS), comprising National Geographic Book Publishing and the National Geographic Magazine Group, and those of National Geographic Ventures, a wholly owned taxable subsidiary of NGS that includes National Geographic's Television Production and Distribution, Maps, Digital Media and Entertainment divisions. National Geographic Ventures also includes the NGS ownership share of National Geographic Channels, a joint venture owned by National Geographic, Fox and Sky Broadcasting. These consumer media units utilize multiple platforms and multiple media formats to advance National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GLOBAL MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW STRUCTURE

2007-11-06

WASHINGTON (Nov. 6, 2007)--Edward M. (Ted) Prince has been named the new executive vice president, operations, for National Geographic Global Media (NGGM). He will report to Tim Kelly, recently named president of NGGM, a new group that combines all of National Geographic's consumer media assets. In this newly created role, Prince will focus on global operations and the digital growth of all these media entities, from magazines to movies.

Prince will continue as Chief Operating Officer for National Geographic Ventures (NGV), where he oversees various divisions including television, film, home entertainment, digital media, music and maps. Prince also sits on the boards of National Geographic Ventures, National Geographic Channel and National Geographic Channels International.

"Ted Prince has proven expertise in the digital world and has been great at managing change, growth and investments. He is an entrepreneur who also has a great feel for the National Geographic mission," said Kelly.

As part of this new structure, reporting to Prince will be Paul Levine, newly named senior vice president, corporate development and extended platforms, for NGGM, and Stavros Hilaris, newly appointed vice president and consumer technology officer for NGGM. Levine will focus on partnerships, investments and acquisitions in the digital space. Continuing to report to Prince will be the presidents of National Geographic Digital Media, National Geographic Maps and National Geographic Television International, and the general manager of The Green Guide.

Both Levine and Hilaris will maintain their NGV responsibilities. Levine is working to extend National Geographic's brand and properties to new interactive entertainment platforms, including gaming, mobile devices, digital mapping and online/broadband platforms. Hilaris leads new technology initiatives throughout the various divisions of NGV to support its creative vision and to implement technological efficiencies among the different units.

Prince joined NGV in 2003 as vice president of business development, overseeing the negotiation and structuring of business partnerships and relationships with third parties. Prior to that, Prince was a senior vice president at AOL who focused on broadband, mobile, gaming and interactive entertainment. Levine joined NGV in 2006 as vice president of entertainment strategy and development; Hilaris joined NGV in July 2007 as consumer technology officer.

About National Geographic Ventures
National Geographic Ventures (NGV) is a wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. NGV, part of National Geographic Global Media, includes National Geographic Television Production and Distribution, National Geographic Television International, National Geographic Entertainment -- which includes National Geographic's Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Music & Radio and Home Entertainment units -- National Geographic Digital Media, including Digital Motion (formerly the Film Library) and nationalgeographic.com, and National Geographic Maps. NGV also oversees National Geographic's interests in the National Geographic Channels. NGV creates and distributes content across multiple platforms and in multiple media formats.

About National Geographic Global Media
National Geographic Global Media combines the consumer content units of National Geographic into one group, including those of the National Geographic Society (NGS), which comprises National Geographic Book Publishing and the National Geographic Magazine Group, and those of National Geographic Ventures, a wholly owned taxable subsidiary of NGS that includes National Geographic's Television Production and Distribution, Maps, Digital Media and Entertainment divisions. These consumer media units utilize multiple platforms and multiple media formats to advance National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATES ENTERTAINMENT UNIT

2007-10-31

WASHINGTON (Oct. 31, 2007)--National Geographic Global Media (NGGM) President Tim Kelly today announced the creation of National Geographic Entertainment, a new unit that combines into a single operating group National Geographic's Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio divisions. David Beal has been named president, National Geographic Entertainment. Kelly was named president of NGGM last week as the Society restructured management of its consumer content activities. Kelly now oversees books and magazine publishing, as well as National Geographic Ventures, the Society's wholly owned taxable subsidiary.

A seasoned executive with a diverse background in music, film production and audiovisual entertainment, Beal brings a wealth of experience to this new assignment. Formerly president of National Geographic Music & Radio, Beal was instrumental in the success of the recently launched Nat Geo Music cable channel in Europe, the new global radio service, the creation of the Society's music Web site and National Geographic Cinema Ventures' upcoming distribution of the groundbreaking "U2 3D" feature film in January 2008, announced earlier this week.

In addition, Beal has brought in high-level musical talent to other projects in the Society, including Peter Gabriel, who served as executive music producer and performer on the giant-screen film "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure"; Aimee Mann and Grant Lee Phillips, who wrote and performed on the feature film "Arctic Tale". He was also involved in the Kokua Festival, a television special featuring Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Willie Nelson and Damian Marley, which aired worldwide on the National Geographic Channel on Earth Day 2007.

Prior to being named president of National Geographic Music & Radio earlier this year, Beal was president of Palm Pictures and oversaw the creative divisions of Palm, which included film, DVD and interactive technologies, working with Chairman Chris Blackwell to implement a multiplatform strategy. Beal also has served as CEO of a Web technology business, scored films and worked as a musician for such artists as Madonna, Julian Lennon, Peter Gabriel and Joe Cocker.

"David's knowledge, connections and skill have already been of enormous benefit to National Geographic," Kelly said. "Our entertainment assets -- from the Academy Award-winning 'March of the Penguins' to our new 'Mama Mirabelle' series on PBS and BBC -- have great potential, and David is the perfect talent to manage these rapidly growing entertainment operations. His energy, creativity and entrepreneurial vision will be enormously important as we seek new ways to harness our skills to inspire people to care about the planet."

"In recent years I've watched the entertainment landscape change and distribution barriers fall away," said Beal. "This new structure allows us to put our entertainment assets together and leverage all of our resources with the full power and global reach of the brand behind us. National Geographic Entertainment now has the ability to make a larger impact in the entertainment media landscape. I'm excited about the potential and what we can achieve here."

About National Geographic Ventures
National Geographic Ventures (NGV) is a wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. NGV, part of National Geographic Global Media, includes National Geographic Television Production and Distribution, National Geographic Television International, National Geographic Entertainment -- which includes National Geographic's Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Music & Radio and Home Entertainment units -- National Geographic Digital Media, including Digital Motion (formerly the Film Library) and nationalgeographic.com, and National Geographic Maps. NGV also oversees National Geographic's interests in the National Geographic Channels. NGV creates and distributes content across multiple platforms and in multiple media formats.

About National Geographic Global Media
National Geographic Global Media combines the consumer content units of National Geographic into one group, including those of the National Geographic Society (NGS), comprising National Geographic Book Publishing and the National Geographic Magazine Group, and those of National Geographic Ventures, a wholly owned taxable subsidiary of NGS that includes National Geographic's Television Production and Distribution, Maps, Digital Media and Entertainment divisions. These consumer media units utilize multiple platforms and multiple media formats to advance National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S ALL ROADS FILM PROJECT BRINGS TOGETHER NEW VOICES AND FIRST STORIES IN FOURTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FILM, PHOTOGRAPHY, LIVE MUSIC

2007-09-28

WASHINGTON (Sept. 24, 2007)--A quiet, unassuming, young Native American woman competes to represent her nation in the most traditional of all beauty pageants. A gang of Mexican wrestlers dons colorful costumes and formulates colorful rhetoric to take on the slumlords and bureaucrats that threaten their communities. A humble Aymara farmer makes an unlikely bid to become the first indigenous Bolivian president on a pro-coca platform. These stories and more converge to bring audiences the contemporary tales of indigenous and under-represented minority cultures in the fourth annual National Geographic All Roads Film Festival, to be held Sept. 27-30 at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles and Oct. 4-7 at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. The four-day event will also feature a walk-through photography exhibit and music concert in both cities. In Washington, the event will include an art market.

New this year, All Roads will curate an online film festival, rolling out 20 short-subject films on www.nationalgeographic.com/allroads beginning Monday, Sept. 24. This latest initiative seeks to further connect audiences to indigenous film through partnerships with such popular venues as iTunes, YouTube and Second Life.

Some of this year's stand-out films include "Super Amigos," a feature documentary by Arturo Pérez Torres that combines live-action with comic-book-style animation to depict a group of Lucha Libre wrestlers who have taken their fight to the streets of Mexico City, and "Miss Navajo," a feature documentary by All Roads seed grantee Billy Luther (Navajo/Hopi/Laguna Pueblo), that follows the contestants of the Miss Navajo Nation competition.

Exclusive to Washington, D.C., the heralded films "Enemies of Happiness," by filmmakers Eva Mulvad and Anja Al-Erhayem, and "Cocalero," by director Alejandro Landes, will show the political process from two separate perspectives, as an Iraqi woman and an indigenous Aymara coca farmer endure racist and sexist insults, and sometimes death threats, in a quest to attain public office.

"The theme for this year's festival, 'New Voices, First Stories,' exemplifies our mission to identify and promote the work of up-and-coming filmmakers, photographers and musicians who have fascinating stories to tell about their cultures and communities," said Francene Blythe, director of the All Roads Film Project. "To overlook these stories is to ignore a vital part of our history as a global community, and thus All Roads will always seek out these films and make them accessible to a broader audience."

This year's festival will present four programming strands: "Women Hold Up Half the Sky," a spotlight on women filmmakers; "Ancestors, Elders and Land," highlighting the connection between native people and their land; "Under the Same Sun," a look at the struggle that people endure as they confront dual cultural identities; and "Shorts from Around the World," a showcase of short-subject films depicting a wide array of global cultures. Films represent a diverse range of countries and cultures, including Afghanistan, Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Finland, India, Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan, Mexico, New Zealand, Tonga (South Pacific Islands), Turkey and the United States.

All Roads will feature the world premiere of "A Shout Into the Wind," by seed grantee Katja Gauriloff (Skolt Sámi). U.S. debuts include "Waban-Aki," by First Nation filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin; "Crocodile Dreaming," by Aboriginal director Darlene Johnson (seed grantee); "Daf," by Kurdish filmmaker Bahman Ghobadi; "Hush," by Aboriginal director Dena Curtis; "Land & Airwaves," by First Nations filmmakers Patrick Boivin and Alland Flamand; "My Brother Vinnie," by Aboriginal director Steven McGregor; "Nana," by Aboriginal filmmaker Warwick Thornton; "Taua," by Maori director Tearepa Kahi (seed grantee); and "Tavake," by South Pacific Islander Paul Stoll.

Premiering in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., are features "Dol," by Kurdish director Hiner Saleem, and "Four Sheets to the Wind," by Native American director and seed grantee Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Creek). Shorts "Menged," by Ethiopian director Daniel Taye Workou, and "133 Skyway," by Native American filmmaker Randy Redroad, will also make their debuts.

This year's photography program, sponsored by Manfrotto, highlights the works of Kashmir photographer Altaf Qadri, whose photo essay "Kashmir: Paradise in Pain" depicts the toll the Indian occupation of Kashmir has taken upon its people; Israeli photographer Oded Balilty, whose photo essay "Along the Lines" explores how Israel's construction of its protective fence contributes to the further separation and removal of the Israeli and Palestinian people; Nigerian photographer Akitunde Akinleye, whose photo essay "The Troubles of a Blessed Country" documents the resulting chaos from a fire at a petroleum pipeline ruptured by local scavengers; and Chinese/Inner Mongolian photographer A Yin, whose photo essay "Highland Mongolian Life" beautifully captures the traditional way of life of the people of the Mongolian highlands. The awardees' work will be exhibited in the courtyards of the Egyptian Theatre and National Geographic Society.

Balkan Beat Box will headline the Friday night music concert in both cities, marking its West Coast debut. The group will be performing songs from its just-released second album "Nu Med." Made up of Israeli, Palestinian, Bulgarian, Moroccan and Spanish musicians now based in New York, Balkan Beat Box melds beats from all over the Mediterranean, giving its music an eclectic sound that combines dancehall grooves with hip hop beats, infused with Jewish, Balkan, Arabic, Syrian, European, Moroccan and American influences. TimeOut New York has compared Balkan Beat Box's live show to an "electronic gypsy circus," and Entertainment Weekly has described the music as "grooves... fueled by Manischewitz wine and a big dose of punk 'tude."

The All Roads Film Festival is part of the All Roads Film Project, a National Geographic initiative to provide a global platform for indigenous and under-represented minority-culture storytellers around the world to showcase their talents and teach a broader audience about their cultures. In addition to providing a venue for their films, All Roads offers its filmmakers and photographers a series of networking opportunities with leaders of the film and photographic community. The All Roads Film Project awards a minimum of 10 seed grants a year to support the development and production of film and video projects by or about the indigenous and under-represented minority-culture film community. Seed grant recipients are considered for inclusion in the All Roads Film Festival and other National Geographic-affiliated broadcast outlets. The All Roads Photography Program provides photographers with seed money, cameras and photography equipment to assist with their fieldwork.
For more information on All Roads, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/allroads.

Established in 1981, the American Cinematheque is a nonprofit viewer-supported film exhibition and cultural organization dedicated to the celebration of the Moving Picture in all of its forms. The Cinematheque presents daily film and video programming, which ranges from the classics of American and international cinema to new independent films and digital work. Exhibitions of rare works, special and rare prints, etc., combined with fascinating post-screening discussions with the filmmakers who created the work, are Cinematheque traditions that keep audiences coming back for once-in-a-lifetime cinema experiences. The American Cinematheque renovated and reopened (on Dec. 4, 1998) the historic 1922 Hollywood Egyptian Theatre. This includes a state-of-the-art 616-seat theatre and a smaller 78-seat screening room housed within Sid Grauman's first grand movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard. The exotic courtyard is fully restored to its 1922 grandeur. The Egyptian was the home of the very first Hollywood movie premiere in 1922. In January 2005 the American Cinematheque expanded its programming to the 1940 Aero Theatre on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. www.americancinematheque.com.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSIC & RADIO TEAMS UP WITH SALEM RADIO NETWORK ON WEEKLY SYNDICATED RADIO PROGRAMMING

2007-09-04

WASHINGTON (Sept. 4, 2007)--National Geographic Music & Radio (NGMR) announced today a new, weekly, 2-hour radio program targeting family audiences and hosted by seasoned reporter and world adventurer Boyd Matson. Produced by National Geographic, the series, which debuts this month, will tap the world's great storytellers, explorers, scientists, photographers and filmmakers. "National Geographic Weekend" is distributed by Salem Radio Network (SRN), which has cleared stations nationwide, including in Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Seattle, Detroit, San Diego and many other radio markets.

"National Geographic Weekend" was conceived of as a virtual campfire, where radio listeners share the exhilaration of being in the field with explorers and scientists working in the farthest corners of the globe. Matson will conduct interviews both in-studio and from locations around the world. The first episodes feature chats with National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert, renowned naturalists and filmmakers, and another Explorer-in-Residence, Robert Ballard, who more than 20 years ago found the Titanic and continues to explore the world's deep oceans for clues to our past.

"Boyd Matson embodies the spirit of National Geographic's mission, which is all about telling stories that inspire people to care about the planet," said Mark Bauman, executive vice president, NGMR. "The goal of 'National Geographic Weekend' is to get out there with him and the dozens of adventurers and scientists we work with every day and give them a way to tell their incredible stories in an intimate, spontaneous way."

"'National Geographic Weekend' delivers an entirely new concept in weekend programming," said Tom Tradup, vice president of News and Talk Programming, SRN. "National Geographic is the ideal partner to deliver the stories to engage and excite listeners around the country with its amazing tales from around the world."

Matson, who for seven years hosted the "National Geographic Explorer" television program on TBS and MSNBC, is the host of "Wild Chronicles," a public television series sponsored by National Geographic Mission Programs that begins its third season this October. He started his journalism career in radio and quickly moved to television, mainly with NBC News. He was a senior correspondent on NBC "Today" and an anchor at ABC "World News Now" before signing on with National Geographic, which has taken him with ever increasing frequency into the field on challenging assignments. He has reported from Everest base camp, from the ocean bottom while using "re-breathing" scuba gear and feeding sharks at the same time, and from an ultralight aircraft while teaching rare whooping cranes to migrate from Wisconsin to Florida. In addition to his work on "Wild Chronicles" and "National Geographic Weekend," Matson writes a monthly travel column for National Geographic Traveler magazine.

About National Geographic Music & Radio
National Geographic Music & Radio is a business unit of National Geographic Ventures (NGV), which is a wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of National Geographic Society, one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the National Geographic Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. NGV includes National Geographic Television production and distribution, National Geographic Television International, National Geographic Films and National Geographic Giant Screen Films, Kids Entertainment, National Geographic Home Entertainment, National Geographic Music & Radio, Digital Media including Digital Motion (formerly the Film Library) and Nationalgeographic.com, as well as National Geographic Maps. NGV creates and distributes content across multi-platforms and media that provide outlets for the hundreds of scientific and expedition-based grants awarded each year. For more information, go to www.nationalgeographic.com.

About SRN
Salem Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: SALM) is a leading U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider, and magazine and book publisher. In addition to its radio properties, Salem owns Salem Radio Network®, which syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,000 affiliates; Salem Radio Representatives™, a national radio advertising sales force; Salem Web Network™, an Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming; and Salem Publishing™, a publisher of Christian-themed magazines. Upon the close of all announced transactions, the company will own 97 radio stations, including 61 stations in 23 of the top 25 markets. Additional information about Salem may be accessed at www.salem.cc.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S ALL ROADS FILM PROJECT BRINGS TOGETHER NEW VOICES AND FIRST STORIES IN FOURTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FILM, PHOTOGRAPHY, LIVE MUSIC

2007-08-16

WASHINGTON (Aug. 15, 2007)--A quiet, unassuming, young Native American woman competes to represent her nation in the most traditional of all beauty pageants. A gang of Mexican wrestlers dons colorful costumes and formulates colorful rhetoric to take on the slumlords and bureaucrats that threaten their communities. A humble Aymara farmer makes an unlikely bid to become the first indigenous Bolivian president on a pro-coca platform. These stories and more converge to bring audiences the contemporary tales of indigenous and under-represented minority cultures in the fourth annual National Geographic All Roads Film Festival, to be held Sept. 27-30 at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles and Oct. 4-7 at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. The four-day event will also feature a walk-through photography exhibit and music concert in both cities. In Washington, the event will include an art market.
Some of this year's stand-out films include "Super Amigos," a feature documentary by Arturo Pérez Torres that combines live-action with comic-book-style animation to depict a group of Lucha Libre wrestlers who have taken their fight to the streets of Mexico City, and "Miss Navajo," a feature documentary by All Roads seed grantee Billy Luther (Navajo/Hopi/Laguna Pueblo), that follows the contestants of the Miss Navajo Nation competition.
Exclusive to Washington, D.C., the heralded films "Enemies of Happiness," by filmmakers Eva Mulvad and Anja Al-Erhayem, and "Cocalero," by director Alejandro Landes, will show the political process from two separate perspectives, as an Iraqi woman and an indigenous Aymara coca farmer endure racist and sexist insults, and sometimes death threats, in a quest to attain public office.
"The theme for this year's festival, 'New Voices, First Stories,' exemplifies our mission to identify and promote the work of up-and-coming filmmakers, photographers and musicians who have fascinating stories to tell about their cultures and communities," said Francene Blythe, director of the All Roads Film Project. "To overlook these stories is to ignore a vital part of our history as a global community, and thus All Roads will always seek out these films and make them accessible to a broader audience."
This year's festival will present four programming strands: "Women Hold Up Half the Sky," a spotlight on women filmmakers; "Ancestors, Elders and Land," highlighting the connection between native people and their land; "Under the Same Sun," a look at the struggle that people endure as they confront dual cultural identities; and "Shorts from Around the World," a showcase of short-subject films depicting a wide array of global cultures. Films represent a diverse range of countries and cultures, including Afghanistan, Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Finland, India, Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan, Mexico, New Zealand, Tonga (South Pacific Islands), Turkey and the United States.
All Roads will feature the world premiere of "A Shout Into the Wind," by seed grantee Katja Gauriloff (Skolt Sámi). U.S. debuts include "Waban-Aki," by First Nation filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin; "Crocodile Dreaming," by Aboriginal director Darlene Johnson (seed grantee); "Daf," by Kurdish filmmaker Bahman Ghobadi; "Hush," by Aboriginal director Dena Curtis; "Land & Airwaves," by First Nations filmmakers Patrick Boivin and Alland Flamand; "My Brother Vinnie," by Aboriginal director Steven McGregor; "Nana," by Aboriginal filmmaker Warwick Thornton; "Taua," by Maori director Tearepa Kahi (seed grantee); and "Tavake," by South Pacific Islander Paul Stoll.
Premiering in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., are features "Dol," by Kurdish director Hiner Saleem, and "Four Sheets to the Wind," by Native American director and seed grantee Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Creek). Shorts "Menged," by Ethiopian director Daniel Taye Workou, and "133 Skyway," by Native American filmmaker Randy Redroad, will also make their local debuts.
This year's photography program highlights the works of Kashmiri photographer Altaf Qadri, whose photo essay "Kashmir: Paradise in Pain" depicts the toll the Indian occupation of Kashmir has taken upon its people; Israeli photographer Oded Balilty, whose photo essay "Along the Lines" explores how Israel's construction of its protective fence contributes to the further separation and removal of the Israeli and Palestinian people; Nigerian photographer Akitunde Akinleye, whose photo essay "The Troubles of a Blessed Country" documents the resulting chaos from a fire at a petroleum pipeline ruptured by local scavengers; and Chinese/Inner Mongolian photographer A Yin, whose photo essay "Highland Mongolian Life" beautifully captures the traditional way of life of the people of the Mongolian highlands. Adobe is a sponsor of this year's photography program. The awardees' work will be exhibited in the courtyards of the Egyptian Theatre and National Geographic Society.
Balkan Beat Box will headline the Friday night music concert in both cities, marking its West Coast debut. The group will be performing songs from its just-released second album "Nu Med." Made up of Israeli, Palestinian, Bulgarian, Moroccan and Spanish musicians now based in New York, Balkan Beat Box melds rhythms from all over the Mediterranean, giving its music an eclectic sound that combines dancehall grooves with hip hop beats, infused with Jewish, Balkan, Arabic, Syrian, European, Moroccan and American influences. TimeOut New York has compared Balkan Beat Box's live show to an "electronic gypsy circus," and Entertainment Weekly has described the music as "grooves... fueled by Manischewitz wine and a big dose of punk 'tude."
For ticket information in Los Angeles, please call 323.466.3456 (FILM) or order online through www.fandango.com. In Washington, DC tickets can be ordered online at www.tickets.com or by calling 202-857-7700.
The All Roads Film Festival is part of the All Roads Film Project, a National Geographic initiative to provide a global platform for indigenous and under-represented minority-culture storytellers around the world to showcase their talents and teach a broader audience about their cultures. In addition to providing a venue for their films, All Roads offers its filmmakers and photographers a series of networking opportunities with leaders of the film and photographic community. The All Roads Film Project awards a minimum of 10 seed grants a year to support the development and production of film and video projects by or about the indigenous and under-represented minority-culture film community. Seed grant recipients are considered for inclusion in the All Roads Film Festival and other National Geographic-affiliated broadcast outlets. The All Roads Photography Program provides photographers with seed money, cameras and photography equipment to assist with their fieldwork.
For more information on All Roads, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/allroads.
Established in 1981, the American Cinematheque is a nonprofit viewer-supported film exhibition and cultural organization dedicated to the celebration of the Moving Picture in all of its forms. The Cinematheque presents daily film and video programming, which ranges from the classics of American and international cinema to new independent films and digital work. Exhibitions of rare works, special and rare prints, etc., combined with fascinating post-screening discussions with the filmmakers who created the work, are Cinematheque traditions that keep audiences coming back for once-in-a-lifetime cinema experiences. The American Cinematheque renovated and reopened (on Dec. 4, 1998) the historic 1922 Hollywood Egyptian Theatre. This includes a state-of-the-art 616-seat theatre and a smaller 78-seat screening room housed within Sid Grauman's first grand movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard. The exotic courtyard is fully restored to its 1922 grandeur. The Egyptian was the home of the very first Hollywood movie premiere in 1922. In January 2005 the American Cinematheque expanded its programming to the 1940 Aero Theatre on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. www.americancinematheque.com.
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For images, please visit: http://ftp.nationalgeographic.com/pressroom/all_roads_2007/
username: press; password: press; or email Adrian Coakley at acoakley@ngs.org.