PARTHENON SET TO LIGHT THE OCEAN

WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL

(Washington, DC – February 2, 2012)  National Geographic Channel has commissioned Parthenon Entertainment to produce Light the Ocean, which uses specially developed computer animation software and the latest scientific research to make the ocean transparent and reveal spectacular underwater landscapes and hidden structures.  The high-definition, one-hour special will premiere on National Geographic Channel in spring 2012. 

Light the Ocean offers an entirely new perspective on the ocean world.  The computer animation software allows light to reach the deepest recesses of the ocean, illustrating how landscapes and water interact on unimaginable scales, and create a realm as diverse in habitats as anywhere on dry land.  Taking an underwater journey around the globe, Light the Ocean traverses over a stunning underwater waterfall that plunges over three kilometres into abyssal depths, underwater plains that cover half the planet, and coral gardens and giant canyons hidden beneath Antarctic waters.

Commenting on the commission, Michael Cascio, Executive Vice President of Programming, said:

“Brimming with life and landscapes that go mostly unseen, the oceans remain one of the greatest and most fascinating mysteries on our planet.  Light the Ocean allows National Geographic Channel viewers to experience the ocean in an entirely new way – removing visual barriers to illustrate a breath-taking underwater world normally concealed kilometres below the surface, and we are excited to partner with Parthenon on this project.”

Danny Tipping, Director of Production at Parthenon Entertainment, added:

“We have nurtured a very special relationship with NGCI over the years. This new documentary demonstrates our world-class capabilities in both advanced CGI and natural history programming.”

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNELS INTERNATIONAL

National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) inspires viewers through its smart, innovative programming that questions what we know, how we view the world and what drives us forward.  A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Ventures and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its six channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Wild HD, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S., which is a joint venture of NGV and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in more than 380 million homes in 165 countries and 38 languages. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.

For further information, please contact:

Sean Harris

Director of PR and Marketing

Parthenon Entertainment

01923 286886

Email: sean.harris@parthenonentertainment.com

Victoria Kirker

National Geographic Channels International

Tel: +1 202 912 3204

Email: vkirker@natgeotv.com