THE MAKING OF: A NAT GEO PODCAST

Episode 33: Executive Producers Jun 07, 2022

Executive Producers, Jane Root and Graham Booth, undertook the most epic project of their career with the National Geographic series Welcome To Earth. In this episode, Jane and Graham speak with host Chris Albert about the vision for the genre-busting series, which spanned 92 shoots, 34 countries and all seven continents. They discuss the logistics of a 100+ person production team with an A-list star, filming in some of the most dangerous places in the world, with a unique cinematic style, an experimental soundtrack and buddy-movie vibe, all with the goal of encouraging viewers of all backgrounds to reconnect with the earth.

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Episode 32: Sound Jun 07, 2022

In this episode, host Chris Albert is joined by Emmy-nominated sound mixer, Tony Volante, who contributed his expertise to two current National Geographic films, Fauci and We Feed People. Volante shares his approach for designing sound on documentaries that blend archival footage, talking-head interviews and in-the-moment action, in order to add to the films’ emotional impact and cinematic value. He also shares what drew him to sound mixing in the first place and these two films in particular, and his advice for anyone interested in pursuing sound design as a career.

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Episode 31: Editors Jun 06, 2022

Joining host Chris Albert for this episode are National Geographic film editors Felix Black (Welcome To Earth), Jenny Nelson (Life Below Zero) and Andrew Morreale (We Feed People). The editors share what it takes to piece together a cohesive story out of hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of footage, collaborating with their directors, cinematographers and the rest of the teams. They each break down the anatomy of one scene, from the editor’s point of view and conclude with what drew them to editing in the first place.

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Episode 30: Directors May 31, 2022

Host Chris Albert is joined by three award-winning National Geographic directors to discuss their latest documentaries. National Geographic director Ron Howard’s film, We Feed People follows chef Jose Andres and his team of volunteers at World Central Kitchen. Joining Ron are John Hoffman and Janet Tobias, co-directors of the National Geographic film, Fauci, which follows Dr. Anthony Fauci in his COVID bubble in 2020, juxtaposed against his efforts to find a vaccine for AIDS in the 1980’s. The directors discuss the trust required, not only with Andres and Fauci, but with their families as well, in order to reveal their full humanity. The directors also describe the filmmaking process required to combine hundreds of hours of archival footage with new material to weave a powerful, emotional story.

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Episode 29: Score May 31, 2022

Academy-Award nominated and Emmy-winning composer, Daniel Pemberton, joins host Chris Albert to discuss his electronic-infused score for National Geographic’s Welcome To Earth. Daniel, a prolific composer of soundtracks for The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse, and more, shares his creative process, the audio palette for the project, and how he challenged himself to create the original, otherworldly compositions. Executive Producer Darren Aronofsky brought his vision to the project, hosted by Will Smith.

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Episode 28: Cinematographers May 31, 2022

National Geographic Cinematographers Brendan McGinty and Sim Houtman share stories of the ambitious undertakings of their respective docu-series, Welcome to Earth and Life Below Zero. McGinty and Houtman explain to host Chris Albert how they, and their cameras, faced extreme conditions, whether dangling over the edge of an active volcano, traveling 1000 feet under the ocean to film bioluminescence, or amidst the harsh landscapes of Alaska, sometimes in minus-50 degree weather. They also share how filming such spectacular natural wonders impacted them personally.

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Episode 27: “Secrets of the Whales” Part 2 with Executive Producer, Writer and Director Brian Armstrong & Composer Raphaelle Thibault Jun 03, 2021

Executive producer/writer/director Brian Armstrong explains the challenges of directing the “stars” of National Geographic’s documentary series “Secrets of the Whales,” streaming now on Disney+ During three years of filming, Armstrong and his crew had to be prepared for almost any possibility while following their unpredictable subjects through all kinds of weather and water conditions. Composer Raphaelle Thibault tells Stacey Wilson Hunt that, as a new mother, her writing was inspired by the compassion and leadership of the female whales.

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Episode 26: "Genius: Aretha" Part 4 – Behind the Scenes with Executive Producer and Director Anthony Hemingway May 28, 2021

Executive Producer and Director Anthony Hemingway joins host Stacey Wilson Hunt to discuss National Geographic’s “Genius: Aretha”. Anthony reveals how a career that began as a production assistant progressed to directing and producing, which eventually earned him an Emmy® Award.

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Episode 25: "Genius: Aretha" Part 3 - Becoming Aretha with Cynthia Erivo, Coree Moreno and Terrell Mullin May 18, 2021

Oscar-nominated, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner Cynthia Erivo discusses her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in National Geographic’s “Genius: Aretha”, a performance that has been called “incandescent” by The New York Times. To project both confidence and vulnerability, and sing Aretha’s songs -- all in the same ways Aretha had -- Cynthia did extensive research, and she enjoyed the challenge. “I like having to learn,” she tells host Stacey Wilson Hunt. “I like coming out different than I went in.” The podcast episode concludes with Stacey talking to Cynthia’s hair and makeup artists who helped her look and feel like Aretha. Hairstylist Coree Moreno and makeup artist Terrell Mullin explain that they also strived for authenticity out of “respect” for both Aretha and Cynthia.

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Episode 24: "IMPACT with Gal Gadot" – Behind the Scenes with Women of Wonder Gal Gadot and Vanessa Roth May 06, 2021

"National Geographic Presents: IMPACT with Gal Gadot" executive producer and host Gal Gadot and executive producer and series director Vanessa Roth join host Stacey Wilson Hunt to discuss how they were inspired to make this compelling new six-part short-form documentary series. Gal, the respected actress from Wonder Woman and other roles, explains how she hopes the program will have a positive impact of its own by empowering and creating a community for people who want to help others. Award-winning director Vanessa Roth reflects on the inspiring women who are profiled in the series and the complicated logistics of filming their stories all over the world during a pandemic.

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Episode 23: “Secrets of the Whales” with Nat Geo Photographer & Explorer Brian Skerry Apr 21, 2021

National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry discusses the three-year endeavor to make the new 4-part Disney+ documentary series Secrets of the Whales. Skerry explains to host Stacey Wilson Hunt the skills and patience needed to capture never-seen-before moments in the lives of whales, including the use of cutting edge camera technology. Executive Producer James Cameron, a lifelong diver himself, added his master storytelling touch to the project, along with narrator Sigourney Weaver.

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Episode 22: Behind the Scenes of "Race to the Center of the Earth" with Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri Mar 25, 2021

“Race to the Center of the Earth” executive producers Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri discuss the series’ unique concept, combining the excitement of the producers’ Emmy© winning series “The Amazing Race” with the grittiness of a survival show and National Geographic’s stunning cinematic style. Host Stacey Wilson Hunt asks about the group dynamics involved in casting, the stamina and artistry of the crew, and the challenging terrains they encountered around the world.

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Episode 21: "Genius: Aretha" Part 2 – Behind the Scenes with Producers Brian Grazer and Suzan-Lori Parks Mar 17, 2021

Executive producers Brian Grazer and Suzan-Lori Parks join host Stacey Wilson Hunt to discuss National Geographic’s "Genius: Aretha." Considered by many to be geniuses in their own right, Suzan-Lori and Brian explain how the third season of the Emmy-winning "Genius" series was developed, from deciding to tell the story of “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, to writing, casting of Cynthia Erivo and other key roles, the music and production.

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Episode 20: "Genius: Aretha" Part 1 - Crafts with Jennifer Bryan, Dondraico Johnson & Kevin McKnight Feb 04, 2021

National Geographic’s Emmy-winning series “Genius” returns for a third season with “Genius: Aretha,” a dramatization of the life and career of Aretha Franklin. The legendary singer-songwriter follows Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso as the subject of the anthology series. In this episode of “The Making Of…”, host Stacey Wilson Hunt interviews costume designer Jennifer Bryan, choreographer Dondraico Johnson and cinematographer Kevin McKnight about the challenges of recreating many decades of Aretha’s groundbreaking style and talent.

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Episode 19: The Making of "Trafficked" with Mariana Van Zeller Nov 25, 2020

The stories behind-the-camera are nearly as exciting as the ones that are shown in National Geographic’s new eight-part series Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller. In this episode, Peabody Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller tells host Stacey Wilson Hunt about the risks she and her crew were willing to take to get incredible inside access to black markets around the globe. She gained the trust of the people who inhabit these secretive underground worlds, she says, by approaching them without judgment and found that the people operating these smuggling networks are “more like us than we like to think.”

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Episode 18: Behind the Scenes of “Rebuilding Paradise” With Producers Sara Bernstein and Xan Parker and Subject Michelle John Nov 17, 2020

National Geographic Documentary Films’ new documentary Rebuilding Paradise begins with the tragic wildfire that destroyed most of the town of Paradise, California, on Nov. 8, 2018. What it then reveals is the astounding determination of the people of Paradise to rebuild their community and their lives. Host Stacey Wilson Hunt talks with local school superintendent Michelle John, along with producers Sara Bernstein and Xan Parker, as they share stories of inspiration and the human capacity to overcome hardship as well as working alongside director Ron Howard to tell this story.

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Episode 17: Rising from the Ashes: A Conversation with “Rebuilding Paradise” Director Ron Howard Nov 17, 2020

A few days after most of the town of Paradise, California, was tragically burned to the ground in 2018, legendary filmmaker Ron Howard sent a crew. But unlike the other media that descended upon the picturesque town, Howard’s team would be alongside its residents for months, chronicling their future rather than dwelling on tragedy. Howard explains to host Stacey Wilson Hunt how his team gained the trust of the people of Paradise and came to admire their strength, tenacity and optimism.

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Episode 16: “City So Real”’s Ears, Eyes and Editor: A Chat With Zak Piper, Kevin Shaw and David E. Simpson Nov 17, 2020

While a good documentary can leave viewers fascinated by its subject, creating “City So Real”has had the same effect on its production team. Host Stacey Wilson Hunt explores the making of National Geographic’s new five-part documentary series about modern-day Chicago with producer and sound recordist Zak Piper, cinematographer Kevin Shaw, and editor David E. Simpson. The result is one of the most critically acclaimed docuseries of 2020.

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Episode 15: Extreme Close-Up on Chicago – and America - with “City So Real” Filmmaker Steve James Oct 23, 2020

The five-part documentary series “City So Real” from Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Steve James (“Hoop Dreams,” “America to Me”) is a fascinating portrait of contemporary Chicago, delivering a deep, multifaceted look into the soul of a quintessentially American city. James shares his intimate understanding of his adopted hometown with host Stacey Wilson Hunt and the filmmaking and storytelling challenges of putting together a complex story like this one.

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Episode 14: Inside the Immigration Crisis with “Blood on the Wall” Directors Sebastian Junger and Nick Quested Oct 06, 2020

Recent history is shown in fascinating detail in “Blood On The Wall” from National Geographic Documentary Films. Academy Award® nominee and bestselling author, journalist and filmmaker Sebastian Junger and Emmy®-winning filmmaker Nick Quested discuss the heartbreaking realities of corruption in Mexico with host Stacey Wilson Hunt. Quested and Junger reveal how their film crews were able to take viewers inside the lives of Central American migrants traveling together in a caravan and narco-traffickers moving drugs across the U.S. border.

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Episode 13: The Right Stuff” Takes Flight: Actors Patrick J. Adams and Jake McDorman and Producer Jennifer Davisson Oct 03, 2020

The inspiring story of the original U.S. space program is told in a new National Geographic original scripted series for Disney+, “The Right Stuff.” Stacey Wilson Hunt interviews actors Patrick J. Adams (John Glenn), Jake McDorman (Alan Shepard) and executive producer Jennifer Davisson about making their gritty depiction of the astronauts’ competition with both the Russians and each other to be first in space.

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Episode 1: Return to the Cosmos with Neil deGrasse Tyson Jun 13, 2020

The most beloved science franchise on the planet made its highly anticipated return this spring with “Cosmos: Possible Worlds,” which was lauded by CNET as “more important than ever.” Series host and world-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson talks with journalist Stacey Wilson Hunt about the importance of science in the current social and political climate, the legacy of the series, and more.

For more information on “Cosmos: Possible Worlds” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program — Ann Druyan
Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program — Brannon Braga
Outstanding Special Effects
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

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Episode 2: Inside the Brain of Keegan-Michael Key Jun 13, 2020

The new season of the Emmy®-nominated series “Brain Games” features a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests, from actors and musicians to entrepreneurs and athletes. Series host and executive producer Keegan-Michael Key joins Stacey Wilson Hunt to discuss the energy of the new season and his approach to helping the world’s biggest celebrities (and viewers at home) realize their exceptional brain power through fun and highly entertaining interactive games, illusions and social experiments.

For more information on “Brain Games” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special
Outstanding Technical Director, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series
Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program
Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 3: “Barkskins” with Marcia Gay Harden, David Thewlis and Elwood Reid Jun 13, 2020

National Geographic’s limited series “Barkskins” is a sprawling tale of mystery, drama and grit in 17th century New France dubbed “the next great TV epic” by Daily Beast. Showrunner and writer Elwood Reid talks with Stacey Wilson Hunt about adapting Annie Proulx’s epic New York Times bestselling novel, and is joined by cast members David Thewlis and Marcia Gay Harden.

For more information on “Barkskins” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Outstanding Limited Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie — David Thewlis
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie — Marcia Gay Harden
Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special — Elwood Reid
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More)
Outstanding Period Costumes
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 4: Running Wild with Bear Grylls and Bobby Bones Jun 13, 2020

The hit adventure series “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” found its new, rightful home on National Geographic this season, with more action, stunts and visceral moments than ever before. Host and world-renowned survivalist Bear Grylls joins Stacey Wilson Hunt to go behind the scenes of the series, and they’re joined by one of this season’s most popular participants, radio personality Bobby Bones.

For more information on “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Outstanding Structured Reality Program
Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program — Bear Grylls
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 5: Taking the Kitchen Around the World with Gordon Ramsay and Jon Kroll Jun 13, 2020

“Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted” shows a side of the multi-Michelin-star chef that many viewers have never seen before: humble student and adventure junkie. He and showrunner Jon Kroll join host Stacey Wilson Hunt to break down the challenges and thrills of going off-the-grid in pursuit of unfamiliar culinary inspirations, customs and history.

For more information on “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Outstanding Structured Reality Program
Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program – Gordon Ramsay
Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 6: Getting Curious with Jeff Goldblum Jun 13, 2020

The cult of Jeff Goldblum was never more alive and apparent than in his National Geographic original series for Disney+, “The World According to Jeff Goldblum,” which the New York Times called “nearly impossible not to like.” He joins host Stacey Wilson Hunt to discuss how he stays curious, even in quarantine, and shares some of his favorite moments from the series.

For more information on “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:
Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special
Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 7: Creating the “Cosmos” with Ann Druyan and Brannon Braga Jun 13, 2020

The true force behind “Cosmos: Possible Worlds” is Ann Druyan: its creator, writer, director and executive producer. Her journey to the newest season of the series began more than 40 years ago through her partnership with Carl Sagan, her late husband. She joins host Stacey Wilson Hunt with writer and director Brannon Braga to talk about the process of putting the epic series together, and the future and enduring relevance of the cast cosmos itself.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program — Ann Druyan
Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program — Brannon Braga
Outstanding Special Effects
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 8: Music and Storytelling Jun 13, 2020

One of the many crafts that are crucial to creating the drama and emotion of a television program is the score. The composers of “Barkskins,” Colin Stetson, and “Sea of Shadows,” H. Scott Salinas, join host Stacey Wilson Hunt to talk about how they custom-created music for these ambitious projects; how they collaborate with showrunners; and the inspiration behind some of their favorite musical cues in each piece.

For more information on “Barkskins,” “Sea of Shadows” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score) — Colin Stetson, “Barkskins”

Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special (Original Dramatic Score) — H. Scott Salinas, “Sea of Shadows”

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 9: Social Distancing with Life Below Zero Jun 13, 2020

National Geographic’s “Life Below Zero” has been an Emmy®-winning crowd pleaser for more than 100 episodes. The only people tougher than the Alaskans the show follows are the tough crews who brave crazy weather and below zero temperatures to capture the incredible stories. Joining journalist Stacey Wilson Hunt are showrunner Joseph Litzinger, director of photography Michael Cheeseman and one of the series’ fan favorites, Sue Aikens.

For more information on “Life Below Zero” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program
Outstanding Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 10: The Heroism of “The Cave” Jun 13, 2020

Besieged civilians in war-torn Syria find hope and safety underground inside the subterranean hospital known as the Cave. Pediatrician and managing physician Dr. Amani Ballour has claimed her right to work as an equal alongside her male counterparts, doing her job in a way that would be unthinkable in the oppressively patriarchal culture that exists above. Joining host Stacey Wilson Hunt for a powerful conversation are both the subject of “The Cave,” Dr. Amani, and producer Sigrid Dyekjær.

For more information on “The Cave” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking
Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program — Feras Fayyad
Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program
Outstanding Sound Editing and Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction or Reality Program (Single or Multi-Camera)
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 11: The Undeterred Craftswomen of “Barkskins” Jun 13, 2020

For the sweeping limited series “Barkskins,” production designer Isabelle Guay built an entire working 17th-century village in the wilderness of Quebec. Her colleague, costume designer Anna Terrazas, worked with a small group of seamstresses and patternmakers to hand-make every costume. Both join host Stacey Wilson Hunt for an in-depth discussion of their approach to their respective crafts in the series and across their impressive film and TV careers.

For more information on “Barkskins” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Outstanding Limited Series
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More)
Outstanding Period Costumes
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 12: “Sea of Shadows” with Dr. Jane Goodall and Richard Ladkani Jun 13, 2020

The environmental documentary thriller “Sea of Shadows” exposes how Mexican cartels and government corruption have conspired to make the Sea of Cortez’ “vaquita” porpoise among the world’s most endangered species. Director Richard Ladkani joins Stacey Wilson Hunt to discuss the dangers his crew and subjects faced in making the film. They’re joined by legendary conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, a fervent supporter of the film, to discuss how documentaries can serve as rallying cries for the world’s most vulnerable species and ecosystems.

For more information on “Sea of Shadows” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc.

For Your Emmy® Consideration for:

Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking
Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program — Richard Ladkani
Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program
Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special (Original Dramatic Score) — H. Scott Salinas
And all other eligible categories

NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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