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Pitch an idea
  • What type of programming does NGCI look for? Our best programming is entertaining and innovative, distinguished by strong central characters that drive the action of a compelling story. Although we are open to virtually any documentary genre, we are especially interested in natural history (wildlife), natural phenomena, adventure, world cultures, science & technology with a 3 year shelf life, sexy archaeology, and history with a modern hook. Programs must be targeted for adult audiences, and must be factually accurate.
  • What type of programming does NGC-US look for? NGC-US’s programming strategy includes a wide range of genres including (but not limited to): engineering/construction, history, ancient riddles and mysteries, dangerous jobs, blue-chip natural history, world cultures, science, natural phenomena and exploration. Our prime time schedule is built with one-hour slots. With few exceptions, all of our programs must be shot in HD.
  • What materials are required with my submission?
    • Story treatment/proposal
    • Detailed budget with summary page preferred, estimated budget acceptable, finance plan if available
    • Estimated production schedule/delivery date
    • Bio of producer/director
    • Promo, rough cut, or sample DVD of producer's work (or link to natgeoadventure.tv profile)
    • Existing co-production partners, if any
    • Character reel if show is presenter led or particularly character dependent
  • Do I have to submit a line item budget? A completed line item budget is not required with your submission, but it is preferred. A budget estimate is enough to get your submission moving through the networks’ development processes. If either of the networks shows a strong interest in your project, however, you will be required to submit a full line item budget with summary page.
  • Should my DVDs be PAL or NTSC? We prefer demo reels of past work, character reels, etc. to be NTSC, but PAL is acceptable
  • What is the difference between NGCI, NGC-US and NGT&F? National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) is a global documentary channel reaching 190 million homes across 165 countries internationally (excluding the USA). Launched in 1997, NGCI is a business enterprise between National Geographic Television and Fox Entertainment Group.

    National Geographic Channel US (NGC-US) is a joint venture between National Geographic Television and Film and Fox Cable Networks Group. The National Geographic Channel launched in January 2001 and is currently available to more than 68 million subscribers across the United States.

    National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F) is a subsidiary of National Geographic Ventures. It creates programming for NGCI, NGC-US, PBS, other broadcast networks and other cable networks.
  • How does the NGCI review process work? When a proposal and supporting materials are received by NGCI, the idea is assigned to a Development Executive for review. The Development Team is made up of filmmakers on staff who are well versed in what the Channels needs are at a given time. Once the proposal has been reviewed by the Development Executive, the idea is brought to the NGCI Development Team's pre-screening meeting. If it's determined that the program/series may fit into our present programming strategy the proposal moves to the next stage in our development process, the NGCI First Cut Meeting. If a proposal makes the cut, it goes to the Global Programming Group where our programming executives make the final determination. If the proposal gets the go head from the Global Programming Group, an NGCI Account Executive is assigned to the project and the deal making process begins. If a proposal is rejected at any stage, the NGCI Development Team will inform the producer.
  • How does the NGC-US review process work? When a proposal and supporting materials are received by NGC-US, they are initially reviewed by individual members of the development team who pre-screen the proposal. From there each proposal must go through a series of screening and development meetings. Around five percent of proposals make it to the final development meeting where the team weighs the proposals against a variety of criteria, including scheduling need and commercial appeal. This is where the final buy decisions are made. If a project has been greenlit, a Business Affairs representative will contact the producer to make an offer. If a project has been rejected, a development team representative will inform the producer.
  • How long does the review process take? Typically the process takes 6 to 8 weeks, although that can vary based on whether or not we receive all the materials at once or piecemeal.
  • Do I have to agree to the legal submission? Yes. We cannot review a proposal without the submitting party first agreeing to the legal release. No changes can be made to the agreement.
  • Will my submitted materials be returned? No. Because of the large volume of proposals we receive, we are not able to return submitted materials.
  • Can I talk to someone about my idea before submitting it? Because every proposal and even every concept must be discussed by the Development Team, submitting just an idea without the supporting materials can lengthen the review process by weeks. We much prefer to receive the entire package at once so we can make a thorough and informed decision.
  • Can I pitch NGCI in person? Due to the sheer volume of proposals we receive, we are not able to hear individual pitches, so it is important that each proposal speaks for itself. Our programming teams attend most television markets where they meet face to face with as many producers as possible.
  • If I am sending in a DVD, where do I send it? If your DVD is supporting a proposal submitted to NGCI, please be sure to label the DVD with your proposal’s unique NGCI submission ID#, and send to:

    NCGIdeas.com

    c/o National Geographic Channels International
    1145 17th Street NW
    Washington DC 20036
    USA
    Tel: (202) 912-6500 (If required by carrier)

    If your DVD is supporting a proposal submitted to NGC-US, please be sure to label the DVD with your proposal’s unique NGC-US submission ID#, and send to:

    NGCIdeas.com

    c/o National Geographic Channel US
    1145 17th Street NW
    Washington DC 20036
    USA
    Tel: (202) 912-6500 (If required by carrier)

    PLEASE NOTE: If you are submitting a proposal to both NGCI and NGC-US, you must send separate DVD materials to each of the addresses above.
  • If I submit a proposal to NGCI or NGC-US, will it automatically be reviewed by both Networks? No! NGC-US and NGCI reserve the right to share proposal information between them, however there is no guarantee that this will happen.
  • How do I submit a proposal to both NGCI and NGC-US? Choose the appropriate network (NGCI or NGC-US) to which you would first like to submit. After you submit your proposal, you will receive a confirmation page with an option to send the same proposal to the other network for review. You will then have the opportunity to edit your proposal before formally submitting to the second network.

    Please note that each network has its own review process. You’ll be able to track the progress of your proposal through these review processes by clicking on 'My account'.
  • How do I submit a program/series that has already been completed? Completed programs/series should be submitted to the National Geographic Channel Global Acquisitions team for consideration. Please send screeners and materials to the attention of:

    Stephanie Wolf
    National Geographic Channels International
    v1145 17th Street, NW
    Washington, DC 20036-4688
    USA

    Email: swolf@ngs.org

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