Hong Kong 6 October 2005 - National Geographic Channel
and Cathay Pacific Airways are jointly presenting a two-part
television series on Zheng He, which will premiere on the
Channel in December 2005. Cathay Pacific is the exclusive
sponsor of the series in Asia across the Channel's Regional
and Taiwan feeds.
The Zheng He series is a two-hour documentary shot on Super
16mm film. It tells the story of National Geographic photographer
Michael Yamashita's extraordinary adventures in retracing
the voyages of China's greatest explorer, Zheng He.
The series follows Yamashita as he uncovers the sights and
sounds of the far-flung places the Chinese Admiral visited,
offering a unique insight into the legacy of Zheng He and
his exploits. Between 1405 and 1433, Zheng He led seven epic
voyages to more than 30 countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia,
Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Tanzania. The voyages
were the biggest naval expeditions ever mounted at the time,
gathering knowledge and wealth from Indochina to Africa for
China's Ming imperial empire.
Cathay Pacific's exclusive sponsorship of the Zheng He series
on National Geographic Channel Asia will be further enhanced
through multi-media communications covering on-ground events,
online elements and print promotion. A photography exhibit
will be personally opened by Michael Yamashita in three markets
close to the series premiere.
Ward Platt, Managing Director & Executive Vice President,
National Geographic Channel Asia says: "We are delighted
to partner with Cathay Pacific again to showcase the story
of another great explorer following last year's Marco Polo
story. This year is the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's maiden
exploration voyage; Cathay Pacific's support of the Zheng
He series has made it possible for us to bring to our viewers
and the general public a broader perspective on Zheng He through
the series as well as through photography exhibitions around
Asia."
Avinash Himatsinghani, Vice President - Advertising Sales
and Partnerships adds "Over the past few years, National
Geographic Channel has evolved from just another regular media
option to a key player in building partnerships with regional
advertisers. With Cathay Pacific, the partnership with the
Channel has grown consistently over the past few years as
the Channel grew. The Zheng He series is a perfect opportunity
for an advertiser such as Cathay Pacific to present a great
story about a legendary personality who explored the world.
At the same time, the exclusive environment fits perfectly
with the Cathy Pacific brand."
Charlie Stewart-Cox, General Manager Marketing, Cathay Pacific
Airways said "We are especially pleased to sponsor National
Geographic Channel's Zheng He because it is such a perfect
match for the spirit of wonder and adventure that we all share.
In addition to entertaining people, we hope that seeing Zheng
He's exploits of 600 years ago will remind them of the incredible
ease with which we can explore our world today - and the advantages
that experiencing new countries and cultures can bring to
us as individuals."
Michael Yamashita said "Zheng He's seven epic voyages
spanning some 28 years were monumental in Chinese history
and the great maritime achievement of its time. In retracing
the 10,000-mile journey, I traveled from Yunnan in China to
Africa's Swahili coast to some of the most amazing ports and
destinations in the world. After last year's Marco Polo story,
I am delighted to have had the opportunity to do another story
on a great explorer".
The Zheng He story, featuring some of Mike Yamashita's photographs,
was published in National Geographic Magazine in July 2005.
The Zheng He series is produced by Saga Pictures, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Saga Media International Inc., which was
founded and is jointly owned by Michael Yamashita, Jonathan
Finnigan, the film director, and Frederick Chan, a Hong Kong
businessman, acting in the capacity of Co?Executive Producers
for the Zheng He production project. Other members of the
production team includes New Zealand?based producer Paula
Mason and cinematographer Grant Douglas.
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites
viewers to re-think the way they see television - and the
world - with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise
owned by National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F),
FOX Entertainment Group and the National Broadcasting Company
(NBC), NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's
commitment to exploration, conservation and education.
Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S.
which is a joint venture of NGT&F and Fox Cable Networks
Group) is available in over 260 million homes (including day-part
households) in 160 countries and 27 languages.
Contact details:
National Geographic Channel Asia
Jenny Yip
Marketing Manager
Tel: +852 2621 8607
Email: jennyyip@ngcasia.com
Carmen Mak
Marketing Services Director
Tel: +852 2621 8829
Email: carmenm@ngcasia.com
Cathay Pacific Airways
Mandy Wu
Marketing Manager
Tel: +852 2747 5350
Email: mandy_wu@cathaypacific.com
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