Cannes, 8 October 2007 - National Geographic Channels International (NGCI), along with the leading independent production and distribution company, Off the Fence (OTF) and the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) today announced a landmark partnership initiative to commission fifteen one-hour original documentary programmes in high-definition (HD) to encourage Singaporean filmmaking talents.

The multi-million dollar partnership will enable the production of 15 titles over the next three years. National Geographic Channels International and Off the Fence will share their experience and skills with a range of Singapore producers to develop high-quality, globally-appealing documentaries designed to meet the growing requirement for HD programming worldwide. These programmes will premiere on NGCI to 190 million homes in 165 countries. Off the Fence will retain all rights in Germany, France and U.S. outright and will distribute the programming worldwide. The first three projects in the first year have been awarded to Singapore production companies: Beach House Production Pictures, The Moving Visual Co. and Right Angle Media.

"National Geographic Channels International is pleased to partner with leading production companies like Off the Fence and the MDA. By providing resources and creating more opportunities for international exposure, we hope it will empower local filmmakers to create high-quality work for an international audience," said Sydney Suissa, Executive Vice President of Content, National Geographic Channels International.

Ms Ellen Windemuth, Managing Director at Off the Fence commented, "This is a significant step forward in our ongoing global production strategy, fulfilling our key aim of blending our experience in producing programming for an international audience with the unique skills and talents available in the local regions. With National Geographic Channels International and MDA onboard, who are both equally passionate in supporting local talent, we are confident in producing a range of titles that will offer huge appeal to buyers and audiences worldwide."

Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, MDA, added, "Singapore companies have proven that they have what it takes to be a key contributor to the factual programming content market. This initiative will provide international audiences with more quality Made-by-Singapore HD content."

The initiative will be jointly led by the National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and Off the Fence's recently opened dedicated production office in Singapore.

About National Geographic Channels International
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 (NGT) and FOX Entertainment Group, 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 and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in 250 million homes (including day-part households) in 166 countries and 34 languages.

For more information contact:
National Geographic Channels International (Washington DC)
Cherry Johal Yates/ Victoria Kirker
Tel : +1 301 792 0295/ +1 202 368 5433
Email : cyates@ngs.org/ vkirker@ngs.org

National Geographic Channel Asia (Singapore)
Basil Chua/ Angie Tan
Tel : +65 6325 3848/ +65 6325 3821
Email : basilc@ngcasia.com/ angiet@ngcasia.com

Fulford Public Relations
Stephanie Liu / Pamela Wu
Tel : +65 6324 2533 / +65 6324 5302
Email : sliu@fulfordpr.com / pwu@fulfordpr.com

About Off the Fence
Established in 1994, Off the Fence is an independent television distribution and production company, specialising in non-fiction programming for the international marketplace.

Off the Fence creates and markets programming with a focus on high quality, integrity and innovation. The OTF catalogue contains over 1200 hours of natural history, science, health, adventure, history and social documentaries.

We also develop, finance, produce and co-produce international non-fiction programmes. This has resulted in over 200 hours of produced and co-produced programmes in the past four years. As well as developing films in house, we work hands-on with established production companies and talented newcomers to create internationally marketable specials and series.

As a result of this impressive production output, March 2005 saw the launch of OTF's UK production company based in Bristol. Bristol has some of the very best production talent in the world as well as being home to a wide variety of post-production facilities, graphics companies and studios. A production office was also opened in Cape Town in 2007, as a major part of the company's co-production output comes from a number of South Africa's production companies and independent filmmakers. In addition, an office in Singapore will be opening later this year.

The company co-produces with broadcasters such as Animal Planet, National Geographic, BBC, Discovery, Voom, NHK, France 5, France 3, Arte, Canal Plus, BR, ZDF and NDR.

For more information contact:
The Lippin Company Ltd
Debbie Lawrence
Tel : +44 203 008 5408
E-mail : dlawrence@lippingroup.com

About MDA
Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Global Media City and positioning it at the forefront of the digital media age. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote developments in film, video, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation, media services and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, visit www.mda.gov.sg.

For more information, contact:

Media Development Authority of Singapore
Nicole Batchelor
Tel : +65 6837 9957
Email : Nicole_Batchelor@mda.gov.sg