June 30, 2015—National Geographic Studios announced today that three of its most recent standout releases have reached a new box office milestone—collectively they have surpassed $20 million in gross box office earnings, performing strongly in giant-screen, IMAX® and digital theaters worldwide. Leading the way is the award-winning Jerusalem, which continues to soar at the box office, recently exceeding $10 million in worldwide gross revenue. Mysteries of the Unseen World has topped $7 million in box office earnings, and Pandas: The Journey Home has brought in over $4 million worldwide.
“We are thrilled that audiences and exhibitors around the world are responding in a tremendously positive way to these three exceptional films, which continue to connect with families and communities,” said Mark Katz, president of distribution, National Geographic Studios.
The three large-format films were specially developed for museums and science centers and cover an array of subjects—but all have in common National Geographic Studios’ signature storytelling and captivating visuals. Jerusalem is a spectacular cinematic journey and an intersection of history, science and religion. Mysteries of the Unseen World transports audiences to hidden dimensions using innovative high-speed and time-lapse photography, electron microscopy and nanotechnology. Pandas: The Journey Home is a breathtaking and groundbreaking natural history and conservation film.
“National Geographic Studios understands the power of the giant-screen experience to engage audiences with meaningful entertainment,” said Brooke Runnette, president of National Geographic Studios. “As one of the world’s largest providers of museum content, we will continue to develop varied and inspiring films like these, which appeal to audiences everywhere.”
Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, Jerusalem first opened in fall 2013 and has shown in more than 70 theaters around the world. An original production from Cosmic Picture and Arcane Pictures, Jerusalem was executive produced by the late Jake Eberts (Gandhi, Chariots of Fire, Dances with Wolves) and produced by Taran Davies, George Duffield and Daniel Ferguson. Ferguson also wrote and directed the film. In addition to tremendous response from audiences, critics and theaters, the film won two prestigious awards at the 2014 GSCA industry conference: “Best Film, Short Subject” and “Best Cinematography.”
Mysteries of the Unseen World has been booked by more than 60 theaters worldwide since late 2013. Narrated by Forest Whitaker, this original production from National Geographic Studios and Day’s End Pictures was produced by Lisa Truitt (Mysteries of Egypt) and Jini Dürr (Robots and Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure) and directed by Louie Schwartzberg (Disneynature: Wings of Life). The 3D/2D film takes audiences on an extraordinary journey to a world beyond the naked eye—a world that exists in the air they breathe, on their own bodies and in events that occur minute by minute—to uncover the mysteries of things that are too fast, too slow or too small to see.
Pandas: The Journey Home was released in spring 2014, and has opened in 40 theaters worldwide to date. Narrated by Joely Richardson, the mesmerizing 40-minute large-format natural history film directed by Nicolas Brown (Human Planet) and produced by Caroline Hawkins, is an Oxford Scientific Films Production for National Geographic Studios and Sky 3D, in association with the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association, Wolong Panda Conservation Centre, CCTV9 and Nat Geo WILD.
About National Geographic Studios
National Geographic Studios is the video and film production division of the National Geographic Society, a global nonprofit membership organization driven by a passionate belief in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world. From television series and specials to giant screen, from mobile video to digital news and educational content, National Geographic Studios’ productions embody the Society’s long-standing reputation for stunning visuals and captivating storytelling. National Geographic Studios has received nearly 150 Emmy Awards and almost 1,000 other industry accolades, including recognition from the Peabody Awards, DuPont Columbia Awards, multiple film and museum industry awards and the highest honors from natural history film festivals. National Geographic Studios also produces and distributes giant-screen and digital 3D films for the museum cinema industry. Brooke Runnette is president of National Geographic Studios.
Source: National Geographic Studios
