IT IS, LIKE, TOTALLY TUBULAR.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL PARTNERS WITH NUTOPIA TO PRODUCE MINISERIES EVENT “THE 80’S: THE DECADE THAT MADE US”
New Series Greenlight Spotlights Pivotal 80s Moments, People and Innovations That Shaped Our History
March 26, 2012 − The birth of MTV, dawn of the personal computer, Nike, hip-hop, celebrity politics and Reaganomics. It’s hard to believe three decades have passed since the 1980s, a decade that forever changed and shaped America…and the world! Now, National Geographic Channel announces the start of production on The 80’s: The Decade That Made Us (working title), a miniseries event that will celebrate the people, the inventions and the decisions that changed our future, told from the perspective of unknowing history makers who lived these iconic moments.
The network is partnering with Nutopia, the critically acclaimed creator of megadocs including “America The Story of Us,” to produce this multi-part series scheduled to premiere on National Geographic Channels globally in 435 million homes in 173 countries and 37 languages. The announcement was made during the network’s Upfront meetings today by Howard T. Owens, president, National Geographic Channels, and Michael Cascio, executive vice president of programming.
“Many retrospectives have been done, but we’re going to look at this decade that defined us with a new lens as told through surprising and unexpected game changers and history makers,” said Owens. “This greenlight reflects National Geographic Channel’s commitment to partnering with renowned producers with proven track records to develop and showcase a wide range of creative content. I’m extremely excited to work with Jane Root and Nutopia as we continue to evolve the brand and produce groundbreaking, cinematic special events.”
In this landmark series, we’ll get back in touch with our inner Valley Girl by reliving classic 80s music, inspirational sports moments, and scenes from iconic movies and TV shows, as well as the very best (and worst) of hair and fashion. The decade included conspicuous consumption, sports super-celebs, the whole-food movement and the first female political leaders. It’s the history of our modern world, spawning a political, technological, cultural and social revolution that began in the United States and went on to dominate the world.
“It’s just like 80s’ superduo Cagney and Lacey—a perfect partnership!,” said Jane Root, executive producer, Nutopia. “This decade gave birth to the modern world, and this series will have remarkable new insight and surprising interviews with individuals, including unknowns, who unsuspectingly changed history.”
“This miniseries event is the perfect excuse to get physical and break out my parachute pants and leather Thriller jacket,” said Cascio. “Viewers craving nostalgia will get their fix, but we’re hoping they’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the decade that spawned Madonna, the Rubik’s cube, the
Walkman, Reaganomics—and the pop culture list goes on.”
The 80’s: The Decade That Made Us is produced by Nutopia for the National Geographic Channel. Jane Root and Bruce Hepton will executive produce the series. For National Geographic Channel, executive producer is Lynn Sadofsky; vice president of production is Kim Woodard; executive vice president of programming is Michael Cascio.
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