National Geographic Channel Embarks on a Nationwide Search for the Next Generation of Explorers with Expedition Granted

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Move over, Indiana Jones. It's a new day in exploration. National Geographic Channel (NGC) today announced Expedition Granted, a socially fueled competition to find the next generation of explorers and to grant one person's dream expedition for $50,000. The nationwide competition was developed in partnership with National Geographic Society, 21st Century FOX and sponsors the Jeep brand and Dos Equis.

Expedition Granted aims to democratize the very notion of exploration and show that in the 21st century, explorers can come from all backgrounds and disciplines ranging from art and music to food, science and technology. The only requirement is that one has unbridled curiosity and is willing — with a little financial help — to take the steps to make their dream project happen.

"We want to help redefine the concept of exploration — anyone with a big idea and passion to make it come to life can be an explorer," said NGC CEO Courteney Monroe. "This opportunity is for all of those pushing boundaries and forging new paths — a musician who is changing how music is composed using only a smartphone, an engineer developing robotics to aid people with impaired mobility, or a chef who is pushing the boundaries of food preparation — there is no limit to what we want to see."

Brain Games host Jason Silva (@JasonSilva), National Geographic Channel's voice of redefining exploration and curiosity through his hit series, will be introducing the contest to fans and working with National Geographic and their team to determine the finalists.

To enter, contestants must submit a video up to two minutes in length and a Tweetable elevator pitch at ExpeditionGranted.com outlining what their passion project is and why they deserve to have it granted. Submissions will be accepted until August 31, 2014 (entrants must be 21 years or older). Once an entry is submitted, it will be displayed on the main site where fans can show support for the project they'd most like to see granted by liking and sharing on social media.  

When the submission period closes, National Geographic Channel, together with its partners and advisors, will choose up to 10 finalists to be voted on by the public. Finalists will be selected based on their project's originality, ability to make an impact on the local and/or global community and viability. A winner will be announced later this fall and, in addition to the $50,000 prize, will be highlighted on-air on NGC.

Contestants will be inspired and encouraged along the way by a council of notable experts across a wide range of specialties: art, food, social sciences, technology, filmmaking, journalism, engineering, the environment and more. The advisors include:

• Casey Neistat, online filmmaker; writer, director, editor and star of the series "The Neistat Brothers" on HBO; winner of the John Cassavetes Award at the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards for producing the film "Daddy Long Legs." @CaseyNeistat
• Wylie Dufresne, celebrated chef; winner of "Best Chef New York" 2013; proponent of modernist cuisine to incorporate science and new techniques in the preparation and presentation of food. @wyliedufresne
• Bertrand Piccard, psychiatrist, aeronaut and lecturer; chairman of the Winds of Hope charitable foundation; United Nations goodwill ambassador; made the first ever nonstop around-the-world balloon flight. @bertrandpiccard
• Ainissa G. Ramirez, Ph.D., author and science evangelist; passionate about getting the general public excited about science. @ainissaramirez
• Kenzo Digital, director and artist; dedicated to synthesizing new narrative forms by unifying traditional storytelling with groundbreaking technology; best known for his work with Beyonce. @kenzodigital
• Thomas Dolby, musician and producer; best known for "She Blinded Me with Science" and "Hyperactive!"; his keyboard and studio production work garnered numerous awards and five Grammy nominations. @ThomasDolby
• Thayer Walker, journalist and explorer; partner in Summit, an organization addressing global issues; led efforts to establish a marine protected area in the Bahamas. @thayerwalker
• Marina Gorbis, futurist and social scientist; executive director to the Institute for the Future; explores how technology and globalism are fundamentally transforming our social structures. @iftf
• Raghava KK, multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur; National Geographic Emerging Explorer and multiple-time TED speaker; named by CNN as one of the 10 most remarkable people in 2010. @raghavakk
• Gregg Treinish, avid outdoorsman; founder of Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation; National Geographic Emerging Explorer; named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2008. @AdventurScience

For more information, visit ExpeditionGranted.com and follow us on social media at #expeditiongranted.

About National Geographic Channel
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation's major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in over 85 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 45 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

About 21st Century Fox

21st Century Fox is the world's premier portfolio of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV and satellite assets spanning six continents across the globe. Reaching more than 1.5 billion subscribers in approximately 50 local languages every day, 21st Century Fox is home to a global portfolio of cable and broadcasting networks and properties, including FOX, FX, FXX, FXM, FS1, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX Sports, Fox Sports Network, National Geographic Channels, MundoFox, STAR India, 28 local television stations in the U.S. and more than 300 channels that comprise Fox International Channels; film studio Twentieth Century Fox Film; and television production studios Twentieth Century Fox Television and Shine Group. The Company also provides premium content to millions of subscribers through its pay-television services in Europe and Asia, including Sky Deutschland, Sky Italia and its equity interests in BSkyB and Tata Sky. For more information about 21st Century Fox, please visit www.21CF.com

About National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the member-supported Society's mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. Through its online community, members can get closer to explorers and photographers, connect with other members around the world and help make a difference. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, books, DVDs, radio, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, travel expeditions, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society's official journal, published in English and 39 local-language editions, is read by more than 60 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 440 million households in 171 countries in 48 languages. National Geographic's digital media receive around 27 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

About Jeep Brand
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup includes Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models are sold outside North America — and all are available in right-hand-drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation's leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, the world's most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken, the world's most international beer brand, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Desperados, Amstel Light, and Newcastle Brown Ale. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

SOURCE National Geographic Channel