National Geographic reorganizes film arm

The Nation's Geographic feature film operation is restructuring, joining up with Image Nation and Hyde Park to create National Geographic films along with other entertainment items. Companies made the announcment Thursday. Nattional Geographic's most widely known around the film side for that doc ''March from the Penguins.'' Ashok Amritraj's Hyde Park would be the controlling partner, and also the venture will build up movies, documentaries, and television series. ''We like Hyde Park's method of the company, their growth and success in Asia, cheap Ashok and the team happen to be working carefully with this partner, Image Nation,'' stated Tim Kelly, leader of National Geographic Society. ''This partnership is sensible all angles, by folding our current feature film effort into this startup company, we'll have the ability to pursue bigger, more ambitious projects and expand into growing marketplaces like India and China.'' Image Nation Abu Dhabi is a financial backer of both companies. Chairman Mohamed Al Mubarak stated, ''This venture will advance our relationship with both Hyde Park and National Geographic. Simultaneously it'll provide an execllent chance for youthful Emirati filmmakers to achieve real life, hands-on experience that can help build their personal/professional systems so important to success within the film industry.'' Amritraj stated, ''Hyde Park and National Geographic have loved a detailed relationship with Image Nation through the years, by aiming the 2 brands, we produce a dynamic venture that delivers high-quality entertainment to audiences all over the world.'' Amritraj assists as Boss from the new Nat Geo/IN/Hyde Park venture, with current National Geographic Feature Film Leader Daniel Battsek shifting to a different role like a consultant. Hyde Park Worldwide would be the worldwide sales repetition. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com