National Geographic Channel targets Filipino audience
International cable channel National Geographic Channel (NGC) is set to release its first-ever locally produced mini-series “Street Smart.” Hosted by NGC Live Curious Ambassador Mitzi Borromeo, “Street Smart” consists of one-hour episodes that take a scientific look into the everyday life of Filipinos on things through themes such as technology, music, love and attraction, shopping and health.
Jude Turcuato, Fox International Channels territory director, is excited about their “first officially locally- roduced long-form program.” In a one-on-one interview with Turcuato after the NGC’s press launch for “Street Smart” at The Fort in Taguig City, he shared his excitement over the new show.
Jude Turcuato
“We are excited to present 'Street Smart' because this is the first culture and science TV series of its kind in the country. Our viewers definitely can improve on their street smartness by watching the series,” Turcuato said.
Fox International Channels focus mainly on international trends, and it is quite surprising that NGC will be producing a show catering largely to Filipinos. In the said one-on-one interview, Turcuato revealed that producing local content has been one of the plans of Fox International Channels when it started business here in the Philippines.
But Turcuato further revealed that, though originally planned, they knew that it would take time before they produce local content for their channels.
“We knew it wasn't going to be immediate because mainly of the cost. It costs a lot of money to produce good quality,” he explained
“It wasn't a shot in the dark; it has succeeded in other territories like in India, Singapore, Malaysia. They produced local shows, talked about local topics, featured local people,” Turcuato added.
Turcuato also revealed that two other locally themed shows are on the drawing board for Fox International Channels. One will talk about the sociological aspect of Filipinos' love for basketball while the other will give international audiences an inside look of the Malacañang Palace, the Philippine president’s seat of power.
"Slowly but surely, we are producing a lot of content locally," Turcuato said.
