David Quammen and Charlie Hamilton James to discuss Nat Geo’s Yellowstone coverage
SHIFT FESTIVAL
JACKSON, Wyo. – On Wednesday, Sept. 9, National Geographic and 21st Century Fox announced they were expanding their partnership in a venture to include National Geographic’s cable channels, its magazine, digital and social platforms, maps, travel, and other media.
The next day, National Geographic’s Chief Content Officer Chris Johns called to inform SHIFT that, given the complexities of the $725-million deal, he would no longer be able to speak at the Festival on Oct. 8, about National Geographic’s coverage of Yellowstone, the focus of its May 2016 issue.
Fortunately, a replacement plan was already in place. Renowned writer David Quammen, who was scheduled to introduce Johns at SHIFT, quickly agreed to expand his introduction. Quammen is in a good position to do so. He is the sole author of the Yellowstone issue – the first time in the magazine’s 127-year history that one person has written an entire issue.
Joining Mr. Quammen will be celebrated wildlife photographer and BBC television personality Charlie Hamilton James.
James, a National Geographic Magazine photographer, was one of the principal photographers for the Yellowstone issue.
The pair will collaborate in a presentation that provides a unique glimpse of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as seen through the National Geographic lens.
Quammen, a contributing writer for National Geographic, is a three-time recipient of the National Magazine Award and an Academy Award winner from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
In his 30-plus year career, Quammen has published hundreds of articles in magazines including Harper’s, National Geographic, Outside, Esquire, The Atlantic, Powder, and Rolling Stone.
James has won numerous international awards for his work, including the Royal Television Award for Cinematography (twice), the Wildscreen Award for Cinematography, and several as Wildlife Photographer of the Year. He has also been nominated for British Academy of Film and Television Arts and Emmy awards.
“While we are understandably disappointed the Mr. Johns will not be able to join us, the addition of Mr. James provides a unique opportunity to present Yellowstone in both word and picture,” said Beckwith. “We’re excited to celebrate this magnificent ecosystem with two of the preeminent artists in the world.”
