Prototype This!

Discovery Network and the Navy

January 14th, 2009

A NAVADMIN was released today which describes a number of projects to produce documentaries for the Discovery network which includes the Discovery Channel, Military and Science Channels.

Some specifics from the NAVADMIN are Discovery will produce an episode of their technology based show called “Prototype This”, that will focus on the littoral combat ship. I would assume filming of this segment would take place aboard the USS Freedom (LCS-1), it is the first ship of the Littoral Combat Ship class and was commissioned on November 8, 2008 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (day before my Wife’s Birthday!). Also among the projects, Discovery will produce an episode of their engineering based show called “Build It Bigger”, that will focus on Virginia-class submarines.

More productions are listed – I for one look forward to seeing them, Discovery does a good job of showing the Navy from many angles.

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SUBJ/NAVY SUPPORT FOR DISCOVERY NETWORK DOCUMENTARY//
Rmks/ 1. The navy has approved support to the discovery network (including discovery channel, military channel and science channel) to create a series of productions focusing on today’s Navy.
2. The project includes:
A. A 3-part documentary (3 hours total) focusing on various aspects of the maritime strategy in action. The series is expected to air in the Labor day 2009 timeframe.
B. A 30-minute production to replace the current “at sea” film playing at the Navy Memorial in Washington. This new film will also be distributed to maritime museums and centers across the country.
C. 12 3-5 minute videos focusing on the navy’s primary communication priority, the maritime strategy, and the secondary communication priority as approved by the chief of naval operations on a monthly basis.
The videos will be posted to www.chinfo.navy.mil for navy leaders and speakers to use in kicking off presentations.
D. 12 advertising vignettes for Commander, Navy Recruiting Command recruiting efforts.
E. Discovery will produce an episode of their technology based show called “Prototype This”, that will focus on the littoral combat ship.
F. Discovery will produce an episode of their engineering based show called “Build It Bigger”, that will focus on Virginia-class submarines.
G. Discovery will also be producing other shows based on ongoing events. One such show which has been approved is the Navy’s role in countering piracy.
3. The intent of this project is to provide the American public with a comprehensive view of our Navy through interesting and compelling television. This can only be accomplished by providing discovery with access to operations in the weeks and months ahead. Chinfo will coordinate specific requests for access and support to this production with fleet commands. Your maximum support within the constraints of operational availability is paramount to the success of this project.
Additional public affairs guidance, along with details on discovery’s shooting and production schedule, will be provided Sepcor by Chinfo.
4. When complete, this project will showcase our 21st century Navy in a unique and compelling way across a multitude of communication mediums.
The project officer is LCDR Ryan Perry who can be reached at (703) 614-1879 or ryan.perry(at)navy.mil.
5. Released by Vice admiral J. C. Harvey, jr., Director, Navy Staff.//
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