Smithsonian Networks TV Programming

February 17, 2010
Media Fact Sheet
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Overview
The Smithsonian and Showtime entered in to an agreement to create a new company called Smithsonian Networks, effective Jan. 1, 2006. Four years later, Smithsonian Channel, the first offering of Smithsonian Networks, is available by subscription to more than 39 million homes.

The revenue generated each year by this venture supports Smithsonian exhibitions and a range of public activities.

Background
Before the establishment of Smithsonian Networks, much of the Institution’s participation in documentaries was limited to requests from outside filmmakers. The Smithsonian’s role was reactive. The Institution responded to a filmmaker’s request; it did not determine its own programming ideas or broadcast or cable outlets. For such independent projects, filmmakers apply (as they always have) to the museums to film an object, interview a curator or use resources, but the final product is never seen or approved by the Smithsonian. In most instances, the Smithsonian content (interviews, footage, still images) makes up a small portion of the documentary and is considered incidental to the overall program. The subjects of these independent programs are determined solely by filmmakers with no input from the Smithsonian.

With Smithsonian Networks, the Institution can produce its own programming on its own channel and in its own voice. The Smithsonian reviews all programs to ensure they are factually accurate and consistent with the Institution’s mission.

Programming and Distribution
The Smithsonian Networks programming, broadcast in high definition, features documentaries, events and short-subject exploration of the major scientific, cultural and historical events of the day. The projects consist of original and acquired films that cover topics reflecting the broad scope of the Smithsonian’s resources. Programs in 2009 included:

  • D-Day: The True Story of Omaha Beach—nominated for an Emmy
  • Stonehenge Deciphered—chronicled the first dig at the historic site in 50 years
  • White House Revealed—behind-the-scenes look at the staff who support the inner workings of America’s most famous home

Where to See the Programs
Smithsonian Channel launched September 2007. In September 2009, a distribution agreement with Cablevision provided for a launch of the channel in both high definition and standard definition by the end of the year, making the channel available through several major satellite and cable providers, including DirecTV, Verizon FiOS, Charter Communications, Time Warner and AT&T. DVDs are available through Amazon.com and at Smithsonianchannel.com. Select programs are also available for download on iTunes. Television viewers need not subscribe to Showtime to receive Smithsonian Channel; it is a stand-alone channel. Programs are not pay-per-view.

Awards
Since its inception, Smithsonian Networks have won numerous awards for its programs, including a 2008 Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: Cinematography Nature Documentary/Dramatic Recreations for Nature Tech: The Magic of Motion, making it the youngest channel ever to win an Emmy; two Parents’ Choice Foundation Gold Awards in 2008 for the series Stories from the Vaults and Nature Tech; and eight CINE Golden Eagle Awards. The programs also have been honored at such film festivals as the International Wildlife Film Festival, South by Southwest Film Festival and the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers.

Financing
Showtime Networks Inc. finances the production and marketing of all Smithsonian Network programs and hires filmmakers to produce them. The Smithsonian provides content but no funding.

Filming at the Smithsonian
Independent filmmakers who want to film at the Smithsonian or use its resources submit an application (including a brief description of the program; the content; duration of the shoot; size of the crew; length of the Smithsonian content in the completed program; the distributor, such as Discovery or National Geographic, PBS, broadcast network, etc.; and other relevant information). Applications initially are reviewed by the museum’s public affairs office, as well as appropriate curatorial staff. A film review committee is consulted before a decision is made to agree or decline.

The vast majority of filming requests fall into the “incidental use” category. In rare cases, the Smithsonian receives requests that seek to use Smithsonian content in a significant way (i.e., more than incidental in the context of the overall program; an example would be a one-hour special on the collections of the Smithsonian).

In determining if a request amounts to incidental use, the Smithsonian consider a number of factors, among them: the subject matter of the film; the total run time of the film; the estimated time for Smithsonian content; and how many other organizations or experts are participating in the program. From Jan. 1, 2006, through Oct. 31, 2009, there were two filming applications denied out of 540 requests (.4 percent) made to the Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian declines requests to film at its museums for a variety of reasons. These include: the proposed film is not consistent with the museum’s mission; the Institution does not have an expert in the requested area; the Institution does not have the requested object or artifact in its collection; a curator is not interested in participating in a particular project; a request is made to remove an artifact from a museum for filming; the proposed filming is for an advertisement or other commercial project; or the film proposes to make more than an incidental use of Smithsonian content.

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SI-4-2010

Media Only

Linda St. Thomas

202-841-2517

stthomasl@si.edu