Delivering on the promise to get this film in front of the widest global audience possible before the U.S. presidential election, National Geographic today announced that BEFORE THE FLOOD, produced by and starring Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio, with Academy Award winning director Fisher Stevens, producers Trevor Davidoski, Jennifer Davisson, Brett Ratner and James Packer and executive producer Martin Scorsese, has reached more than 30 million unique viewers worldwide, across linear, digital, steaming and social platforms - making it the most-watched documentary in the world since 2000, and the most watched National Geographic film ever released.
The film received an unprecedented rollout, first with a limited theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles and London, then making its global television debut this past Sunday, Oct. 30, on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages. It is also available for seven days through Nov. 6 for free on a record number of digital and streaming platforms. This global rollout is part of the network's continued commitment to covering climate change.
BEFORE THE FLOOD has been seen so far by over 30 million unique viewers globally across linear, digital and social platforms, including 16 million viewers on National Geographic Channel in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America (U.S.: 6MM; Asia: 2MM; Europe: 6MM; LATAM: 2MM) as well as 7.1+ million views on YouTube.
In addition to the massive global rollout, more than 50,000 college students have viewed the film at screenings across the country and more than 1,500 requests have been fulfilled from colleges, religious institutions and other organizations for private screening events.
The film has trended on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook since its release on Sunday, and continues to garner passionate conversations socially across many platforms.
"At National Geographic, we believe in the power of storytelling to change the world, and with our unparalleled reach and history-making distribution of BEFORE THE FLOOD, we have already accomplished 100 percent of what we set out to do - to get this important and exceptional film in front of the widest audience possible, delivering it to viewers in every way they consume media," said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Global Networks. "I am beyond proud that we have been able to bring the issue of climate change to the forefront of the global conversation - especially in the U.S. ahead of the elections - and hopefully inspire viewers to take action in their own way."
Hailed by critics as "a real Oscar contender," and "a more sweeping, modern, globetrotting, star-studded 'Inconvenient Truth,'" BEFORE THE FLOOD is available for free across a record number of digital and social platforms for seven days through Nov. 6. This includes Natgeotv.com, VOD/Video On Demand (through MVPD set-top boxes), MVPD Sites and Apps, Nat Geo TV Apps (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, Android phones, Xbox One and 360, Samsung Connected TVs), iTunes, Hulu, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Sony PlayStation, GooglePlay and more. Globally, the distribution plan is also unprecedented in every market around the world.
The feature documentary was an official selection at the Toronto Film Festival, London Film Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival. Recently, BEFORE THE FLOOD was screened at the White House as part of the South By South Lawn event on Oct. 3 and at the United Nations on Oct. 20, hosted by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry participating in a Q&A session. In addition, the film has screened at nearly 200 colleges and universities nationwide and has either screened or will screen at close to 1,000 churches and religious institutions via Interfaith Power and Light.
As previously announced, National Geographic partnered with Rock the Vote and theSkimm to ensure that everyone who attends a screening of BEFORE THE FLOOD can register to vote and is informed on the issues. Audiences will be encouraged to register to vote online at rtvote.com/beforetheflood or by texting "BeforeTheFlood" or "BTF" to RTVOTE (788-683).
BEFORE THE FLOOD presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes occurring now around the world due to climate change as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society need to take to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet. Serving as a warning ahead of the U.S. elections this fall to vote for leaders who prioritize climate change policies, the film also explains real, practical solutions to help save the planet. DiCaprio interviews individuals from every facet of society in both developing and developed nations who provide unique, impassioned and pragmatic views on what must be done today and in the future to transition our economic and political systems into environmentally friendly institutions.
Interviews in the film include President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Kerry, U.N. Secretary-General Ki-Moon and Pope Francis as well as top NASA researchers, forest conservationists, revered scientists, community leaders and fervent activists working to save the world.
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Gustavo Santaolalla and Mogwai created the music for BEFORE THE FLOOD. Acting as music supervisors for the first time, Reznor and Ross worked in tandem with Santaolalla and Mogwai to compose a blend of music with a cohesive vision, resulting in the score for the film along with a soundtrack that has been released through Lakeshore/Invada Records. The soundtrack is currently available at Apple (http://smarturl.it/amtbam) and is available at all digital retailers and streaming services. The 3xLP VINYL version is available for preorder as well at http://smarturl.it/BeforeTheFlood.
The film marks National Geographic's continued push into premium programming, cementing the network's position as a leader in science, adventure and exploration.
National Geographic Channel The National Geographic Channels (The Channels) form the television and production arm of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between 21st Century FOX and the National Geographic Society. As a global leader in premium science, adventure and exploration programming, the Channels include: National Geographic Channel (NGC), Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo People and Nat Geo MUNDO. Additionally, the Channels also run the in-house television production unit, National Geographic Studios. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education with entertaining, innovative programming from A-level talent around the world, and with profits that help support the society's mission. Globally, NGC is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 45 languages, and NAT GEO WILD is available in 131 countries and 38 languages. National Geographic Partners is also a leader in social media, with a fan base of 250 million people across all of its social pages. NGC contributes over 55 million social media fans globally on Facebook alone. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com and www.natgeowild.com.
Videos