Become the Beast Hunter
The multimedia artisans at NeoPangea are dauntless in their exploration of internet technology. However, they felt a bit timid at the idea of hiking through the jungle in search of legendary animals that may eat them for lunch. So, they used their noggins to create a way to get the experience of a Crypto-zoological Safari without leaving the office. What's even better is that they're inviting people worldwide to join the hunt with their new "Beast Hunter" simulator.
The "Beast Hunter" simulator is designed to promote National Geographic Channel's "Beast Hunter" series. It allows users to explore the exotic environments where these creatures have been witnessed. Users can gather clues that will lead them to a hair-raising glimpse at beasts which have never before been caught on video.
Fair warning should be given. Be extremely careful while hunting! Watch out for the static electric sting of the Mongolian Death Worm or the mind ripping stench of the Mapinguari. Some of these things have been known to kill.
Using Adobe Flash Player 10's native 3D capabilities, a variety of immersive landscapes have been created with extremely fluid performance for creature hunting. The user can dive into a Flash generated habitat. They can peek around rocks and through vegetation to uncover the telltale signs that a beast is nearby. If the areas are searched carefully, the user will become one of an elite group of human beings that has survived to bear witness to the veracity of these legendary animals. They can then post their experience on Facebook and Twitter. You will become the Beast Hunter!
The visual design of the interactive compliments the aesthetic style of the series. Elements like; weathered film grain, vintage film stock, and eye-witness photographs advance the personal experience. Users will feel like they have been transported into the infamous Patterson film — where the unknown lurks behind every shadowy corner.
"National Geographic Channel is an indulgent collaborator. They offer us the opportunity to create some really off-the-wall applications. "Beast Hunter" is very intense! I can't play all the environments. I've always had a deep seated fear of Ape-men, so I can't play the Sumatra habitat. My mom spanked me while wearing a Gorilla costume one Halloween when I was a kid sooo…" said NeoPangea's Project Manager Phillip Krick. "Anyway I'd rather not say why I can't play the Death Worm area…but the interactive is a lot of fun and I'm sure that everyone will enjoy it."
Phil's working on his personal issues and is optimistic for the future.
"Beast Hunter" can be seen Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on National Geographic Channel.
***
NeoPangea is an innovative digital creative boutique that specializes in digital video production, Web design, 3D design, interactive experiences, and live-environment multimedia. It has created successful promotions for Fortune 100 brands across the globe such as National Geographic Channel, Comcast, and Wal-Mart. For more information, visit www.neopangea.com.
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is a joint venture between National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and Fox Cable Networks (FCN). Since launching in January 2001, NGC initially earned some of the fastest distribution growth in the history of cable and more recently the fastest ratings growth in television. The network celebrated its fifth anniversary January 2006 with the launch of NGC HD which provides the spectacular imagery that National Geographic is known for in stunning high-definition. NGC has carriage with all of the nation's major cable and satellite television providers, making it currently available in nearly 70 million homes. For more information, please visit www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/.
