Shannon Malone - Supervising Producer

When put with the challenge of creating a day-long special highlighting the beauty of America, I was first a bit scared. How on earth would we be able to truly capture the variety, the grandeur and the majesty of our nation? (For those playing along at home, start humming “America The Beautiful”) Fortunately, we worked with two amazing creative talents in this endeavor: Douglas Paynter, an enormously talented producer with over 20 years of experience in the non-fiction world, and Black Light Films, one of the world’s foremost resources for High Definition footage. This wasn’t an easy task: the National Geographic Channel has highlighted so many different areas of the American landscape.

Fortunately, we succeeded. We travel all over from Alaska to Texas, Florida to California. We see the deserts of the Southwest and we see the snow capped hills of Wyoming. Not only in presenting a beautiful view of our land but also unique perspectives. For example, one start with a gorgeous evening shot of the Chicago skyline (my old hometown). It soars over the coastline, Lake Michigan gently lapping at the shores. The narrator talks about the Great Lakes and the way that they define that area of the country. This great lake fed by one truly spectacular wonder: Niagara Falls. We then present a show about the Falls and its history; a unique and clever perspective on a program. In doing this project, I learned so much—which is saying something considering I’ve traveled all over.

Between the grandeur of Yellowstone, Denali and Yosemite and the intimate journeys of our three bear shows, I think that viewers will truly appreciate this salute to America on Thanksgiving. We live in a vibrant, dynamic and beautiful country and that is something to be thankful for.

	Explore the stength of Grizzly Bears in the wilderness during Explorer: Ultimate Bear.
90% of Yellowstone still remains untouched, but Nat Geo can still showcase its amazing features in Secret Yellowstone.
	Head west from Yellowstone to Yosemite and witness the mighty splendor that is this park.
Head way north to Alaska Denali where the altitude has an effect on weather in Extreme Alaska
	Back in upstate New York, Niagra Falls still remains a fun and amazing site in the show Conquering Niagra
Think you caught the big one? Compare it to what the folks in Hooked: Monster Fish caught.
	In an unforgiving land, the King Bear does what it needs to survive in Planet Carnivore

After you're done eating your Turkey, bring the family together to see the amazing spaces that America has to offer. Its happening all Thanksgiving day long on the National Geographic Channel.