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The National Park Service, the National Park Foundation and Discovery Channel Premiere Alcatraz: Stories From the Rock
Published on 10/25/2005
Park Documentary Explores the History of One of the Most Notorious Places on Earth
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Discovery Communications, a Proud Partner of America’s National Parks, releases its newest Park Documentary, Alcatraz: Stories From the Rock, today in San Francisco. The film, produced in partnership between The National Park Service (NPS), the National Park Foundation (NPF) and Discovery Channel, is shot in high definition and surround sound and will be shown on a daily basis to the public in the theatre on Alcatraz Island.
“Stories from the Rock is a dramatic exposé of life on Alcatraz Island, which has been constantly evolving for well over a century. The National Park Foundation continues to be grateful to the Discovery Channel for supporting National Park philanthropy through contemporary and engaging in-park and on-air programming, said Vin Cipolla, President and CEO, National Park Foundation.”
Anyone familiar with San Francisco has almost certainly heard of this infamous island in the San Francisco Bay. The Alcatraz name is legendary, full of notoriety and intrigue. It was the end of the line for the worst of the worst and a place where the most hardened criminals were reduced to mere numbers, but what most people know about Alcatraz barely scratches the surface.
Alcatraz: Stories From the Rock takes viewers on a journey through the Island’s many chapters: its early role as a military fortress, the famous federal penitentiary years, the Indian occupation that altered the course of history, and finally the popular National Park and wildlife refuge it is today. Alcatraz stands as a powerful symbol of protection and change. The film explores Alcatraz as it began, as it evolved, and as it stands today and allows viewers to discover the many layers that make it an incredible time capsule of history and human drama.
"It has been an absolute joy working with the very talented and creative team Discovery Communications brought together to produce the new Alcatraz film. They have created a film of the highest content and quality that will greatly enhance people's understanding of the many rich and diverse facets of Alcatraz's natural and Cultural history," said Brian O’Neill, Superintendent, Golden Gate National Parks.
As a Proud Partner of America’s National Parks, Discovery provides Park visitors and Network viewers with the highest quality content connecting them to the wonders found within our National Parks. To date, Discovery has provided twenty-five percent of the nearly 400 parks, historical sites and monuments throughout the United States with state-of-the-art films. These films have expanded the access to the beauty and splendor of these national treasures to nearly 130 million visitors.
“Discovery is proud to bring its high quality storytelling to America’s National Parks. Alcatraz has a long and storied past and we hope that this ParkDoc film will expand visitors’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of this historic place,” said Carrie Passmore, Senior Vice President for Public Partnerships at Discovery Communications.
The Alcatraz: Stories From the Rock Park Documentary fulfills Discovery’s commitment to the National Park Foundation by creating engaging and memorable experiences for the millions of visitors to America’s National Parks.
About the National Park Service, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Established by Congress in 1916, the National Park Service is charged with management of the nation’s most precious cultural and natural resources. These resources, located in 388 sites nationwide, are inextricably woven into our national heritage. They provide citizens the world over with invaluable opportunities for recreation, appreciation of beauty, historical reflection, cultural enrichment and environmental education.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. Established in 1972, as part of a trend to make national park resources more accessible to urban populations and bring “parks to the people”.
About the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org), chartered by Congress in 1967, is the official nonprofit partner of America’s National Parks. The National Park Foundation strengthens the enduring connection between the American people and their National Parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Over the past seven years, the Foundation has contributed more than $135 million in grants and program support to National Parks across the country.
About Discovery Communications, Inc.
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI’s over 90 networks of distinctive programming represent 25 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Español, Discovery Kids En Español, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI’s other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates 120 Discovery Channel Stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI’s ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company’s Founder and Chairman.
About Proud Partners of America’s National Parks
The National Park Foundation and the National Park Service launched the Proud Partners of America’s National Parks initiative in 2000. Four major American companies – Discovery Communications, American Airlines, Ford Motor Company, and Unilever – have each committed to multi-year support of the National Park Foundation to help fund visitor enhancement projects, promote the National Parks Pass, and invite more Americans to experience and support their National Parks. For more information, please visit www.nationalparks.org/who-helps-us/corporate/?fa=proud-partners.
About The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization that works in collaboration with the National Park Service to improve park sites, enlist volunteers in restoration projects, provide services and education programs for visitors and local communities, and build a community dedicated to preserving the national parks at the Golden Gate. To learn more, please visit the Parks Conservancy's website, www.parksconservancy.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jodi Knauer, National Park Foundation
202.238.4179
jknauer@nationalparks.org
Rich Weideman, National Park Service
415.561.4730
Rich_Weideman@nps.gov
Michelle Russo, Discovery Communications
240.662.2901
michelle_russo@discovery.com
