For Immediate Release: February 2, 2005

Producers from National Geographic Television and Film will arrive in Kelowna on Thursday, February 3^rd to begin shooting an episode for the new series, “Is It Real?”.  The episode is entitled “Lake and Sea Monsters” and will look for the San Francisco Mega Serpent in San Francisco, Cadborosaurus (Caddy) in Victoria and Ogopogo in Okanagan Lake.

The series will be launched on the National Geographic Channel later this year.  “National Geographic is committed to producing high quality, educational programming,” states associate producer Brook Holston.  “Investigating commonly held beliefs on lake and sea monsters is an exciting and interesting topic that we’re sure both young and old alike will enjoy.”

The production team will be shooting around the Central Okanagan for four days, focusing on areas of past Ogopogo sightings and interviewing various witnesses.  “We are very pleased that National Geographic has picked the Okanagan to include in this series,” said Michelle Hargrave, Okanagan Film Commission Marketing Officer.  “We encourage documentary production in our region and are sure viewers will find the content quite interesting.”

Various groups have sought Ogopogo for many years; however, this is the highest profile project to look for Ogopogo in quite some time.  “Lake and Sea Monsters” will be seen by thousands of people around the world, once again promoting Kelowna and the Okanagan area as a tourist destination offering a little something for everyone.

Producer Noel Dockstader and Associate Producer Brook Holston will be available for media interviews Friday, February 4^th at 6:30 pm at the Grand Okanagan Resort.  Due to a tight shooting schedule, this may be the only opportunity for interviews.  Please contact Michelle Hargrave at the Okanagan Film Commission to confirm your attendance and to make arrangements.

The Okanagan Film Commission’s mandate is to generate a positive economic impact by enabling the growth of the Okanagan-Similkameen-Boundary region as a film centre.  With record-breaking location inquiries reaching the office and numerous projects scouting, the Okanagan Film Commission looks forward to a strong film future in the valley.

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