On November 28th, Whitaker Center CEO Dr. Michael Hanes made a presentation to Dauphin County Commissioners on the status of the ongoing project, Expedition Chesapeake. Joining him in front of the Commissioners was John O'Connell of the Trinity Group, the State Street communications firm that is co-creator of the project.

As O'Connell stated, this project has been in the works since 2000. In June 2009, the Whitaker Center publicly announced its readiness to begin producing the multi-million dollar project aimed at raising awareness of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which stretches from New York to Maryland with the Susquehanna River as its centerpiece.

The concept of the project consists of a 3D IMAX film, a website, a mobile exhibit, educational materials, and a companion documentary about the project. Unfortunately, Expedition Chesapeake has encountered many delays, including the commencement of shooting the large format 3D film. Originally, it was announced that Philippe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau was signed on to narrate the film. However, in 2011 without an explanation of the change, it was declared that Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin would be the new star of the project.

During his presentation to Dauphin County Commissioners O'Connell said, "We did not arrive at Jeff Corwin being part of this project by accident. We went out and tested him."

O'Connell was also careful to stress that the delayed film was not the most significant aspect of the Chesapeake Bay project. Rather he placed emphasis on the educational component of the project, which the Whitaker Center's CEO said will be launched in September 2013 once funds are secured.

O'Connell proclaimed, "The film will run its course, and eventually will serve out its time. The educational materials will live forever."

Aside from a new narrator, another change in the past year is the inclusion of David Lickley as producer/director. Lickley replaces David Nixon Productions (DNP), the company originally hired to shoot the IMAX film.

These changes have resulted in a three year delay in the anticipated premiere of the IMAX film, which was initially expected to be released in 2012, pushed to 2014, with a new set date of Spring 2015.

Aside from changes in the team, the Whitaker Center also seems to be facing funding challenges. Hanes referred to multiple goals of the project reliant on the need for funds, such as the creation of the educational materials and the mobile exhibit. There was no discussion on the budget for the IMAX film.

Previously, Dauphin County Commissioners granted the Whitaker Center $1 million in Unrestricted Gaming Funds to help facilitate the project. The Commissioners hope to see a return on that money--25% of the Whitaker Center's revenue on Expedition Chesapeake will go to Dauphin County.

At the Commissioners' meeting, it was further publicized that Whitaker Center and National Geographic are currently in negotiations for global distribution of still yet to be filmed "Expedition Chesapeake." O'Connell asserted that if National Geographic is interested, "you're onto something that makes sense."

Dr. Hanes supported O'Connell's position asserting that ten different countries have requested the educational materials for the project.

Video:

Part I: "We've been discussing this project for a very long time."

Part II: "Our target audience are moms and ten year olds."

Part III: The documentary

Part IV: Spring 2015

by Tara Leo Auchey

Photo by Natalie Cake