Avatar's Cameron is National Geographic Society explorer

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-award winning Canadian filmmaker, writer and producer James Cameron (photo) was named by the National Geographic Society as one of its newest Explorers-in-Residence.

Explorers-in-Residence are some of the world’s preeminent explorers and scientists who represent a broad range of science and exploration. They develop programs in their respective areas of study and carry out field work supported by the Society.

As a National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence, the director of Titanic and Avatar, two of the highest-grossing films of all time, will apply his distinctive storytelling skills and innovative filmmaking technologies to the Society’s programs and projects.

Work on The Abyss and Titanic led Cameron to other endeavors outside of filmmaking.

After making 12 manned-submersible dives to the RMS Titanic shipwreck in the North Atlantic, Cameron formed Earthship Productions which develops films on ocean exploration and conservation.

Work on Avatar also inspired Cameron to become an alternative energy proponent and show the plight of indigenous people, especially those involved in struggles over energy issues.

He also organized a task force of deep-ocean experts to address offshore oil production and ocean engineering issues raised by the 2010 Gulf oil spill.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge, the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet.

The National Geographic Society has funded more than 9,600 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy.