Mariana van Zeller, the distinguished Emmy-winning journalist, has embarked on a new professional journey by founding her independent media company, "The Hidden Third." This strategic move follows the conclusion of her highly acclaimed National Geographic series, "Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller," which garnered numerous awards for its in-depth exploration of illicit global trade networks. The establishment of The Hidden Third signifies van Zeller's commitment to further investigate and illuminate the multifaceted world of the shadow economy, leveraging various media platforms to reach a broader audience. This initiative builds upon the foundational success of her prior work and aims to foster a sustained engagement with critical, often overlooked, global narratives.

The newly formed entity, "The Hidden Third," is poised to become a significant force in investigative journalism and storytelling. With a focus on the intricate and often shadowy aspects of the global economy, the company plans to produce content across diverse formats including video, podcasts, books, and live events. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that complex subjects are presented through compelling narratives, appealing to a wide demographic. Van Zeller’s vision extends to maintaining the collaborative spirit and expertise of the team that contributed to the success of "Trafficked," ensuring a seamless transition and continued excellence in their investigative pursuits.

The Genesis of 'The Hidden Third' and Its Mission

Mariana van Zeller's decision to launch "The Hidden Third" stems from a deep-seated desire to broaden the scope and impact of her investigative journalism. Following the successful run of her Nat Geo series "Trafficked," which earned critical acclaim and multiple awards, van Zeller sought to create a platform that would allow greater creative control and diverse storytelling avenues. The new company is designed to be an independent media powerhouse, focused on shedding light on the often-invisible forces that shape our world, particularly the intricate networks of the global black and gray markets. This initiative also aims to keep together the talented production team responsible for the groundbreaking work on "Trafficked," fostering a collaborative environment for continued impactful storytelling.

The name "The Hidden Third" is directly inspired by van Zeller's existing podcast, which delves into true crime and the underground economy, a theme central to her journalistic endeavors. This new company will expand upon these themes, investigating the multi-trillion dollar shadow economy that economists estimate comprises approximately 35% of global economic activity. By utilizing a range of formats, including documentary films, podcasts, books, and live events, "The Hidden Third" will offer audiences comprehensive insights into these complex and often perilous subjects. The company’s mission is not only to report on these hidden facets of modern life but also to engage directly with audiences, fostering a deeper understanding and critical discourse around these significant global issues, moving beyond traditional broadcast limitations.

Expanding Storytelling: From Broadcast to Multi-Platform Engagement

With the conclusion of the Emmy-winning series "Trafficked," Mariana van Zeller's new company, "The Hidden Third," marks a significant evolution in her approach to investigative journalism. This transition represents a strategic move towards a more flexible and expansive media model, allowing for deeper engagement with complex topics beyond the confines of traditional television. The new entity, launched in collaboration with Muck Media, aims to leverage a variety of platforms—including podcasts, books, and live events—to deliver compelling narratives about the global shadow economy. This multi-platform strategy is designed to reach diverse audiences and foster a more direct and interactive relationship with the public, enabling a broader discourse on critical global issues.

The creation of "The Hidden Third" signifies a commitment to innovative storytelling and direct audience engagement, complementing Muck Media's focus on premium documentaries and scripted content. While Muck Media will continue to produce content for traditional development and distribution channels across various genres, "The Hidden Third" will serve as a direct-to-audience platform, particularly through its Patreon subscription service and existing podcast. This symbiotic relationship ensures a continuous pipeline of stories, where original reporting and journalistic insights from "The Hidden Third" can potentially evolve into larger-scale screen productions by Muck Media. This collaborative model empowers both entities to explore underreported forces shaping modern life, building upon the extensive success and critical acclaim garnered by van Zeller's previous work, including 88 Emmy nominations and nine Emmy wins for "Trafficked.