So this was an insane undertaking for a few different reasons.
Going in, neither the crew nor the contestants really knew what to expect.
Now from the production standpoint everything usually is broken down into 3 stages:
Pre-Production aka planning
Production and
Post Production
Well, because in part everything was so fast paced, we didn't really get fully briefed on what to expect going in so this was one of those shoots where anything might have happened. And this is what makes a production unique, exciting, and yes of course... stressful.
Originally the season was to be filmed in 8 days, we got 6.
Day 1 was the busiest. New location, new contestants, new workflow.
Your job - ADAPT, ADAPT, ADAPT.
This is where you really need to not get left behind, realize how and where you are going to shoot, which changes and adjustments to make, where are the pitfalls, don't forget to stay hydrated, stay in the shade as much as possible and make sure everything gets done as best as can.
My responsibility on set was to provide Aerial coverage of the shoot, so be the Drone Pilot / Operator and make sure safety was taken into consideration during every flight and that everything was done in accordance w/ Part 107 FAA rules and regulations. For my drone I went w/ a DJI Mavic Air 2S which actually did a great job, as expected.
My second responsibility was to develop in-depth stories on some of our contestants and film and conduct their interviews. So there was really a lot to do, plus take into consideration the fact that we have 32 contestants, it's a lot.
By day 2 we got a better understanding of how and where and who, got familiar with some of the cast, but since this is a survival show, there were many evolutions which we had to figure out how to film the best possible way.
Probably some of the biggest challenges had to do with the weather as this was set in the desert, it gets hot outside and a lot of the times think it hit 90F+.
Best thing about filming a show like this is meeting new people, building relationships and at the end you start really feeling like a team, like one big family and that is why the last day of the shoot is always bitter sweet. You sort of don't want to let it go but you have to move on.
Season 2 of Suriving Mann is just around the corner and we can't wait to see what the future brings.
If you guys have any questions or comments leave them down below. Alternatively you can always email us at Art@c137prod.com
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