Our biggest and most exhilarating task to date…
Film Fixers had the amazing opportunity to test our metal, so to speak, by being the local producers for the hit Reality TV series, Survivor. We ran the Russian Survivor in the completely new, never been done before location of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Firstly, the fact that this was a whole new location presented its own problems, and one’s Film Fixers Africa had to navigate and overcome. The challenge with this location is unfamiliarity and the fact that we had to train and upskill carpenters, welders and helpers who become an integral part of the team. Secondly, this was the biggest job for us, and it went on for 4 whole months on various remote islands with fragmented signal and only basic facilities. The logistics with bringing in raw materials and tools were tough (our shopping lists were bizarre. Anything from sunblock to fish eyes and cow blood) – and the fact that in the entire crew, there were only 3 English speaking first language members – us. The rest was up to charades and google translate, which didn’t always work out (we once spent 5 days looking for a submarine before we realized that they actually wanted an underwater cameraman).
THE LOCATION
Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. We based our operations in the southern area of Kizimkazi with the reality locations being in Phungume, Kwale and Miwi – each one of these areas being islands we had to access by boat. The logistics in this regard was nightmarish, to say the least, but we get the job done and to tell the truth, it’s really the challenges that excite us. It’s what we do.
THE PRODUCTION
The production itself was epic in scale, starting with the pre-production.
From the get-go, we were moving from island to island, meeting with chiefs and community leaders, as well as working with the local government on the various permits needs (including a chainsaw – which is illegal in the country!!)
And then came the entry permits for the crew – along with the necessary Covid tests that had to be organized. We even had to have a doctor with us and our own stash of tests as there was no access to any medical facilities where we were.
THE SHOOT
The crew touched down and it was show time (excuse the pun). With the various departments running full steam. From the arts and props team building multiple sets for the challenges in front of our very eyes to the director’s corner with the flurry of camera/sound/lighting equipment and then putting it all together without a hitch. We had up to two-hundred people operating in seven different locations with more than half of that being local help. (We have always believed in local development, and being so invested in tourism, we believe in developing strong relations and promoting locals and local businesses.) The challenge of keeping each member hydrated and fed in the Zanzibar heat was a challenge we happily took on.
We had (under our team) between five to eleven vehicles, depending on the day, and twelve boats to facilitate, with a daily fuel consumption total of around twelve-hundred-and-fifty litres.
Four months went by and suddenly we were done. The show went off with huge ratings and fantastic results. Of course, by the end of it, each one of us was battered, buggered and completely thrilled with what we achieved. Our time in Zanzibar was a great opportunity for us to promote it further as a location, and hopefully for more productions like this one. We have paved a road here, so to speak.
FUN FACT
The Russians don’t call their version “Survivor”, instead, the show translates to “Last Hero.”
As always, it was a huge honour to have been trusted with such a high-profile production. We loved every minute and we continue to grow and develop ourselves. Plus, what an amazing location.
