Article about Survivorman in DV Magazine

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ChadHahn

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I finally got a chance to look at Digital Video Magazine the other day and there is an article about Les Stroud. Since it is a magazine about video production most of the article deals with that aspect of the show.

One thing that was mentioned that I thought was interesting was the reason he often goes a night or two with out shelter or fire is that he is too busy setting up cameras and getting the angles the way he wants them and switching out batteries and other technical things to get a good shelter built or gather wood for a fire.

I thought that was kind of interesting. I guess that might be the way for a real person lost in the wild as well, they might spend all day walking or otherwise trying to get themselves out of the mess they're in and have to spend a night with out a shelter or fire.

But since those things are so important, it might also be worthwhile for one of his support team to stick around and tape him while he gets set up and then leave.

Chad
 
I have been thinking about his production method and while I appreciate the aspect of actually being alone in a survival situation which would weigh heavily on anyone, I feel the show would offer 2-3 times more information on the craft if he just let someone else shoot the show. The dude has proved his point and I while I am a big fan I would like to hear less about cameras failing in the elements (which someone else would deal with) and him being cold and hungry all the time. [edited in: he also would have more energy and less need for food due to less exertion from moving his entire "studio" around with him as well] The dude has the skills to be comfortable and fed and it's about time the show focuses on that IMO.
 
Dunner said:
I have been thinking about his production method and while I appreciate the aspect of actually being alone in a survival situation which would weigh heavily on anyone, I feel the show would offer 2-3 times more information on the craft if he just let someone else shoot the show. The dude has proved his point and I while I am a big fan I would like to hear less about cameras failing in the elements (which someone else would deal with) and him being cold and hungry all the time. The dude has the skills to be comfortable and fed and it's about time the show focuses on that IMO.
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I feel much the same as you. It would not dilute the show at all (for me anyway) if he had one other person there filming the show, that was Les could focus on other survival aspects, kit, and preparedness. I understand the it's about the "what ifs", but I enjoyed the extra tools he had this season. None the less, it's still a good show.
 
Agreed, it's still on of the best things on TV and as mentioned elsewhere, Les Stroud seems like the kind of guy a lot of us would like to meet and learn from and even hang out with.
 
I couldn't agree more Dunner and Tarmix. I really wish he had a tech guy so that he could do more interesting survival work instead of camera work.
 
Les' vision for Survivorman has always been a solo venture. He said in an interview something to the effect that if he had someone to help him with gear and so on, then he'd have camaraderie, which would change the entire element of the show. I can appreciate his solo efforts, even if he is messing with cameras a lot.

Another thing is to think about the editing of the show. Les is usually out somewhere for 7 days. We get to see that whittled down into about a 44-minute TV show. They could certainly edit the show a little differently and depict Les doing more mundane, but essential tasks. I think the camera problems are sort of thrown in for dramatic effect at times. The situations he's in are tough enough, but griping about the additional humping of camera gear or cameras not working seems to magnify the difficulty of wherever he stays, and I think that's why the topic makes it's way into the show as often as it does.

I like the show with just Les. Showing more skills and depicting more of his actual lonely situation could be done in editing.
 
hikeeba said:
Les' vision for Survivorman has always been a solo venture. He said in an interview something to the effect that if he had someone to help him with gear and so on, then he'd have camaraderie, which would change the entire element of the show. I can appreciate his solo efforts, even if he is messing with cameras a lot.
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Good point. I still feel like I want to see less, "hope that camera is on, hope there is film in that camera" but I complete see what you're saying.
 
ive been enjoying the show for a while now too, its one of the main reasons i send a check to the stupid cable company. for all his skill with a camera les seems a little like a light weight granola eater. His attempts to "do some hunting" usually leave me laughing. the slingshot was the funniest so far. all in all though its one of the better things going on tv now and the kids love it too. he has even inspired me to do some roughing it trips with my son and brother.
joshua
 
I addressed the comraderie thing. He has proved the point on soloing. If you watch the show needing continued affirmation that his greatest struggle is dealing with loneliness then I agree, he should keep carrying his own gear. If you watch the show because you would like to see him demonstrate survival techniques the some SERIOUS changes to the show need to come soon because he always spends so much time setting up camera angles and so forth the rest of the time he demonstrates bad practices on shelters acquiring necessary food and water in every episode. The guy is a stud at starting fires though. I know he has the skills but they aren't coming through in the show whether this content is left on the editing room floor or he never has time to shoot the right stuff.

Edited to add... I belive in a survival situation it is having skill that makes being alone less dangerous. You are going to be less inclined to bug out and more inclined to stay busy with productive tasks with the confidence you can keep yourself alive regardless. Learning to be alone from a TV program isn't what I am after. I want more skill.
 
Dunner said:
I addressed the comraderie thing. He has proved the point on soloing. If you watch the show needing continued affirmation that his greatest struggle is dealing with loneliness then I agree, he should keep carrying his own gear. If you watch the show because you would like to see him demonstrate survival techniques the some SERIOUS changes to the show need to come soon because he always spends so much time setting up camera angles and so forth the rest of the time he demonstrates bad practices on shelters acquiring necessary food and water in every episode. The guy is a stud at starting fires though. I know he has the skills but they aren't coming through in the show whether this content is left on the editing room floor or he never has time to shoot the right stuff.
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Yes, I agree.

And my friends and I are starting to get tired of the show. We've even developed a new name "Sufferman"

I'm really starting to get bored seeing him just out there suffering and would love to see him demonstrate more survival techniques.

As much as Bear has help, and isn't really out there alone, I much prefer his show these days because I learn more.
 
On the topic of camaraderie -- if you've seen the S1 ep on urban survial where he combines 'solo survival' (in studio or otherwise artificial settings, with others filming) with interviews of Katrina/disaster survivors -- THAT's the kind of show I'd like to see Les do in the future. Les displayed real empathy AND drew a lot of great info out of the Katrina survivors he interviewed.

I like Survivorman in its present incarnation, so maybe Les could periodically do a 'special' (hell, Mythbusters and Dirty Jobs do unconventional 'specials' all the time)... Call the show something else so Survivorman's 'brand equity' is not diluted but have Les be more of a demonstrator/interviewer than solo survivalist/filmmaker.

"Surviving Disaster with Les Stroud," or somesuch...
 
as soon as you add another person to the equation people will start questioning him. Questioning if he's doing things by himself. If it weren't for bear, this might not be the case.
 
MG_Saldivar said:
"Surviving Disaster with Les Stroud," or somesuch...
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That would be a good show to watch. I have to agree with most comments here that even though I enjoy watching the show and have every episode I can find saved on the DVR, after a while it does seem to be the same 'ol same 'ol every show. I like the scenary and all, some of it is quite beautiful. The primary reason for watching the show though is to see some real survival techniques in use. I know, some folks will say get out there and go do it yourself and don't worry about watching somebody else do it on TV, but sometimes it's not so easy fitting that kind of time in the woods into a real world schedule. I'm sure he has some real survival knowledge and experience, but it would be nice if the show was changed up a little so he could focus on teaching certain skills a little more.
 
JackBauer24 said:
as soon as you add another person to the equation people will start questioning him. Questioning if he's doing things by himself. If it weren't for bear, this might not be the case.
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Unless Les can execute the move correctly. Reading through this thread again has caused my brain to stretch a bit. I'm sorry if I came off like a hardcore 'solo Les' person. I didn't mean to.

I think this thread may possibly open up at least another two seasons of television for Les. Survivormen: What 2 can do. 2 people, two cameras, two weeks to get out. Team survival tactics. How efficient can two persons be in varying situations? Stick together at all times, or separate for certain tasks? Will they always get along? How do they resolve differences? How do they combat boredom? How do they collaborate on a plan to get out? The possibilities could range greatly. 2 experts, 1 expert and one lay person, 2 persons from widely-varying backgrounds, male and female team, simulated serious injuries, etc. And rather than condensing it into one hour, each show would probably need to have a part I and part II; at least 2 episodes per situation. Yes, I believe that could be done, and done well with two people. Same idea, but a completely different angle.

Edit: I think the element of 'getting out' or 'finding civilization' would need to be incorporated in order to sell the idea. Les has done that in a few episodes. Having to move would eliminate the comfort of a sustantial shelter to be relied on. Of course, in some situations like lost at sea or castaway on an island would need to be tweaked a bit.
 
I liked the recent "behind the scenes" show. I liked Les Stroud even more after that and I like how he consults with the locals and it appears they have some adventures of their own. Looks like good times. It showed he is not a know it all but someone who continues to seek and learn.

Seeing how much planning goes into the survival location and that some areas are "pre-run" to become acquainted with them takes away more for me than anything having a cameraman could possibly add. If I walk into an area where I have just recently been and checked out for hazards and resources AND I know it's just for a set amount of time... it isn't as much survival as [minimalist] camping (albeit with lions and water buffalo LOL). I think these things have to be added to the perspective along with just being alone.

Edited to add: To me "minimalist camping" is survival practice. Survival is when conditions and the choices you make and the skills you bring with you decide whether you live or die. It's the real thing. Just thought I would add this for reference on my view above. I know Les is in real jeopardy at times.
 
I do believe many portions of his journeys a little more raw and unplanned than those highlighted in the Behind the Scenes episode.
 
hikeeba said:
Unless Les can execute the move correctly. Reading through this thread again has caused my brain to stretch a bit. I'm sorry if I came off like a hardcore 'solo Les' person. I didn't mean to.

I think this thread may possibly open up at least another two seasons of television for Les. Survivormen: What 2 can do. 2 people, two cameras, two weeks to get out. Team survival tactics. How efficient can two persons be in varying situations? Stick together at all times, or separate for certain tasks? Will they always get along? How do they resolve differences? How do they combat boredom? How do they collaborate on a plan to get out? The possibilities could range greatly. 2 experts, 1 expert and one lay person, 2 persons from widely-varying backgrounds, male and female team, simulated serious injuries, etc. And rather than condensing it into one hour, each show would probably need to have a part I and part II; at least 2 episodes per situation. Yes, I believe that could be done, and done well with two people. Same idea, but a completely different angle.

Edit: I think the element of 'getting out' or 'finding civilization' would need to be incorporated in order to sell the idea. Les has done that in a few episodes. Having to move would eliminate the comfort of a sustantial shelter to be relied on. Of course, in some situations like lost at sea or castaway on an island would need to be tweaked a bit.
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Thats a very interesting idea. There are a lot of different angles he could take with it. For instance, he could have a different partner each time.
 
I agree with the critiques given by this thread. I think his camera gets in the way of his survival presentations. I like his consultations with experts and his overall approach. I chuckled at the Sufferman remark. Two people would be a very interesting presentation as "egos" may get in the way. Overall it's a pretty good show and hold my 5 year old grandson's attention!
 
Dunner said:
To me "minimalist camping" is survival practice. Survival is when conditions and the choices you make and the skills you bring with you decide whether you live or die. It's the real thing. Just thought I would add this for reference on my view above. I know Les is in real jeopardy at times.
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Indeed. How light can you go without having to do your own "survival" that doesn't depend on gear?

That's a good point.
 
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