Get ready for an inside look at the thrilling adventure that is Celebrity Race Across the World! As the show returns to our screens, we're diving into the secrets behind its making, straight from the cameraman who's seen it all.
The Ultimate Reality Show?
Imagine swapping your luxurious life for a backpack and no phone, and embarking on a journey through unfamiliar territories. That's exactly what four celebrity duos do on Celebrity Race Across the World. This season, they'll navigate the undiscovered Caribbean and Pacific coast of Central America, covering an incredible 5,900km! From Isla Mujeres in Mexico to Península de La Guajira in Colombia, it's an epic race like no other.
This year's contestants include broadcaster Anita Rani and her dad, Bal; Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn with his mum, Jackie; presenter and DJ Tyler West and his actor-singer partner, Molly Rainford; and broadcaster Roman Kemp alongside his sister, singer-songwriter Harleymoon.
But here's where it gets controversial... How much of this race is actually real? Let's find out!
The Making of a Reality Show
Series producer Phil Lewis and embedded producer/director Lewis Price, who joined Roman and Harleymoon on their journey, revealed the immense effort that goes into creating this show. From casting to crafting the route, health and safety measures, and ensuring each episode has its own unique identity, it's a complex process.
Phil explained, "We're looking for a route that takes around 32 days, offering diverse landscapes and cultures, and a physical journey through the sea and jungle. It's all about creating an arc for the series while maintaining the distinct identity of each episode."
The Cameramen's Role
Lewis Price, the cameraman, shared his experience, revealing that only 20% of his role is actual filming and producing. The rest? Well, it's all about keeping the contestants safe, especially Harleymoon, who admitted, "They're sleeping on the floor with us. Lewis was taking the hits as much as we were."
A Team Effort
Lewis emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, "My role is doing exactly what they do all the time."
Phil added, "With each team, there's a producer director, an assistant producer for sound, and constant communication via WhatsApp. We have to keep an eye on the story arc, ensuring every thread is followed through."
Safety First
The crew's safety is a top priority. Each team has a support vehicle with a driver, a multi-skilled agent for security and medical emergencies, and a researcher and fixer who speaks the local language. Every step of the way, someone is looking out for the contestants' well-being.
The Producers' Perspective
Lewis shared his preference for knowing where the contestants are heading, saying, "I think it makes great TV. I'll check the map and timetable, so I know when they make a wrong decision."
Harleymoon added, "We knew nothing. The camera crew is genuinely detached, making us feel like we're on our own."
Lewis clarified, "We stop them if they're doing something dangerously stupid, and our multi-skilled agents ensure their safety."
Checkpoints: A Time to Recharge
Checkpoints are crucial for the contestants to recoup and connect with the wider teams. It's a chance to discuss story arcs, reflect on achievements, and mentally recharge.
Testing the Route
Before the race begins, someone goes on a recce of the route, experiencing it just like the contributors. This person, with security and a medic, works out all the logistics, and their spending gives an idea of the budget for the contestants.
And This is the Part Most People Miss...
The route is carefully crafted to offer a challenging yet enjoyable experience. It's a delicate balance, ensuring the contestants can have fun without it being too easy.
So, what do you think? Is Celebrity Race Across the World a true test of endurance and navigation skills, or is it all just a well-crafted reality show? Share your thoughts in the comments!
