Deadliest Catch: How many Z1Us sacrificed?

[Jack Zhang]

Just watched a bit of the Behind the Scenes special of Deadliest Catch and I hear that most of the Z1Us used all go beyond repair once they're back at Dutch Harbor. They start with 50, now I wonder, how many Z1Us were lost to the tough conditions of the Bering Sea?

Attached are screenshots of some of the busted ones. However, I need an exact #.

[Mark Bournes]

I read an article that said they lose about 2/3 of them.

[Jack Zhang]

That's a lot! Around 33 lost out of 50... that's like around $132000 or more of done away money! Enough for a low-end Apartment!

But what's the exact number?

[Don Bloom]

why not contact the production company and ask them. I *think* it's Pilligran Productions or maybe Pilgrim Productions in LA
Also on the website if it's still there under discovery.com there might be a lead to the production company or there might be something about the info you want on the message board again, if it's still there.

Don

[Mark Bournes]

The production company is based in Santa Monica ,CA if that helps, I can't remember the name.

[Jaron Berman]

Original Productions. They just struck a pretty major deal with NBC, detalils are floating around in the New York Times.

[Mark Bournes]

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/...LIFE/704030328

This is the article I was refering to.

[Boyd Ostroff]

That's pretty interesting. The photos above remind me of this: http://www.camcorderservice.nl/sony_fx1.htm

[Dave Blackhurst]

It's probably 50 out of 50, I'm guessing they get a REALLY sweet bulk discount, or maybe even some sort of endorsement... yeah, it's expensive, but I doubt many of these cams come back serviceable by those pix... doubtful even usable as parts with all the salt water!

In budgetary terms for a series, that's probably peanuts - supposedly reality series are cheap to produce in the first place compared to a sitcom or traditional series with "stars"... the Z1 budget wouldn't even buy 1/10th of a "Friend", and probably Seinfelds left toe or something...

[Alan Ortiz]

Originally Posted by Boyd Ostroff

That's pretty interesting. The photos above remind me of this: http://www.camcorderservice.nl/sony_fx1.htm

Oh...thats just not right...

[Jack Zhang]

doubtful even usable as parts with all the salt water!

Not only that, some of the rigged cameras froze over in ice inside a waterproof casing on icy days.

But not all cameras were on deck, the Capitan cameras didn't get any water in them. Only banged up if the waves are really big and the cameraguy was unstable.

[Kit Hannah]

Originally Posted by Jack Zhang

That's a lot! Around 33 lost out of 50... that's like around $132000 or more of done away money! Enough for a low-end Apartment!

But what's the exact number?

Deadliest Catch is one of Discovery's most popular shows, I'm sure they're making up the cost of that in a couple of commercials.....

[Jack Zhang]

Still, it isn't really economical.

[Kit Hannah]

Originally Posted by Jack Zhang

Still, it isn't really economical.

Well, Jack, you're talking about a show that makes millions for the network. They need a camera that's going to produce an acceptable picture for Discovery while still having professional features. You're not going to find a HDV camera with the features and size the z1u has for less.

I would say it looks like they are being about as economical as they can be....... Could have been XDCAMs in the pics.....

[Mark Bournes]

Originally Posted by Jack Zhang

Still, it isn't really economical.

How do you figure?

It's the cheapest camera that produces the image quality that Discovery demands. Considering the shooting conditions you're gonna lose 2/3 of them.

I'd say the production company is being very economical, considering the conditions, and the quality of the final product.