Survivorman (Les Stroud)
 

There's a show on the canadian OLN called Survivorman, the survival expert/cinematographer, Les Stroud, went on many survival trips to many places around the world. He uses a DSR-PD170(Season 2) and 2 consumer sony cams (1 per season) to film his entire survival ordeal (100% unscripted) but, yes, there are producers to supervise what he gets for his survival. There are some crazy time lapses spanning a max of 12 hours. Anyone in canada who has OLN has got to watch this show!

Think about it.
Feel free to post more about the show.

P.S: The first season was dubbed from DVCAM/DV into BETACAM SP(HQ Analog)

I love Survivorman!

Les kicks ass!

Survivorman RULES!!!
 

I think that show is ssssoooo inventive. Finally, something in Canada that doesn't involve some "unoriginal" home improvement show...

But ... what a headache to not only worry about the three basics food, shelter and clothing.... but he has to worry about those DAMN cameras and mics....

Bravo Les Stroud.... Bravo!!

Jason

I'd love to hear some of his stories about shooting.
I should look him up, I think he is based out of Vancity.

Did I mention Les kicks ass?
Oh I did.

I wish their producers would start using HDV camcorders for their next season, imagine him in Fiji with nothing but his HC1 and Z1 and his survival stuff and his multi-tool.

Camera Gear
 

Hey folks, I need your help! I often watch Les Stroud's Survivorman and just saw a "behind the scenes" episode, kinda neat. It got me thinking: What camera gear does he use? I go on camping trips every summer (not to a campground, but in the wilderness, paddling from site to site daily). This year I'm really hoping to bring a camcorder (haven't purchased yet) in addition to, or instead of, my regular SLR camera. I've been trying to figure this all out for months but can't find the specific product information I need. I need:
1. a super-long battery life (can't recharge batteries in the wilderness, + carrying a lot of them would be heavy),
2. durability (I may end up getting a waterproofing bag [not a Ziplock] from this neat online site, but that'd also be pretty expensive)

I'll most definitely get a Pelicase (an extremely durable waterproof hardcase; www.pelican.com/product/cases/) for the camcorder so it (the camera) doesn't need to be unbreakable.

I've pretty much decided to go with a MiniDV camcorder because I want the ability to transfer video to my computer (ruling out VHS-C) and I want to be able to record a lot of video (ruling out Flash memory camcorders). I don't really want a DVD camcorder because I don't care to have my video on a DVD plus they're expensive; but if they have longer battery life or other features I like, I may consider one.

I'd just love to know what Les Stroud does with his camera gear.. all the little tricks he's figured out for wilderness video recording... I really want to talk to him. Anyone know how?

I hope you guys can help me out, however you can. I just don't know where else to go from here. I'd appreciate any advice any of you have, be it your own experience or info about Les Stroud. Thanks so much!

-JLC

P.S. E-mail me if need be: juliealternatehotmail@hotmail.com (I check it often and it's my main e-mail, despite the name.) thanks again!

First off, I'm extremely apologetic for bumping this 4 year old thread... X|

But it looks like our Survivorman uses Vegas 8 to edit and (as many people know by now) migrated to HD and Discovery Channel US.

It's clearly evident from this on the Sony Creative Software site: Sony Creative Software - Vegas Pro Training Series, hosted by Les Stroud

Though it's only an intro and outro that he does.

Les is a big time user of Vegas. Last year he was at NAB and a presenter at the Sony booth and the VASST Vegas user event. An awesome story. He came up with the idea himself and pitched it and happened to run into the right guy at the right time over at Discovery channel.

CHeck out this story on the Sony site Sony Creative Software - Sony Creative Software at NAB 2008

GAry

That's ok, you've won the DVinfo.net Oldest Thread Bump prize.... a 4 year old piece of cake!


I'm just kind of surprized that it's been 4+ years since we first saw Survivorman. Huge props to Les for making it!

NAB was cool AND I got a chance to meet Les Stroud!


Bob Diaz

I think Les fudged in one episode where he creates fire with optics on an extremely overcast day...
The camera suddenly cut to him celebrating...why would that be?

I felt duped when he broke out the ukelele when he was in the Cook Islands - everyone knows you can't make ukelele strings out of sea cucumber......

How hilarious is it when he night fishes with his harmonispear and a big bundle of fire?! Man, if I'm ever stranded, I hope Les is around. He'd make a great taste tester!

I think you've got the makings of a great breakfast cereal commercial there!

I'm not gonna try it... You try it!
I'm not gonna try it... you try it...
Give it to Les... he'll try anything!

This guy is my favorite Videographer, period. Lots of respect for him being able to maintain his gear in such situations and still produce a one man show with anything going on.