Viewers in for a wild ride as ‘Survivor SA’ proves local is also lekker

Shark deterrent shields, stocks of anti-venom and a healthy respect for the warm but turbulent Indian Ocean were firmly in place when the latest season of Survivor SA was shot at the Wild Coast in November and December last year.

Stringent safety protocols made for a safe filming environment and ensured that not a single castaway or crew member got sick during the 39-day shoot. In fact, avoiding the virus was like a survival game in itself, says executive producer Handrie Basson, who was based at the Wild Coast Sun along with presenter Nico Panagio and 100 crew while 20 SA castaways battled it out in less luxurious surroundings.

“Everyone working on Survivor was so determined to make the most of this opportunity, that it became somewhat of our own Survivor from a production perspective.

“All cast and crew were tested for Covid-19 upon arrival at Sun International’s Wild Coast Sun and entered a self-isolation period to ensure the sanctity of the ‘bubble’ in which we would operate.

“Daily Covid-19 screenings, mask-wearing and social distancing became second nature to us as we all worked together to protect the production bubble. We also had an external bubble, where some of our logistics and construction teams worked to ensure everything we needed in the internal bubble got there in time to allow the production to seamlessly continue.

“If there is one thing about South Africans that we all know, we are resilient — and that shone through brightly.”

Things looked less bright at the beginning of last year, when plans to film in a traditionally far-flung destination had to be shelved and the entire shoot was postponed due to the pandemic taking its hold on the world.

“We had an international location in place for filming, but those plans had to be cancelled for obvious reasons. M-Net decided to postpone production until there was more certainty around production protocols during Covid-19.”

Basson has worked on Survivor SA since the fourth season, filmed in the Maldives, first as head of content and then as executive producer from season six in the Philippines. But they wanted to look closer to home for the eighth season, and his search led him to the Eastern Cape’s coastline.

“Desolate beaches, wild and lush jungles, versatile terrain for challenges and plenty of wildlife provide the backdrop for the world’s greatest game.

“Survivor as a format relies on the isolation and ruggedness of its locations and, as such, the Wild Coast provided us with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and stunningly isolated beaches, all within proximity to good infrastructure for roads, accommodation and a supply chain for materials and goods needed during filming.”

The 20 castaways shortlisted to outwit, outplay and outlast each other had to hang onto their normal lives when the original shoot was pushed back, but all were still available when the season got the green light to film.

“At that point, we just knew that this season was going to be a special one,” says Basson, who describes the contestants  as “a diverse group of individuals with a strong game knowledge of Survivor, even stronger personalities and determination to make this season count”.

With the Wild Coast Sun as the base for the non-castaway members of the Survivor SA team, it was key to avoid letting the cat out of the bag about the shoot, especially since the resort continued to welcome day visitors and guests.

The Survivor crew occupied an entire wing and the hotel provided separate facilities for dining, meetings and production requirements, ensuring isolation from regular guests. All this distancing — the crew was not allowed to enjoy any of the hotel’s recreational facilities  — dovetailed perfectly with Covid-19 protocols.

“To keep our presence under wraps, none of our crew was allowed to wear Survivor-branded clothing or buffs that could blow our cover,” explains Handrie.

“Even Nico Panagio, our host, had to duck and dive expertly around members of the public to avoid getting recognised.”

Basson says that due to the area’s rough oceans, the show’s iconic water challenges were situated in rivers and estuaries. “And yes, we had shark deterrent shields placed strategically in the water surrounding our challenge builds to avoid any unnecessary danger.”

I think SA is a brilliant Survivor filming location, and to be able to prove that is an immense honour.

—  Executive producer Handrie Basson

Snakes were another possible peril, so the survivor medical clinic was stocked with anti-venom treatments. It was also handy that a member of the medical team was a snake expert who did thorough sweeps of locations before cast and crew ventured into the jungle, grasslands and rivers to film.

Without giving too much away at this early stage — the show is only scheduled to air on M-Net in June — Basson says the season was characterised by “exceptional gameplay and gobsmacking moments in challenges, at tribe camps and at tribal council”.

“Their in-depth knowledge of the game and their ingenious ways of using the surprises and twists from Immunity Island (which is not an actual island, by the way) to their advantage made for great Survivor moments.

“And to see humanity shine through between the castaways, even while enduring extreme hardships in a game of deception and betrayal, really made us proud to be South Africans.”

Survivor SA Immunity Island was produced in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in East London, which served as a co-investor with the aim of highlighting the beauty and culture of the Wild Coast.

“Survivor SA season eight attracts investment, creates jobs, supports SMMEs and upskills filmmakers within the immediate region of the Wild Coast, as well as the wider Eastern Cape province,” says the ECDC’s innovation and fund management senior manager Rowan Govender.

Govender says the corporation appreciated the Wild Coast community’s support of an “international reality show” being shot in the province.

For Basson, shooting in SA was also about showing off the country’s beauty.

“I think SA is a brilliant Survivor filming location, and to be able to prove that is an immense honour.

“The fact we filmed this season here amid a global pandemic made every single person involved so intent on making a success of it and we think that will translate on-screen for the viewers.”