The Mountaineering Council of Scotland
EXPEDITION VOLUNTEERS WANTED
For a Once in a Lifetime Polar Challenge
Press release
from Keo Films
Keo Films in London have been commissioned to make 6 x 1 hour documentary films by the BBC, National Geographic and the History Channel (US) about the historic expeditions made to the South Pole by Scott and Amundsen in 1911/12. Filming will take place in April, June and July 2005, and will mostly occur in Greenland.
We plan to set two modern teams the challenge of expeditioning across a route almost identical in length and terrain to that covered by Scott and Amundsen, using only the equipment, clothing and food that were available to the original teams.
The end result of the filming will be a major six part series for the BBC and international television markets. The series will interweave the contemporary experience of our teams with the history of polar exploration. The finished programmes will include archive material as well as interviews with historians, scientists, medical experts, explorers and others who may be able to shed light on this fascinating period of history.
We are looking for volunteers to be part of this extraordinary TV series in which we will be re-creating Scott and Amundsen's much debated journeys to the South Pole in 1911-12. These individuals will get to experience first hand what it was really like for those courageous men who undertook what has become known as one of the worst journeys in the world. Through their experience we plan to shed new light on one of the most remarkable events in history for modern audiences.
Every effort will be made to ensure that the experience will be as authentic as possible. However, due to environmental reasons it cannot take place in Antarctica. We have selected an area in Greenland where the terrain and conditions will match the Antarctic as closely as possible.
We are looking for determined, physically fit individuals to make up the teams. Although this unique experience will be filmed for a documentary series, it is still a genuine and potentially dangerous expedition in extreme conditions that requires complete dedication.
The 2,560km journey will take place in Greenland and should take a maximum of 99 days. There will be two weeks of training and acclimatisation before the teams set off. It is imperative that all applicants can commit to being away for the whole duration, from April to July 2005. Please bear in mind that during this time there will be little or no contact with friends or family and there will be no opportunity to go home.
Anyone who wants to take part in this project needs to be aware of the fact that they are likely to experience physical discomfort. The participants must be happy to be filmed continuously throughout the race, even in the most challenging circumstances. The preparation and training time will also be filmed and there is a possibility that we will do some filming prior to your departure.
Keo Films will cover all expedition-associated costs including clothing, equipment and food.
All applicants must be over 21 and speak English fluently.
For further information and to receive an application form please email:
scottamundsen@keofilms.com
