Ray Mears

[fred gordon]

It might be worth reading the article on the series in this weeks Radio Times. RM seems a bit cheesed of with the BBC. That's a pity since it is largely down to the BBC and his books, which the BBC gave him permission to publish, that he is where he is and that we all know about him. I'm not singing the praises of the BBC here but just puzzled why he did it. Was not particularly impressed with the show. All seemed a bit tired and been done before

 

[harryhaller]

Ray Mears had published his first book before making any BBC series.

With regard to "gratitude": The BBC is an organisation, not a person and did not make the Ray Mears' documentaries out of altruistic reason towards Ray Mears. Ray founded "Woodlore" when he was 19 years old. So it would seem that hte BBC chose him because he was an established "Survivalist". They needed him at least as much as he needed them.

The BBC owns the documentaries in which he appears. They, thus, have the last word on their content. Thus it is quite reasonable that Ray could get annoyed about various aspects of the finished product- especially if he gets blamed for it afterwards.

Thus I got annoyed with the photography in "Northern Wilderness". Far too glossy, repeated aerial shots as you see in "Coast". Exagerrated political correctness, etc, etc. All these faults I blame on the BBC, not on Ray.

I look forward to seeing some documentaries made and owned by him (or Woodlore). Has anyone read the copyright at the end of the credits for the ITV production? Who owns it?

 

[firecrest]

I were in the pub. I think I can catch it again on friday

 

[JonathanD]

I were in the pub. I think I can catch it again on friday

You and me both. Totally forgot it was on.

 

[william#]

sounds like he is ripping off shaddow hawk

 

[C_Claycomb]

sounds like he is ripping off shaddow hawk

Who of course have the monopoly on being filmed running around the bush tracking things.

 

[Tengu]

And he didnt do like Mr Gandar Dower did in `The Spotted Lion`

 

[lostplanet]

Survival with Raymears

'Ray Mears applies his expertise in Bushcraft to track down some of the worlds deadliest predators. he begins his quest
in namibia, on the trail of the reclusive leopard.'

I think 'Survival' fulfills the synopsis, if anything I think the title doesn't suit the content of the program. I learnt something new about the wildlife in the African bush but I found the program very American in style with the dramatic music popping up every now and then and the flash action shots. I don't like that and I'm glad there wasn't any wobbly camera. I'd rather do something else than watch Big Cat documentarys. The best bit was the night filming around the watering hole for me. The fact that Ray was involved was the only reason I watched this program.

The title does say 'with' Ray mears so being attached Ray has probably had to act how the producer/director wanted the program to appear, all edgey and exciting. When you look at the end credits the only time I saw rays name was as 'presenter', so as a presenter I think he did a good job. The program as a whole did not leave me inspired as rays other work/stories has in the past. I'm glad I recorded the program as the ads just annoy me and I would have lost interest a lot earlier if I watched it on schedule.

I will record the rest of the series but won't be buying the Book or DVD.

 

[Shade]

I enjoyed it.

Just my 2 peneth

 

[lostplanet]

Just watched the Canada Spirit Bear episode and found that much more interesting.

Looking forward to the Wolf episode when I have time.

 

[JonathanD]

I enjoyed the wolf one. Good show. Pity it was only three eps though.

 

[Tengu]

And after all that effort...Did he `catch` anything??

I still prefer Gandar Dowers effort, but it was too novel for GB telly...