Show was originally supposed to be a more educational, less dangerous program, but was dumbed down
From BearWiki
Confirmed: The original show, as filmed, was to be an educational show with a survival consultant explaining when things were done right and what was done wrong. Discovery editors cut that part out.
As always, Ron Hood's forum is a wealth of information.[1] Hood was the survival consultant for the first episode. Here's how he relates the experience once he learns what editors have done with it:
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FYI,
The pilot of the program I worked on this summer will be airing this week on Discovery.
http://dsc.discovery.com/tvlistings/episod...d=0&channel=DSC
Don't count on seeing me in the thing. Apparently the Discovery people thought that two characters was one too many and might confuse their viewers so they cut my performance. If you want to write letters to Discovery, feel free. Apparently they execs think we're all stupid. Still the work you see will be very familiar to those of you who have our videos. Of course I'm supposedly still listed as the "Survival Expert" in the credits. We may resume shooting in May if this show works out.
Close but no cigar.
The good news... I got paid and am still locked in for my ongoing consultant role.
I haven't seen it so I have literally no idea what the show will show or how it was edited only that the shit you see is the shit I told them to do.
Ron
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Thanks for the sentiments folks. Though it's disappointing but in some way I kinda thought it might swing that way because of the context I was cast in. Early on I suggested another way to accomplish the objective but since the project had already been written there wasn't time or inclination to change it. I guess it turns out that I was correct. Hate that.
Bear Grylls is a great guy. very down to earth, bright and fun to hang with. He seemed very disturbed when the word came down and I believe he and his agent had words with the "powers". We stay in touch so at the very least I've a new friend. He listened to every word I said and never claimed superior knowledge.
All in all I gained from the experience. I also learned a lot about the way they capture, produce, direct and edit content. This will benefit our future videos.
Ron
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OK,
Here's the question of the night... Did anyone see my name in the credits? Beginning or end?
I did not. If anyone taped it could you review the starting credits and the ending credits and let me know? It's a big favor but I need it before I start a general bloodletting at Discovery.
Ron
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Thanks Alex but I think I will be quitting the show. Nothing in it for me. I lost money working for those people. My deal was future shows, face time and name in credits. Discovery cut all that out it appears so it's just a waste of time for me. Not only that but they took out all the reasons Bear had for making what appear to be stupid decisions. It looks to be a very dangerous program at this point.
After I know about the credit thing I'll tell you what I said.
Ron
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It's taken me awhile to understand the scope of the re-edit and the number of basic survival errors in the program. Most of the problems have been mentioned here already.
I am deeply disappointed by this folks. It's not as if I was the feature character and the show simply wasn't popular... I could handle that. This was a more fundamental issue, simple credit for my contribution was denied me despite the clear association with our videos and my skills.
For that reason I am more than a little angry.
Feel free to express your thoughts to Discovery channel.
Ron
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Nope, I did make a copy of the Off air broadcast and I expect a copy of the show as it was meant to be broadcast. Before the mutilation.
Thanks Eric.... I have a contract but there is no point in following up as the show has been broadcast and a low profile at this point is a good thing.
I want to remind everyone that Bear is very capable and highly skilled in survival skills.
We both objected to portions of the show when we filmed but thought we knew that my narration would enlighten the viewers about the hows, whys and wherefores of what look like dangerous activities. When that narration was removed it left Bear looking like he was clueless. He is not clueless. He is clever, courageous and capable. If anyone can save this show it is Bear.
As I posted when we started this project months ago, the show was supposed to be a new format that was drama driven with an educational and adventure component. The script I have looks nothing like the final show.
I think Discovery did the viewing public a serious disservice by excluding the educational narration and concentrating on travel. Someone WILL attempt river travel as shown and there will be problems. Others will run from camp because they hear noises... Someone will attempt a rappel with paracord. People are like that. Discovery holds a huge credibility advantage and that alone will act as an endorsement of the actions seen in the show. Keep in mind that a LOT of people saw the show and a few of them are ignorant enough to attempt what they saw. Disclaimers aside, the presentation looks feasible. The fact that some folks overlooked the errors just proves the point.
I hope Bear finds a way to save the show as it had promise.
Ron
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After all the Hoopla, Discovery agreed to add my name and also added the name of the white water guides name to the credits. After all it was part of the deal. While I was in Romania they sent me an email to ask if I was willing to work as an adviser for some more shows. I said I'd need to think about it. By the time I returned they had hired someone else to do the "advising". The weight is now off my back and someone else can take advantage of what happened.
Don't know who they chose. It'll be interesting to see. Who ever it is I am about sick of hearing British and Australian accents on American TV. Other than Les I don't know of any credible shows. I think the people at Discovery are enamored by accents and think they are classy even if they choose second class presenters.
Ron
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As time went on and the show continues, Ron's opinion of Bear seems to change. As he later sums up:
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"Sorry Dude, Not true. I know the guy... It's about MONEY and FAME. He makes his dollars on the lecture circuit, lives on a houseboat on the themes. His name is Edward (Ed) and I was told was given the name "Bear" as a nickname to forward his quest for fame. His "adventures" are conducted from a motel room and his stunts are BS. He expressed an interest in getting into politics, least wise that is what I understood from him as he and I drove into town to get a pizza. You are right about one thing, it is not about survival, it is "fear factor" with one contestant and some producers who can lie to the viewer.
Finally, I like him as a person, very personable and intelligent. His ethics with the show are bulimic. I've made that clear to him directly. He said it is Discovery's call. I told him I didn't believe him."[2]
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