The new Season of 'Man Vs Wild' and 'Born Survivor' is in the middle of its run, airing across Europe and America, but I actually leave today to what feels like the furthest end of the world: Siberia.
Filming a 'Man Vs Wild' here in mid-winter, with average day time temperatures of -25o, feels pretty daunting, but it is also a place where I have dreamt of doing one of these survival shows ever since we first started. But I am definitely nervous.
I actually fly via Miami where I am giving an Everest talk at a conference there, then I fly back to Europe, onto Moscow, before a second night flight east across Russia to Siberia. Then I am pretty much straight into the opening of the film, which will be a skydive from the back of a military helicopter into the frozen wastelands. By that stage I predict I will be desperate to get out of flying machines and onto the ground!
Two extra pieces of news:
First up, Channel 4 in the UK have bought the next 13 episodes of Born Survivor. Channel 4 were the first broadcasters to encourage me to do TV, when I did the show 'Escape to the Legion', and I feel a great loyalty to them, so it is good to have the next year planned.
Secondly, Discovery are planning a potential series of Man Vs Wild 'extras', to run alongside the main 'Man Vs Wild' shows. The idea for these episodes is for a couple, (maybe a father and son, or two college friends, a mother and daughter, two celebrities, you name it!) to get dropped into the wilds alongside me, and I assess how they cope and help them through where I can. We live the struggle together and these guys get to pit themselves against some true wildernesses.
We plan to film a pilot show of this in February. Watch this space and also www.discovery.com/bear for more news and how to apply!
Until then, fingers crossed for Siberia. I am just focussed on surviving and making it back in time for Christmas with my family.
Bear x
ps photo is Natasha (Beddingfield) and me launching Global Angels Charity in Time Sq, New York last week. Global Angels are the charity we raised funds for through our latest Mission Everest, and this US launch should open up the possibility of many thousands more children's lives being saved worldwide. Please support any way you feel you can! see: www.globalangels.org
