Welcome aboard Jack

The first I knew of this expedition was when I got a call from Will saying he was going to be driving to South Africa in record time and was I interested? Normally I’d ask hundreds of questions; what’s the route, what would we be doing it for, how safe is it, who are we filming and who are we filming for… but with Will I know that the answers to those questions have already been satisfactorily answered and if he’s on board then I am.

I first worked with Will in the Holiday Unit of the BBC about 4 years ago, we’ve worked together several times since and I always know that he’s got the best interests of his crew at the forefront of everything else he has to think about.

I didn’t think too much more about it after that initial call, until we decided to call a meeting for me to meet the team…..it was only then I realised quite what I’d let myself in for and how serious and professional the other boys were. The planning that had already taken place showed a marked difference to the sort I’m used to in Production, Military precision doesn’t really do it justice!

But if nothing else I was left feeling I was in good hands, Mac has an air of determined professionalism, a real leader, Chris, super cool calm and friendly (but judging by his efforts leaving my house I think I might worry about his map reading abilities…) Jim, solid, I doubt he’ll be phased by anything we’ll see en route, the team MacGyver and Andy, an RAF Medic, say no more, a team player, friendly and the guy you want to have your back in an emergency.

All in all – I’m left wondering what I bring to the team!!

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