The crew is tiny, maybe four or five people per pair, which is like taking a family of squirrels on a road trip. They stay a block away, hidden in plain sight. They’ll pretend to be tourists buying postcards while the contestants barter for a taxi. The show’s golden rule is: never interfere—unless someone is about to get eaten by a crocodile or stuck on a train with no food.
Race Across the World: The new series' Canadian filming locations
One time, a producer had to hide behind a dumpster because a contestant walked right past their van. The producer’s lunch—a sad sandwich—was sacrificed to the gods of reality TV. We’ve all had that day at work.
Lighting and the “Golden Hour” Problem
Contestants don’t get fancy lighting, which is why they all look like they’ve slept in a kebab shop. But the crew will sometimes race ahead to scout a spot with good sunset light for a dramatic interview. It’s like trying to pose for a selfie while a sandstorm eats your face. The result? Gorgeous shots of someone sweaty and confused, standing in front of a volcano.
They also use GoPros strapped to backpacks for those shaky, “I’m about to miss my bus” shots. You know, the footage that makes you feel motion sick in your couch. That’s not a bug; it’s the whole point.
