World’s Toughest Race

World’s Toughest Race

Develop | Execute

Filmed in Fiji

World’s Toughest Race

Develop | Execute

Filmed in Fiji

Objective

Amazon Prime® and MGM® rebooted Mark Burnett’s epic adventure franchise, “Eco Challenge,” under the title “The World’s Toughest Race” after 17 years. Amazon’s delivery requirements demanded the show be delivered in 4K HDR for streaming. 17 years of technology changes meant completely rethinking the approach to the show's format. The project also required recruiting the world's best adventure cinematographers and vetting applicants for technical competence, physical condition, and outdoor experience.

Solution

We worked closely with vendors like Sony®, Panasonic®, RED®, Fujinon®, Canon®, DJI®, GoPro®, GSS®, and more to research and test lenses, cameras, and other systems for “World’s Toughest Race.” Adrenaline narrowed down a short list of 8 cameras and conducted a real-world test in the Florida wilderness to simulate the tropical conditions of Fiji, then performed HDR color grades to choose the best options for quality, ergonomics, reliability, and performance. We recruited several cinematographers over satellite phone from Everest Base Camp and negotiated between them and MGM to build a team of over forty cinematographers and operators.

Team Members