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Jon Kroll is the man behind some the biggest unscripted TV shows of all time. From Big Brother to The Amazing Race, he’s been in the industry for close to 30 years. (Not to mention he is a mentor to the two of us, and one of the first industry people we ever met. Plus a super nice guy!) Now, he’s here to share his incredible experience producing UNCHARTED. It stars one of the greatest reality TV personalities of all time, famous chef Gordon Ramsay. Oh…and this globe-trotting action adventure cooking show filmed…during a world-wide pandemic. Learn how Jon takes on the impossible, makes shows look larger than life, and works with Gordon Ramsay. Plus a deep dive into his production process, and more. Get ready to have your mind blown.
Uncharted: Epic TV from Nat Geo
If you haven’t seen Uncharted from National Geographic, you are missing out. This incredible series stars Biagio’s favorite reality personality of all time – Gordon Ramsay. Every episode, Gordon journeys to some of the most incredible and remote locations on Earth. Why?
Well, of course, in search of culinary inspiration! Epic adventures and unique cultural experiences. Plus, you know, Gordon hangs off cliffs and jumps out of planes and stuff. It’s pretty great. New episodes premiere Sundays at 9/8c on Nat Geo, and play five days later on Disney+. (By the way, a treasure trove of past episodes are waiting for you on Disney+ if you want to binge.)
Oh, and the last two seasons of Uncharted filmed during Covid-19! As if the show wasn’t difficult enough to make already! Luckily, this show had one of our favorite producers and personal mentors at the helm…Jon Kroll.
Uncharted: How the Heck did Jon Do It?
Jon Kroll has executive produced three seasons of Uncharted. He never guessed when he started season two that things would get so…complicated. World-wide pandemic complicated. So picture this. You’re traveling the globe with one of the most recognizable celebrities on earth. There’s action, sweating, travel, and COOKING? Could there be a crazier combination of TV to produce during Covid-19?
Today Jon shares amazing inside info about how he did it, did it safely, and still delivered every episode of this challenging show.
Uncharted: Small Crew, Huge Show
Uncharted feels epic, yet Jon manages to produce the show with just a few cameras. His crew is tiny compared to what he had on Amazing Race. Schedule is tight. And backup plans are a must. After all, on a world-wide jaunt with unpredictable weather, and a killer virus, you never know what will happen.
Jon goes into some of his tricks for super-sizing Uncharted despite these obstacles.
Action, Adventure, and…Menudo?
Well, if you want to know what ‘s all about, you’ll just have to listen to today’s episode!
Just some of what Jon discusses today:
- Working hand in hand with Gordon Ramsay to make TV magic
- Making a show with a small crew feel larger than life
- Rethinking an entire show’s schedule when disaster hits
- Safely planning and filming spine-tingling stunts
- Placing cameras when you want to shoot 360 degrees of action (but not the cameras!)
- And…who gets to eat all those amazing leftovers?
This episode goes deep. Today you’ll get some advanced producing tips you’re not likely to hear anywhere else. Plus lots of laughs, a few secrets, and the greatest story you’ll ever hear about getting through customs. So sit back and let Jon’s deep, wisdom-filled voice teach and inspire. Hit that giant play button now!
Helpful and Related Links
For a ton more inspirational producing tips, tricks, and tales you HAVE to check out the podcast we did with Jon a few years back: Amazing Advice from Legendary Producer Jon Kroll.
Follow Jon on Twitter and Instagram
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
Let’s Make Some TV Together
You’ve put together a terrific concept and package for an unscripted TV or film project? Documentary? True crime? An amazing podcast that could become a TV series? Wondering about teaming up with us at our company Joke Productions? Here’s everything you need to know: