Dropped one by one in the wilderness: new survival program sends unknown Flemish people alone to the Far North

No smartphone, no film crew and no contact with other candidates: in Alone Flemish people have to make their way through the wilderness alone. The exact location is still a secret, but according to Play4 and Streamz, the participants will be dropped one by one in “one of the most remote areas in the world”.

The channel and streaming service are now looking for participants. The bravest of the Belgians can register, people who do not shy away from loneliness and have a great deal of perseverance.

Ultimate survival

“The casting is carefully carried out by a team of professionals,” says channel spokesperson Barbara Salomon. “Various skills are taken into account, but the determination, mental resilience and adventurous attitude of the candidates is especially important.” Some experience in bushcraft, read: survival techniques in the wilderness, is of course also a bonus. The program is therefore marketed as the ultimate survival program. “Seasoned survivalists are certainly welcome to register, but everyone is welcome. Passion and drive are equally important in this adventure.”

Just before dropping into the woods, the candidates receive a boot camp with special attention to the area where they will survive in the days or weeks afterwards. Days or weeks? “The duration is not fixed,” says Salomon. “The candidate who can best cope with complete isolation and survive all alone for the longest time in the unspoilt nature of the Far North wins.”

“The candidate who can best cope with complete isolation and survive all alone for the longest wins”

Barbara Salomon

Play4

The candidates are completely dependent on themselves and nature for food. The backpack is therefore not filled with nutritious ready-made meals. At boot camp they are taught about what to eat and what not to eat from nature. The chance that the candidates will meet each other along the way is very small. They are dropped in the Far North at the same time, but always at different locations that are kilometers apart.

Psychological screening

“In addition to the traditional survival challenges Alone focus on isolation and loneliness,” it continues. “The participants are left alone without crew or external help. So it is not only a test of physical skills, but certainly also of mental strength. It is a unique opportunity to push their boundaries and overcome their fears.” That in a world that couldn’t be further removed from their daily lives, “away from the modern way of life”.

“The participants are left alone without crew or external help. So it is also a test of mental strength”

Barbara Salomon

Play4

The candidates are psychologically screened in advance and will also be monitored during the program. “During their participation, there are checks by a doctor who also checks the psychological state of the candidates,” says Salomon. There can only be one winner, but it is plausible that some candidates will not last as long as they initially hoped. There will also be psychological guidance, the production emphasizes. “The participants are exposed to the vagaries of nature and must completely disconnect from friends, family and crew. We think it is important that they receive the necessary psychological support when leaving the competition to facilitate their return.”

Film yourself

Different than at The expedition, in which eight well-known Flemish people ventured on a grueling journey to Greenland, there is no camera crew present this time. Each participant receives equipment to film themselves. Their cameras are supplied with sufficient batteries for long-term use. During routine checks, memory cards containing images are changed so that nothing is lost. “They are not only candidates, but must indeed record their adventure so that the viewer can follow along,” it says. “That makes everything as authentic as possible and purely from the candidate’s perspective.”

The program is a derivative of an international format that has previously proven successful in America, the United Kingdom and Australia, among others. It is not yet known when the Flemish version will be available on Streamz and Play4. Candidates can register via goplay.be.