This is what Survivor Base Camp looks like from the back of the truck. Every morning we would arrive, dusty and windblown to a buzz of activity and excitement. Our sleepy team would fuel up on really good Italian coffee at the mess hall and roll.

I caught a glimpse of some pre-challenge prep after a production meeting about the first two immunity competitions of the season.

The Survivor crew takes over a huge section of the island of Koh Rong. Not only are there multiple beaches, where the two tribe camps live, and where challenges take place, but then there is a whole mini-village where the Survivor crew coordinates challenges , sleeps, works out and even parties. Yes, believe it or not, there is a fully stocked bar on site, and we took full advantage of it when we could!

Hooking up with Jordan from the art department was really interesting. We toured through the workshops, and I marvelled at the detail and craftsmanship that goes into everything you see on set. But what impressed me most is how much freedom the artists are given. No wonder they are all so darn happy!

Another base camp bonus were all the awesome beach dogs! These sweet strays had been sort of “adopted”; by members of the crew, and I too fell in love with the little rascals. My Senior Producer Bob (also a puppy freak) and I were desperately trying to find a way to take them all home with us.

Show Kick Off (Survivor Production Crew on Barge)

This is a great snap of the Survivor crew prepping for the arrival of the castaways. It’s an elaborate entrance – shot from barges in the middle of the South China Sea. We showed up not knowing what to expect, and suddenly (without warning) Jeff Probst was announcing that this day marked the 15th anniversary of the very first Survivor shoot day. Then the 20 castaways paddled up and the game began. We rolled on it all, and I think we all had goose-bumps for the rest of the day.

Poor Daniel. Our wonderful producer thought he was coordinating a segment that had me eating a scorpion and Jeff running the play-by-play. But in reality, Probst and our crew had planned an ambush, and before Daniel knew it, he was part of the action. I’ll never forget the look on his face when Probst called him up and told him he was about to compete in a really gross challenge! I have so many more amazing photos of our Scorpion showdown, but I think you just need to watch the story. Warning: Gagging may ensue.

This was an incredible day. We participated in a strenuous challenge that included climbing 15 foot ramps and solving puzzles with a group of genetically gifted people in their 20s. These kids are known as “The Dream Team”; and their job is to test every challenge you see on Survivor. They also paint and repair set pieces and help strike when the challenge is done. If I were younger, fitter and hotter – I’d apply for the job!

John really is the mastermind behind every challenge you see on Survivor, and his passion for the show was contagious.

I never imagined I would experience Survivor, let alone Tribal Council! To pick up that infamous pen and write a name down is a surreal experience. Our crew kept joking about who would be voted out first, and I’m happy to say it wasn’t me.