The BBC has commissioned Twofour to make a major new epic 5 x 60' series following the latest James Cracknell and Ben Fogle adventure - a race to the South Pole.

After rowing the Atlantic, as seen in the award winning Twofour series for the BBC Through Hell and High Water, adventurer Ben Fogle and double Olympic Gold medal winner James Cracknell are now going to attempt not only to complete but also to win one of the most arduous and dangerous endurance events in the world - The Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race. The race is for teams of three so the first hurdle Ben and James have to overcome is to find someone to join them.

The race starts in December 2008 and will see international teams race over 450 miles to the geographic South Pole. Following in the footsteps of Scott and Amundsen's historic race nearly 100years ago, teams of three will be ski-pulling 200lb pulks (sleds) through the most hostile environment in the world. They could face the strongest winds and the coldest temperatures on the planet.

"This series represents some incredible challenges for us as a production team," said Alexis Girardet the Series Producer and director. "Not only will we be isolated in the world's most hostile environment, we'll be there for nearly two months. Just trying to capture the unfolding drama in front of us will be tricky enough, with temperatures of -50C and winds that can reach 100mph, but managing the logistics for a team of five to work and survive is a nightmare.

"Everything needs to be doubled up, both personnel and kit, as getting replacements of either will be near impossible. There are no handy kit hire companies and there are no spare crew down there. To try and cover this, everyone needs to be able to double up. I can self shoot, the camera assistant can do sound and the AP can direct.

"On the technical side, we are striving to incorporate the latest tapeless technology to capture the race. It's a difficult balance between risking newer technology in the world's harshest environment and guaranteeing that we get the show in the can. But we have had enough lead time to work on some real innovations."

The Series Producer/Director is Alexis Girardet, the Executive Producer for Twofour is Melanie Leach and the Executive Producer for the BBC Lisa Edwards.

To find out more about this extraordinary race visit: www.amundsenomega3southpolerace.com

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