CBS Survivor Means Work, Work, Work

February 8, 2007 3:02 PM

Road Closed for Tribal Council: Vunivutu Villagers Latest Beneficiaries of the Survivor Boomtown Effect
The hit "reality" TV show, Survivor, premieres tonight on CBS in the United States. Over the past year, a sleepy village on Vanua Levu, the second largest island of Fiji has been hosting the production crew—and reaping the benefits. 150 villagers have been employed by the crew to work about 10 hours a day, seven days a week, for USD 5.00 per hour (and double time on Sundays and holidays). For some it was their first experience in any form of paid employment. This article from the Fiji Post, reposted by a Vanua Levu blogger, gives some behind the scene details. Meanwhile the island's new eco-resort village is putting finishing touches on their community hall. Globe-trotting gap year students and reality TV junkies, look north. Vanua Levu is for lovers. [Survivor Maps, Vorovoro, the eco-resort with a difference, Vorovoro's new bure (community hall), Google's hires satellite image of the area]
posted by rschram (3 comments total)

I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that my friend Anthony Robinson is one of the Survivors. And I am so very, very glad that he wore that hat on the show. Go, Anthony!
posted by RakDaddy at 3:43 PM on February 8, 2007

Can we have a Cam Girls flame out now please?
posted by Sk4n at 5:34 PM on February 8, 2007

This was really cool, I like getting the behind the scenes info and the maps are excellent!

RakDaddy, I'll keep an eye on him, I didn't notice him in the premiere last night but that's a good thing. Best plan is to fly under the radar as long as possible. Unless he was the one who quit before the game started.
posted by fenriq at 7:37 AM on February 9, 2007