Oceans Three is not just a reality adventure series – it’s simply a docu-soap. Reality concepts applied to an extreme social environment to create the type of dynamic tension and dramatic arc that any outstanding television offering requires.
Three young participants take part in a journey of discovery on a human level as well as on a scientific one. The secret of the show’s success stems from more than just a camera being cast onto some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. There is something about isolation in an extreme environment which affects a person like nothing else. The enormity of the environment, combined with the ominous and constant threat that nature poses, the close proximity to the same group of people who are always drawn from a varied cross section of cultures, and the juxtaposition of emotions ranging from awe to fear to boredom, all combine to make this a unique television series.
Young South African adults face the fury of the Antarctic Ocean, aboard a South American vessel accompanied by acclaimed international adventurers, scientists and explorers. They must take part in a series of tasks along the way that will test their resolve, character and indeed their ability to survive in isolation in the most severe place on earth.
The series tells the story of three characters, much in the way a soap would, but the dramatic formula is being applied to a reality situation. The reality of this journey changes daily, and no one can predict what will happen next or what they will face. But without a doubt there are many awesome, breathtaking, perception altering and heart stopping moments as young South Africans sail on the ship, land on several islands, are set adrift in a zodiac raft at sea, and step onto the Antarctic Peninsula.
Their task is designed around self discovery and discovery of their environment. They participate in science projects aimed at measuring and monitoring environmental changes, discovering new species, and adding to the data that is shared by several Antarctic scientific organizations.
Tasks involve all that is sacred in these circumstances, food, recreation, access to communication, internet, family, friends, chores that are nasty or nearly impossible, and being able to participate in the science and exploration that others are doing.
