Life Below Zero

About Life Below Zero

"Life Below Zero" is a documentary television series produced by the BBC which airs on National Geographic. Released in 2013, the show depicts the daily and seasonal activities of subsistence hunters as they strive to make a living in remote areas of Alaska. The series showcases their extreme lifestyles, including harsh weather conditions, limited resources, and the challenges of isolation.

Making / Production

The producers have chosen subjects who embody the pioneer spirit and have the skills needed to thrive in hard conditions. The series is shot on location in Alaska and takes a deep dive into the unique challenges of the northernmost state of the U.S. Camera crews must also acclimate to harsh weather conditions, from freezing temperatures to treacherous terrains, to capture the astonishing footage in the show.

Actors

• Sue Aikens as herself - Aikens is the only resident of the Kavik river camp in Northern Alaska. She stands out for facing this daunting lifestyle almost entirely by herself.
• Agnes Hailstone as herself - Agnes, along with her husband Chip, are highly skilled hunters residing at the Kobuk River. The couple radiates survival energy stemming from their Inupiaq ancestors.
• Glenn Villeneuve as himself - Villeneuve lives independently in Chandalar, 65 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and displays an incredible bond with the wilderness.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• While Alaska is the largest state by land area, many of the locations featured in "Life Below Zero" are isolated and remote, accessible only by aircraft.
• The "producers" of the show have had to face various challenges, from dangerous wildlife encounters to equipment failures due to extreme cold weather.

Awards

"Life Below Zero" has been critically acclaimed and won several awards. Notably, the show has won the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards four times for Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program.

Quotes

• "I don't have problems, I have solutions." - Sue Aikens
• "The best way to survive is to have a sense of humor." - Glenn Villeneuve

Music, Soundtrack

• The dramatic soundtrack, capturing the thrill and tension of survival, has played a key role in keeping the viewers engaging.
• The composers, Paul Leonard-Morgan and Austin Fray, have masterfully woven innumerable compositions that echo the lifestyle and emotions of the featured residents.