Adventure Activities
Common Questions

Common Questions

My contributor says he is an 'expert' climber - can I get some footage of him climbing his local crag without engaging a bona fide expert to supervise his activities?

To be an 'expert', the contributor need meet the criteria specified in these guidelines. If this has been confirmed, then go ahead. However, if they do not, and if the proposed filming is not observational (i.e. it has been staged for the production), the Producer may be held liable for any accident to the contributor - n.b. the likelihood of accident is often increased due to a tendency for contributors to 'perform' to camera. Unless the risks can be reduced to an acceptable level (e.g. climbing on beginner slopes, or top ropes - speak with BBC Safety for advice), an expert must be appointed to supervise the activity.

My preferred 'expert' is not a member of the appropriate governing body but is hugely experienced and once competed for England - can I use him?

Productions should always seek to have experts who hold membership of the activities / sports governing body. Not only does this give a degree of assurance that the expert takes a professional view to giving instruction in their activity / sport, it may be the only means by which they can be adequately insured when giving instruction or supervision. Any specific issues should be addressed to BBC Safety.

My contributor wishes to use our equipment to film himself doing a base-jump, with a guarantee from us that we buy the rushes and cover his expenses - does this meet the test of being observational, as we aren't directing his actions?

No, this does not meet the test of being 'observational' as we would be providing at least some of the means by which the activity took place. Any issues of this nature should be referred to BBC Safety. Certain aspects of base-jumping, in particular, may be illegal e.g. trespass, property damage to gain access, etc. and these may bring the BBC into disrepute, if not lead to civil / criminal actions against the BBC or against the Producer.

My contributor has recorded in her fitness to participate form that she has no health condition which would affect her ability to take part, but I have my doubts - what should I do?

Speak with Occupational Health, who may in turn speak with your contributor. Where doubt still remains, the contributor's GP is likely to be asked to confirm that they are indeed fit to participate.

Adventure Activities Common Questions

Adventure Activities
Common Questions