It was sad to see the split.

What do you all think of the show these days?

I am definitely not trying to start a shit storm, just curious what the rest of you think about the new look.

Rich

Among humans, only wet babies welcome change

Question:
Is it a better show since the change?

Choices:
. NO, bring CTB back
2. It's okay
3. Change is good

 

I think change is fine, actually a good thing. It keeps things fresh and new. Candidly, TAA had become a bit "cookie-cutter" of late (e.g., plane lands, watch the staff greet the incoming hunter, trip to the range to sight in, same music, etc.). Don't misconstrue my comment, TAA is one of my favorite outdoor shows and is set on my DVR every week. That said, I look forward to seeing how things get stirred up with some new perspectives being brought into the mix.

on this forum, EVERYTHING starts a shitstorm. otherwise, i have no opinion on the poll!!

LMAO!

They should hire in Razor Dobbs
After all, he is "The new face of Hunting"

Hi Rich
Well, the 'new look " will not take effect until Jan 1, 2010. That you have been seeing Ivan more than CTB is not a new development,in fact that is one of the reason for the change. Ivan's dedication to the schedule ( over 220 days in the bush with a camera last year !! ) is what it takes to produce 39 episodes with tips, conservation messages, sponsor projects and the list goes on.Safari Classics produces 26 NEW Tracks, and 13 new Hornadys Africa episodes per year, and it takes TOTAL DEDICATION from all involved to pull it off. Ivan brings that level of dedication to the work, thus the change for the better.
Thanks to all who continue to tune in. Great things are ahead !

Hey Dave, thanks for all you do!

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
Hi Rich
Well, the 'new look " will not take effect until Jan 1, 2010. That you have been seeing Ivan more than CTB is not a new development,in fact that is one of the reason for the change. Ivan's dedication to the schedule ( over 220 days in the bush with a camera last year !! ) is what it takes to produce 39 episodes with tips, conservation messages, sponsor projects and the list goes on.Safari Classics produces 26 NEW Tracks, and 13 new Hornadys Africa episodes per year, and it takes TOTAL DEDICATION from all involved to pull it off. Ivan brings that level of dedication to the work, thus the change for the better.
Thanks to all who continue to tune in. Great things are ahead !

Jan 1 2010 ?? wtf ?? get with the programme man!!!

OK 2012 Now you see that my brain has melted from this workload !

Who wrote the script for the show, anyway? Did CB write it or was he just an "actor?"

If the latter, I don't think it will matter at all.

I like TAA a lot (also watch Sports Afield and a few others) but it would be interesting to profile the hunters: their experience in general, what they do, how many times they have hunted Africa, etc.

I also much prefer it when "normal" people are filmed hunting rather than industry folks like the CEO of Federal (not TAA, but another show). But industry members are much preferred over the same guy pulling the trigger week after week.

Tracks Across Africa has become an iconic brand in outdoor television. Behind the scenes, the same team that founded it is still running the show. Regardless of who's fronting the product, the brand has become so indelible, that success is likely to follow the program regardless of who's hosting it. That's not to slight any of the men who have hosted or will host the program.

There have been many James Bonds, but the series is still a successful brand. A younger, dashing, blue-eyed rascal named Daniel Craig is the current Bond. He's successful in large part because of the iconic nature of the 007 brand. Yes, he has put his own footprint on the series too.

Ivan, now if you will, is the new "Bond" of TAA. Let's wish him the best of success, and be thankful we have such opportunities to enjoy such a program.

Change is always good for TV programs because it provides show producers an opportunity to re-brand their product according to the personality of the new host. Meaning no disrespect to the "older Bond" of TAA, the program will likely carry on and not miss a beat, and in some ways will even be better. That's the nature of television programming when it involves an iconic brand.

Well said. I like and miss Craig, but I also love Ivan's demeanor and enthusiasm. Dave it's a great show and I enjoy it very much. jorge

Message deleted as some did not find the humor and I really did not intend to offend anyone.

Thank you Jorge and Mark. Where you been Moja?
Good to hear from you.Cheers guys.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Tracks Across Africa has become an iconic brand in outdoor television. Behind the scenes, the same team that founded it is still running the show. Regardless of who's fronting the product, the brand has become so indelible, that success is likely to follow the program regardless of who's hosting it. That's not to slight any of the men who have hosted or will host the program.

There have been many James Bonds, but the series is still a successful brand. A younger, dashing, blue-eyed rascal named Daniel Craig is the current Bond. He's successful in large part because of the iconic nature of the 007 brand. Yes, he has put his own footprint on the series too.

Ivan, now if you will, is the new "Bond" of TAA. Let's wish him the best of success, and be thankful we have such opportunities to enjoy such a program.

Change is always good for TV programs because it provides show producers an opportunity to re-brand their product according to the personality of the new host. Meaning no disrespect to the "older Bond" of TAA, the program will likely carry on and not miss a beat, and in some ways will even be better. That's the nature of television programming when it involves an iconic brand.

The names Carter, Ivan Carter!!

Too funny Frostbit!!! We could have alot of fun with this. Ivan's LanCruiser is Bond's signature Aston Martin. Now we need a character who we can assign to play "M".

Don't forget Miss Moneypenny and Octopussy.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Too funny Frostbit!!! We could have alot of fun with this. Ivan's LanCruiser is Bond's signature Aston Martin. Now we need a character who we can assign to play "M".

Darrin Nelson gets my vote as long as she gets to shoot something.

Hell, I'm not very good looking and don't have much of a figure anymore but if they'll pay for my hunts, I'll dress up as moneypenny or M or the wicked witch of the west or ..............

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Hell, I'm not very good looking and don't have much of a figure anymore but if they'll pay for my hunts, I'll dress up as moneypenny or M or the wicked witch of the west or ..............

They'll probably cast you as a bad guy and kill you off as you get off the plane.

Many ,probably most, on here understand all these initials ,TAA,CTB etc. I had to read down thru the posts till someone actually said Tracks Across Africa and made it apparent it was a TV show - what a CTB is I still have no real idea just a glimmering. I have never seen the TV show so have no idea what anyone is talking about. I start so many threads this way and after reading a few posts realize it's meaningless to me. I was attracted by the cryptic title.

quote:

Originally posted by zimbabwe:
Many ,probably most, on here understand all these initials ,TAA, CTB etc. I had to read down thru the posts till someone actually said Tracks Across Africa and made it apparent it was a TV show - what a CTB is I still have no real idea just a glimmering. I have never seen the TV show so have no idea what anyone is talking about. I start so many threads this way and after reading a few posts realize it's meaningless to me. I was attracted by the cryptic title.

Craig Boddington. I think he's an actor or something.

Dave,

Ivan should be in the bush, it is how he makes his living; guiding clients (for lots of $$$) on Safari. NOT demeaning him or TAA, but it seems a bit more overtly commercial and industry oriented.

I never felt that Craig was, first and foremost, pushing product or promoting anyone; aside from the Ruger Infomercial show.

It is still the best show on hunting Africa available. The professionalism of the crew makes it run pretty seamlessly.

Can we get TAA to go to an hour show now?

regards,

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Too funny Frostbit!!! We could have alot of fun with this. Ivan's LanCruiser is Bond's signature Aston Martin. Now we need a character who we can assign to play "M".

Darrin Nelson gets my vote as long as she gets to shoot something.

I'll take it...but I'll be an older version!

Regards, D. Nelsoon

Couple of answers on Tracks. I write the majority of script on the tv shows, second, an hour long program is twice as expensive to buy and produce. I have the content, but not the budget for airtime. And finally, AGAIN, sponsorship is how we pay for our travel, safaris, cameras, rent, production, salaries and the list goes on.. . God that seems to be a hard point to make to some folks.But I keep trying.

I imagine Ivan likes his beer stirred and not shaken.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
Couple of answers on Tracks. I write the majority of script on the tv shows, second, an hour long program is twice as expensive to buy and produce. I have the content, but not the budget for airtime. And finally, AGAIN, sponsorship is how we pay for our travel, safaris, cameras, rent, production, salaries and the list goes on.. . God that seems to be a hard point to make to some folks.But I keep trying.

I'm looking forward to seeing the 'new' Tracks Across Africa and hope that, in addition to your new host, there will be some new features as well that will freshen things up a bit. Don't get me wrong, the old program was great and everyone loved Craig, but after a few years every program becomes a little predictable, if not stale. Like most on this board, I believe TAA to be the class of the field, and we all hope it has a long production run. You and Tim are to be commended.

One thing puzzles me: Why haven't we seen volume four of TAA on DVD? I would guess that as video projects go, the production and editing costs would be substantially less than that required for a new video 'from scratch'. Did the previous three volumes not provide the expected ROI? Whatever the reason, I would like to see several new volumes so I can delete the ever-building number of episodes from my DVR!

Thanks Kim
Stay tuned for some changes in Tracks coming in Jan. I think you will enjoy what we have done. As for the BEST OF SEASON DVD's , while far easier to produce than our yearly "from scratch" production, they were far less profitable from a sales standpoint. Not counting it out for the future, but it is not on this years schedule.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
Not counting it out for the future, but it is not on this years schedule.

Really sorry to hear this Dave. I understand that business is business but without the ability to see TAA, I have really appreciated the Best Of CDs and have been searching for an update.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
Couple of answers on Tracks. I write the majority of script on the tv shows, second, an hour long program is twice as expensive to buy and produce. I have the content, but not the budget for airtime. And finally, AGAIN, sponsorship is how we pay for our travel, safaris, cameras, rent, production, salaries and the list goes on.. . God that seems to be a hard point to make to some folks.But I keep trying.

Well there you have it Sharpshooter. Dave wrote the scripts so I am not worried in the least.

ISS: don't be delusional. Anyone who is a professional outdoor communicator is pushing product these days. Your hero is no different. Either they are up front about it or they are not. For example, Tim Herald pointed out he is paid by TC. Good for him.

Writer
you are my glimmer of hope!!! Thanks for the 'back up shot" !!!

Not only that but in the television industry we look at it this way. Television programming is the vehicle that advertisers cherish to push their product. That's really how it's looked at. The advertisers need and want the shows. Advertisers seek out the quality programming to present their product to the consumer.

Reading in between the lines of some posters, you would think TAA is supposed to be PBS style hunting. PBS (for the abbreviation challenged following this thread-just a joke "zimbabwe") of course is the Public Broadcasting System, which relies on large funding grants to offset their budget. None of the hunting channels are anything close to PBS. They were launched to make a profit (first) by serving as a vehicle for advertisers. The best programs (highest rated) get to charge the highest ad rates.

So when you see a show with lots of advertising, that in essence is a compliment to the show. When it has a "naming" sponsor i.e. "MACY'S Dancing With the Stars", that's an even bigger compliment.

That's why it's called commercial television. Dave and Tim cannot produce television content without advertising. It's IMPOSSIBLE, (well unless they want to go broke.)

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Not only that but in the television industry we look at it this way. Television programming is the vehicle that advertisers cherish to push their product. That's really how it's looked at. The advertisers need and want the shows. Advertisers seek out the quality programming to present their product to the consumer.

Reading in between the lines of some posters, you would think TAA is supposed to be PBS style hunting. PBS (for the abbreviation challenged following this thread-just a joke "zimbabwe") of course is the Public Broadcasting System, which relies on large funding grants to offset their budget. None of the hunting channels are anything close to PBS. They were launched to make a profit (first) by serving as a vehicle for advertisers. The best programs (highest rated) get to charge the highest ad rates.

So when you see a show with lots of advertising, that in essence is a compliment to the show. When it has a "naming" sponsor i.e. "MACY'S Dancing With the Stars", that's an even bigger compliment.

That's why it's called commercial television. Dave and Tim cannot produce television content without advertising. It's IMPOSSIBLE, (well unless they want to go broke.)

Enough reality!! Can we get back to the Bond theme now?

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Not only that but in the television industry we look at it this way. Television programming is the vehicle that advertisers cherish to push their product. That's really how it's looked at. The advertisers need and want the shows. Advertisers seek out the quality programming to present their product to the consumer.

Reading in between the lines of some posters, you would think TAA is supposed to be PBS style hunting. PBS (for the abbreviation challenged following this thread-just a joke "zimbabwe") of course is the Public Broadcasting System, which relies on large funding grants to offset their budget. None of the hunting channels are anything close to PBS. They were launched to make a profit (first) by serving as a vehicle for advertisers. The best programs (highest rated) get to charge the highest ad rates.

So when you see a show with lots of advertising, that in essence is a compliment to the show. When it has a "naming" sponsor i.e. "MACY'S Dancing With the Stars", that's an even bigger compliment.

That's why it's called commercial television. Dave and Tim cannot produce television content without advertising. It's IMPOSSIBLE, (well unless they want to go broke.)

Moja,

Very true, but the big beef with most people is that it is often difficult to tell if a personality is using a product because he is paid to do so. Being up front about it is the best way to go. TV generally does a good job upholding this rule; certainly better than print media or even internet posts.

Remember, the FTC has said product endorsements outside of conventional advertising must be disclosed if the endorser is receiving payments or products/services in kind. The rule seems to be widely ignored by the outdoor media, especially in print media (although the focus of the rule seems to be the internet and specific product endorsements). My hats off to those who state it clearly. TAA clearly states in the beginning of the show who sponsors the show. What more could you ask?

It's preposterous to ever try to conceal it, or not adequately disclose it. The damage that could be done on the back end far outweighs the perceived damage on the front end.

I'm guessing outdoor writers and TV producers try to shield who their sponsors are because of... A) The fear that consumers might turn away from their product i.e. article/column/show and B) It might reveal their biases or explain their spin on certain "product reviews."

These fears come from the reality that consumers of outdoor media are still behind the times. Judging by what we read here, many feel advertising is unnecessary when in reality it's absolutely essential.

We often joke in Hollywood that we, the TV show producers are pawns for the advertisers. Because we try to comply with the sponsors demands, we end up making the viewers feel like they are the pawns. And the truth in the end is that all three of us, the advertisers, TV programmers and the viewers, all need each other in order to survive.

Cheers for TAA and others who are up front about it. Cheers for that outdoor writer such as yourself who is given a free rifle for a product review, and ends up ripping the shit out of it. That's how it should be. If you want a good review, manufacture a superior product!

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
When it has a "naming" sponsor i.e. "MACY'S Dancing With the Stars", that's an even bigger compliment.

Enough reality!! Can we get back to the Bond theme now?

Forget Bond...Ivan's going to be on Dancing With The Stars.

But for the record; I liked TAA before and I am sure I will like it in the future. Good luck for many seasons to come.

Maybe CTB should chime in! TAA and "Africa with..." have been great shows, and I trust they will remain great shows. I had a significant hand in creating them and getting them accepted, and of course I want them to continue...but we reached a point where it was not good business sense for me to continue. Ivan is a professional hunter--as well as an African by birth. He is paid to be on safari; I certainly do not pretend that I have paid full daily rates for every day on safari, but I'm an American with my home and family in America...every day away has a cost in multiple coin, either hunting days or days when I should be writing or working on other projects. Since we started TAA I have spent a minimum of 90 to a maximum of 150 days in Africa, relatively few of those days actually hunting--because being there is one cost, and hunting days are altogether another. Communicating about hunting, whether in print, or in newer media like outdoor TV and internet, is what I do, and what I have done for 35 years. It is what I will do as long as I can. I love Africa, and (hopefully!)will return as long as I am able--Donna and I just got back from wonderful back-to-back hunts in Mozambique and Namibia--but I also love the sheep mountains, and I love spending time at my place in Kansas (even when deer season isn't open). I've had an interesting year, with some interesting wakeup calls. I suppose it could be said that I lack "dedication." That seems an odd turn of phrase to be used to describe a person who has done more than a hundred safaris in more than a dozen African countries in the last 35 years, and has published several million words about African hunting. But from a pure business sense, cost versus gain, I simply could not afford to continue. I trust Safari Classics will continue to produce great shows...but I am personally delighted to be relieved of some pressure, and better able to pursue some of my own hunting goals.
Regards to all, Craig

quote:

Originally posted by craig boddington:
I suppose it could be said that I lack "dedication." That seems an odd turn of phrase to be used......but I am personally delighted to be relieved of some pressure, and better able to pursue some of my own hunting goals.

I'd say it seems a piss poor and ungreatful "turn of phrase", but that's my 2 cents. As for the rest I hope you get to relax and enjoy hunting again with your family. I can't imagine that kind of pace was pleasurable. I saw you at SCI in 2010 and "run ragged" would be the phrase. I would wish that on no one. Enjoy the ride for a while.

Brett

Personally, I wish CB and DF both good luck and success in their future television endeavors. Bottom line for hunters like me that enjoy these shows is that by CB going on to other projects means that shows like Sports Afield and others he is involved in are going to thrive with a focus on Africa. At the same time DF and crew will keep TAA alive and well. That just means more quality viewing opportunities for those of us that enjoy the shows. It is all good in the end.

Moja
You have, as a professional broadcaster, made the best explanation the subject of TV sponsorship as it relates to non PBS programming . Well done Bwana !