If you’ve been watching Wild Things you surely must have a fond love for Frank the cameraman, like we do! I hear many mention that the chemistry between Frank and Dom is part of the reason why the show is so fantastic. We hear Dominic talk about the show quite a lot in interviews but we wanted to reach out to Frank, especially since our previous blog about him “Frank the cameraman’s wild life” is still one of our most read blog items, and he was kind enough to answer fan questions 🙂
Did you and @DomsWildThings know each other before Wild Things or how did it come about that you started working on the show?
Frank: We both knew the TV executive…and he connected the dots.
So when you met Dom for the first time.. First impressions?
Frank: Dom was listening to Sigur Ros in his car and I thought at least we like the same music.
When do you find out where you’re going and what animal you’re looking for when filming the episodes?
Frank: In pre production we come up with target animals that we would like to interact with and that determines the countries we visit. Doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes we don’t find what we’re looking for and a big rethink is in order.
We all know @DomsWildThings is fearless but do you have any animals you are or were not too comfortable around?
Frank: Snakes used to freak me out! (Thanks mom) but Dom helped me get over that. Big reptiles still make me queasy.
What is it like as the cameraman when things go wrong, for example when Dom was bitten by monitor lizard in season 2?
Frank: Dom and I agreed in season 1 regardless of what happens…keep shooting. We have a very fine medic with us. it was still very emotional to see Dom injured like that. But it all turned out well and he has a pretty nifty scar.
What about you, do you have any epic scars from working on the show?
Frank: So far I have got off easy. No battle scars. I’m pretty light on my toes and the adrenaline keeps me sharp.
What was it like having an angry elephant charge towards you??
We always have to be on our toes.. I got sucked in that day…paying more attention to my viewfinder than my surroundings. I really thought my life was over. I went to a very quiet space and accepted my fate. But the miracle of Shultzie intervened. (Donald Schultz – medic that was with them when this episode was filmed, he distracted the elephant)
What does your family think of #wildthings? Especially when they hear all the “step back Frank”, “watch out Frank”?
Frank: It’s better that being shot at… I’ve spent most of my career in combat zones. My family prefers Wild Things to war.
I can see that! Wild Things sounds like a lot more fun too.
Frank: I love shooting with Dom and we have developed a pretty solid friendship over the years.
Are you excited for the new season airing in Canada (OLN) and US (Travel Channel)?
Frank: Very excited…we went to a lot of amazing places this season. Saw some incredible wild things and had some great times!
How has season 3 been different now that @travelchannel is on board, in terms of equipment etc you got to work with?
Frank: we moved to shooting on 4K and lots more drone to show off the landscape. Also experimenting with VR. (You can watch Wild Things in 4K in Canada on Rogers Channel 999)
That sounds like a lot of luggage to carry around!
Frank: 25 to 30 cases per trip. I loathe checking in. It’s truly the low point of our adventures. Takes hours!
Do you have a favourite season 3 adventure/memory?
Frank: Without giving too much away. Two cheetahs in South Africa. Mind blowing experience. Tune in and you’ll understand.
Can you remember any moments that were amazing but didn’t make it in the final cut or you somehow didn’t manage to capture it?
Frank: So many things don’t make the cut…but all the good stuff that doesn’t end up on the show appears online as bonus scenes. (Check them out at Travel Channel: http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/wild-things-with-dominic-monaghan)
What was it like having @BillyBoydActor traveling with you last season? Would you like more guests?
Frank: @BillyBoydActor was a truly decent human being! He even carried my camera when I was aching. Want more guests!!!
Will we ever see your face on the show? People are curious about the mystery cameraman Frank.
Frank: probably not. I’m not a big fan of being in front of the lens.
If you want to reach out to Frank and tell him how awesome he is, you can do so on twitter @Kolaporekid and Instagram! His official website is: http://www.frankvilaca.com/
Meanwhile awesome tshirts have been made in honour of Frank by @CrawliesWithCri – you can buy one too and part of your money will go to a charity chosen by Frank, the Kenyan guards protecting elephants against poachers!
Get your own “Watch Out Frank!” tshirt here: http://www.zazzle.com/watch_out_frank_wild_things_t_shirts-235391657754657100
And don’t forget to tune into Wild Things on OLN Canada and Travel Channel USA!!
Dominians United 