Perfecting the Shot in Multiple Takes
While we would like to believe that Deadliest Catch is shot in one take, many scenes are shot many times. Even though the actual risky stuff must be done in one shot, the rest can be repeated until the camera crew is satisfied. That many retakes to get the final shot kind of dilutes how real this reality TV series is.
As if their work wasn’t difficult enough, the fishermen have to retake photos to please the show’s producers. To add to the confusion, some have claimed that part of the drama in the series is staged for added impact. That’s not at all surprising, seeing as how “reality TV” is usually very far from reality.