The team behind Hunted Australia has revealed just how the on-screen crew get ahold of CCTV so damn quickly after viewers questioned the realistic limitations of the series.
After the cat-and-mouse series premiered on July 17, many fans took to social media to note that IRL, it can take authorities months to get access to security footage.
Now, in an Instagram Q&A answering viewers’ burning questions, the minds behind Hunted revealed how acquiring CCTV is made possible.
According to production, there is a “second camera crew travelling in step with each Fugitive team”.
These crew members were “responsible for replicating CCTV” on the run.
Hunter Ben Owen recently backed this up, reiterating that the camera crews are “covert”.
He also added that the hunters are only provided with the footage at certain times and don’t have 24-hour access.
“I’m not sure I can give you the exact mechanics of how it works from the ground back into production. But what I can say is it’s simulating, replicating real life.”
Hunters ARE Allowed to Search Fugitives’ Homes and Interrogate Loved Ones
Fans were also confused why the hunters couldn’t just raid someone’s home.
As such, one viewer asked whether the Hunted authorities were “allowed into the fugetive’s associates or friends’ houses [sic]”.
Turns out, it’s only possible if consented to. And rightly so!
“With permission, the Hunters are able to search Fugitives’ homes and interrogate their family and friends. [sic].” the team revealed.
Say What?! The Hunters Were Given Access to the Fugitives’ Bank Records
Another dubious aspect of the show is that the hunters have access to the fugitives‘ bank records.
However, while that does sound a bit shady, this is another thing contestants had to consent to.
“All Fugitives consented limited access to their bank account records for the purposes of production,” the tidbit read. “They were also given bank cards from production which they used while on the run. [sic].”
At the beginning of the series, each fugitive was given $150 on a bank card and $250 cash, making it $500 per team.
While on the run, they were able to receive money from their loved ones, but it could only be $100 maximum.
Members of the Public Were PAID for Handing Over Intel
One fan wondered whether hunters were allowed to “pay people for information” in their search.
According to the Hunted Australia team, in the instance of public appeals for information, the Hunters were able to reward people for cooperating with production.
“When public appeals for information were made by Hunted HQ, a reward of $200 was on offer for anyone whose information led to a capture,” the answer read.
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