PET - Doug Allan, Wildlife Cameraman

Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the correct answer. I recently spent two years in the Arctic filming the series Blue Planet. I love being in an environment that hasn't changed for 20,000 years. Of course it's freezing, but it must be a healthy place because you never catch colds.

When I'm filming, I like to really feel how lonely the environment is. Filming underwater involves cutting through thick ice and diving in tied to a line. The person at the other end has to be ready to pull you out fast if necessary.

Originally I was a research diver for the British Antarctic Survey project, but for me science lacked excitement. I'd always enjoyed photography, and whenever camera teams passed through, they encouraged me to watch and learn. I was then able to move into filming in 1985 and have concentrated on Arctic and Antarctic wildlife ever since.

I prefer to be face with the animals I'm filming.I haven't got in the water with killer whales yet, but i plan to. Of course, it's dangerous if you choose the wrong moment. They're big animals and can move fast, so I'd be stupid to film them searching for food!

I've never had problems with polar bears, although once I was frightened when one tried to get into my tent. Polar bears are bold, clever and dangerous. But I made this one see I wasn't about to attack it - I'm sure it realised I wouldn't hurt it.

When I come home back from my trips, I work in the mornings and spend the afternoons swimming to keep fit. now I'm fifty, filming is harder. The challenge for me is to continue to deliver high-quality work.

1. In this text, Doug Allan is describing

the beautiful scenery of the Arctic.
the difficulties of having to work alone.
the challenges of the environment he works in.
the career opportunities in TV camera work.

2. What does Doug say about his early career?

He wasted the years he spent as a scientist.
He was bored by working only in the Antarctic.
It was a good chance to learn about filming.
It taught him how to become a skilled diver.

3. When talking about killer whales, Doug says that

he believes there are safe opportunities to film them.
he tries to avoid any danger by facing them.
he has always been careful when diving with them.
he will only film them from a safe distance.

4. How does Doug describe his experience with a polar bear?

Doug felt nervous that the bear might come back.
Doug realised he was wrong to trust polar bears.
The bear seemed to know Doug wasn't a danger.
The animal was much more afraid than Doug was.

5. What might Doug say about his job as a cameraman?

I'm glad I gave up working as a scientist because I'm now in a position to be able to retire early.
I've made wildlife films in every country in the world, but I want to keep filming until I get too old.
Although I find the work more difficult now I'm not as young, I still have other film projects I'm keen to do.
Now I've reached fifty, I realise the dangers involved in getting the best pictures are too great.