Rupert Smith

AGE: 43

OCCUPATION: Producer/ Director

LIVES IN: Los Angeles, USA


Rupert has lived in Los Angeles for six years after moving away from England for pastures new. He has had a successful career as a TV director, from crazy expeditions to ‘cheesy’ entertainment shows. He wanted to take part in the experiment because he has always dreamt about being shipwrecked like Robinson Crusoe and because it is a new way to challenge himself.

Rupert has worked in some extreme environments and warzones, so understands that life on the island will be tough. He expects it to be a great mental challenge as well as a physical one, but he feels that his years of working as a TV director will help him read people.


What did you learn taking part in the experiment?
Dealing with human nature was often tougher than dealing with the island's nature.

Combining the roles of director and contributor was harder than I expected, what was good for me wasn't necessarily good for the show so trying to keep my decisions fair and balanced was at times a challenge.

Has your time on the island changed your perspective on life?
I think after such a strong and unique experience that makes you think so deeply about yourself and who you are, its difficult to attach the same amount of importance to seemingly mundane things in life. That’s probably good and bad,  but from what I understand, a not uncommon response to having gone through something like this. Hopefully I will find a middle ground again.