Taking the Flak

Plot

The series is set in the fictional Central African Republic of Karibu, which is in the middle of a war. Local BBC stringer Harry Chambers sees the conflict as his chance to make a name for himself, as he is the only journalist in the country. News producer Jane Thomason must control the ground reporting while dealing with London, first led by Nigel Bagwell and later by Alexander Taylor-Pierce. She also has an affair with her cameraman Jack, who leaves after the first episode to return to his wife for IVF treatment.

A new cameraman, Rory Wallace, arrives in the third episode and can film under almost any conditions. Radio reporter Margaret Hollis is seen as a rival by the TV crew and has no affairs, partly due to medical issues including stomach and bowel problems. Local fixer Joyful Sifuri, who worked with Harry before the war, assists the entire crew with his knowledge. Hotel receptionist Grace Matiko is Harry's on-off girlfriend, and charity worker Samantha Cunningham Fleming helps find stories but annoys everyone.

Production

The series was shot in Tanzania near Arusha during the autumn of 2008, but its pilot, originally called The Calais Rules, was filmed a year and a half earlier in Nakuru, Kenya. Writers Shubart and Jones both work as journalists, and an award-winning news cameraman handled the filming. Several BBC journalists, including George Alagiah, Sophie Raworth, Fiona Bruce, Bill Turnbull, Sian Williams, Emily Maitlis, and Peter Sissons, appeared as guests. Guest stars also included Ruby Wax, Sean Power, Rhashan Stone, Rosalind Ayres, Rufus Wright, and David Mulwa. The supporting cast came from Kenya and Tanzania, with many hired from nearby communities.