David Reichert lived on the island for four and a half months during filming. During that time, he had to contend with snow, hail, and never-ending rain. The islands receive around 300 days of rain a year.
Reichert shared the beach with a large colony of elephant seals and king penguins. A group of penguin chicks took a liking to him and followed him around as if he were an adult penguin. Meanwhile, a lone male elephant seal decided the best spot on the beach was right next to Reichert's tent, driving Reichert from his shelter until the seal left.
While filming a fight between two competing male seals, Reichert was nearly crushed by the creatures when he tried to get closer for a better shot.