Nat Geo’s Geoff Daniels

Nat Geo’s “Trafficked With Mariana van Zeller” takes viewers on a journey inside the most dangerous black markets on the planet, gaining access to places where cameras are almost never allowed. Geoff Daniels, EVP, Global Unscripted Entertainment, National Geographic, explains how they get the job done – and make it out alive. The eight-part series debuts December 2.

What was the biggest challenge with this project?

What did the production team learn that could help others facing tough challenges?

Mariana van Zeller (R) interviews a sicario, or hitman. (National Geographic/Muck Media)

We know that our access depends on us being true to our word and building an extremely high level of trust. Part of the process—on both sides—involves establishing clear ground rules, securing all locations and guaranteeing the protection of identities (distorting voices, masks). All of which is backed by our reputation and commitment to telling an honest and complete story. To that end, Mariana and her team are simply masterful in how they handle communication with their underground contacts and articulate their goals. That not only fosters mutual respect but gives our subjects the confidence to speak freely, face-to-face, about their roles in the activities we cover. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t, so we always have multiple contingencies lined up and an exit plan.