Big Timber

Big Timber is a reality television series on Netflix that aired in 2020. Produced by Mayhem Entertainment and set in the densely forested, luscious landscapes of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, the show delves into the tumultuous and risk-infused world of logging.

The show follows the thrilling, bold, and dangerous work routines of Kevin Wenstob, an expert logger and owner of Wenstob Timber, who takes on the seemingly impossible challenges of logging in the remote wilderness of Vancouver Island. Kevin, his industrious wife Sarah, and their hardworking team of loggers interact with 400-year-old trees, daunting terrains, treacherous weather, and tight deadlines, presenting viewers a fraught, complex, majestic, and at times, ruthless reality of the logging industry.

Kevin Wenstob is a third-generation logger who grew up experiencing the highs and lows of the industry. From the mourning losses of closed mills and job lay-offs to the thrilling victories of successful log hauls and lucrative contracts, Kevin’s life story is thoroughly intertwined with the world of logging. Throughout the series, Kevin displays a deep respect and knowledge for the forest and its titans – the trees – demonstrating his commitment to engaging only in sustainable logging practices.

Beside Kevin is his wife, Sarah, who is his flame-scarred partner. Sarah doesn't just chip in on the business side; she is regularly out there in the forest, overseeing the operations and even driving giant logging trucks or operating heavy machinery. Together, this husband-wife duo forms a formidable team, battling a host of obstacles to keep their logging business thriving in an ever-changing landscape fraught with uncertainties.

The majestic, towering trees are as much a character in Big Timber as the human cast. The show grants us insights into the lifecycle of these behemoth conifers, from the moment they are chosen for logging to their safe passage out of the forest, all while offering stunning panoramic views that emphasize the vastness of the wilderness.

The complex challenges these loggers face, like figuring out how to fell a tree without damaging the environment or dealing with bouts of brutal weather and malfunctioning machines, add substance to the series. Each episode builds attention, leading to cathartic moments of victory as the team successfully loads massive trees onto trucks to be transported for milling.

Yearning for profitable contracts, Kevin and his crew often find themselves in harrowing situations, where the margin for error is slim, and safety becomes paramount. Reality does not bend to time constraints, and unforeseen issues often appear, making each workday a magnified encounter with the raw forces of nature and their own human persistence.

A unique feature of Big Timber is its genuine portrayal of the logging community. It avoids the sensational dramatization commonly observed in many reality shows, instead opting for a focus on the daily realities and struggles of this specific work culture. Illustrating a close-knit community where everyone knows one another, the series evokes an emotional connection between its audience and the often-overshadowed profession of logging.

In a broader perspective, the show mirrors the dilemma of harnessing natural resources sustainably. It paints an intimate portrait of those who dare to venture into the wilderness, not for adrenaline or conquest but livelihood. Big Timber also highlights incredible teamwork and the strength of human bonds when faced with challenging environments and illustrates the enormous challenges and risks that loggers face each day.

Big Timber shines a spotlight on this critical, physically demanding, and often overlooked profession. With its engaging characters, genuine presentations, breathtaking landscapes, and dangerous challenges, Big Timber is an extraordinary journey into the heartlands of the logging world. As much as it is an action-filled series about risky logging adventures, it is also an affectionate homage to hard work, resilience, respect for nature, and the human spirit. Viewers will get a deeper understanding of the tremendous costs, both financial and emotional, that are at stake each day in the world of logging. The series is a blend of adventure, danger, drama, and heartfelt moments, making it an engaging viewing experience for a wide range of audiences.