who is vince costello on survivor

Vince Costello was not a contestant on Survivor, but a longtime and beloved crew member. He served as the Location Manager for Survivor from 2016 through 2025, after the show permanently moved to Fiji's Mamanuca Islands. As a native Fijian, he used his expertise to scout and secure filming locations such as tribal camps, challenge sites, and Tribal Council backdrops. Vince Costello contributed significantly to the visual identity of the series during its Fiji era. He had worked on about 50 television and film productions prior to joining Survivor. Costello passed away in 2025 after battling late-stage liver cancer, shortly after filming finished for Survivor season 50. The Survivor season 49 premiere paid tribute to him with a dedication on screen. His family, including his children Aline and Patrick, also became involved in the show's production, with his daughter working as a Locations Assistant and his son as a camera operator. In summary, Vince Costello was a key behind-the- scenes figure who helped shape Survivor's setting in Fiji, rather than a player on the show himself.