Shooting POVs

[coaster addict]

Okay, so this question might have been asked before, so, if that is the case, please accept my apologizes (and please point me to the proper post). There is a 60/40 or 70/30 chance that I will be able to film a few POVs at one or two parks next year, so I wanted to get some pointers from the best!

Some questions I have include:

1. What should I bring with me to the park (outside of a GoPro)? Do most parks just attach the camera to the coaster using a mount that they have for liability purposes, or do they specifically require you bring all mounts and sign a waiver?

2. How long do you want to set aside to film a ride?

3. Any additional tips?

Thanks in advance for sharing your expertise!

 

[Mike]

By far your best bet for answers is to contact the parks directly that you are looking to film at.
Professional POVs are usually done before park opening hours and with park management in attendance.

If you're looking to just turn up at a roller coaster on your day out and try to plonk a camera mount at the front of the train, you may not be in the park for too much longer!

 

[coaster addict]

Certainly, we are talking about pre-approved POVs scheduled well in advance, Mike. But, I am not familiar with standard operating procedures of parks regarding this. So, any tips would be appreciated. I will certainly reach out to the parks and inquire, but, if you know that most Six Flags do it "this" way or Cedar Fair parks require you bring everything, for example, that information would be really helpful!

One thing that is possible is that I may have to invest in a few attachments or something, so knowing this in advance would be easier!

 

[TheCoasterCruiser]

You'll definitely have to bring your own mounts, and depending on the nature of the coaster train you're mounting it onto, you might also wanna have a few different mounts for more options.

Regarding time, including your ride, it usually takes a couple of minutes extra.

But yeah, you will have to contact the park prior to your visit and you should be prepared for a no as well.

 

[coaster addict]

Definitely have to be ready for the NO! I have two parks in mind as we move into 2015, and I know that a few others would probably be a 90% no, especially since they probably get a lot of these kinds of requests! Still, I appreciate the insight.

Now, what about media day events? When I went to the Banshee media day event as a guest, I recall that they specifically noted that the first row would often be used for the media POVs, so, in that case, I assumed that the park required media people to use their mounts. Is my assumption wrong? Right?