This is pretty good, the only part i dont agree with is the last section. I do think that urbans are time consuming and can be painful, however they can be very fun. It is also very rewarding when you get the shot you want, that probably adds to it.
Just to add to this thread:
Bare minimum supplies:
- A culligan bottle of water. The more water you have the better. You will use this to freeze the jump and in run once you have shaped everything. Tip: dont pack the jump until at least 5-10min after pouring water on it or the wet snow will just stick to your shovel. (those big bottles that go on water dispenser things)
- As many shovels as people you are shave the session with. Its a waste when somebody is just sitting around while everybody shovels for an hour or more to build your setup.
- A generator. We try as often as possible to find power sources where we are filming but more often than not, we end up using to much power and the breaker cuts out. Its best to be prepared for that situation so that you dont just need to pack up when you loose power. 3500w genies are generally powerful enough for a solid lighting setup. bring lots of gas too. a 5 hour session isnt uncommon.
- 20ft bungie/ drop in ramp. Each has their own advantages. 10ft bungies suck dick and tend to launch way to fast. Bring lots of extra rope too because you never know where you might have to tie the bungee too.
- Lights. We generally use 3 stands of 2 500w construction lights. They are cheap and the replacement bulbs aren't expensive either. You will break bulbs. If you can afford nice lights, do so.
You should maintain your setup as you session as well. By working on the jump and taking time to add more water and make it stronger or fill in ruts it will eliminate any large amounts of downtime you will have when your jump collapses.
Don't turn your lights on until you are absolutely ready to session. you dont want to attract any unnecessary attention before you start hitting the feature.
If the police show up, DONT GET IN THEIR FACES. This is key. Some cops are just assholes and will be pissed right away but this doesnt mean that you should do the same. Just be understanding and if they ask you to leave and clean up the JUST DO IT. Generally you will deal with security guards, who are much less stoked, and other citizen heroes that believe its their responsibility to protect what ever rail you are hitting. Same goes for them. Be understanding and dont talk back to them because that wont get you anywhere. You might be mad but just be the bigger person.
Have a lookout for cars if your landing goes onto a road. A lot of rails run onto sidewalks and you will slide onto the road so just make sure you have somebody looking out.
When it comes to setting up your lights, generally try and have two pointing at the feature in the direction that you will be filming and one from the back providing backfill. That is quite general but is a good formula to get well lit shots. Also, dont just light the rail or what ever your hitting and not the landing. too many people just disappear into the darkness after they land. As viewers we want to see what happened after they landed as well.
If you can, bring two cameras. this will allow you to get two angles as well as have a backup if one craps out. Also, bring lots of batteries and turn your camera off when you arent recording something. You want to save that power as long as possible.
Hope this helps, just sorta paraphrased from another post.
