Travel Channel Filming at Hersheypark

The camera crew prepares the helicopter cam for flight

The email and Facebook notification came Monday night.  Hersheypark was looking for riders for a Travel Channel Show.  They were looking for a few dozen people to ride Fahrenheit multiple times for their hit show, Insane Coaster Wars.  Insane Coaster Wars is a half hour show that pits 4 roller coasters from a catagory (height, speed or type of coaster for example) from different parks together and allows coaster lovers to vote on their favorite.  The ride that receives the most votes is revealed at the end of the show.

Indigo Films is the production company responsible for producing these episodes for the Travel Channel.  They have worked with other networks including National Geographic, A&E and The History Channel.  Shows they have produced include I Faked My Own Death, Wives With Knives and I Almost Got Away With It.

Coaster fans that signed up for the event were required to arrive at the employee gate by 7 AM.  We were greeted by Hersheypark public relations and the Indigo Films crew.  Once the releases were filled out we

The operations department watches over
the shoot to ensure safety

were directed to one of the parks catering areas to enjoy some coffee and breakfast pastries.

While we enjoyed our breakfast we watched them prep for filming.  Maintenance was preforming their morning check of the ride, including checking brakes and gears, stopping the train on the lift and reversing the train from mid lift.  While maintenance preformed their checks the camera crew attached GoPros to several points on one of the trains.

As the film crew finished up we were briefed by the director of ride operations, the public relations manager and by the field producer.  They informed us of what to expect and what was expected of us.  It was almost time to ride.

We headed into the station and watched as final preparations were made.  The ride was running with two trains.  One train was set up with cameras and one was not.  I much prefer to be behind the camera lens than in front of it so my co-rider and I opted for the front seat of the train without cameras.  We picked out our seats and then were instructed to return to the stairs so they could film us coming into the station.

The cameras on the train were put into final position and sent out on a test run to ensure they were at the
proper angle and height.  Microphones were placed on the two ladies riding in the front seat of the camera train and we were ready to go.  We loaded into the trains and it was time to enjoy our rides.

Ride time with cameras on the front and middle of the train

The station was loaded with video cameras and sound equipment to record the action of the operators checking our lap bars, the excited/nervous look on riders faces and the people anxiously waiting to ride in the queue.  The crew also captured the look of joy and/or relief on the faces of riders as the train returned to the station and the ride came to a stop.  A remote controlled helicopter, also known as an octocopter filmed off ride views of the ride and riders.

Filming lasted until about 10 AM and park guests began filtering into the park.  Once the riding was over we gathered to vote on our favorite coaster.  The voting booth remained in place throughout the day to allow regular park guests a chance to cast their votes.

Voting took place outside the exit of Fahrenheit

Indigo Films' Insane Coaster Wars second season will premiere this Sunday, June 9th, at 8:30 PM.  The portion of the episode filmed at Hersheypark's Fahrenheit is not expected to air until 2014.  A previous episode filmed last year at Hersheypark's Skyrush is expected to air some time in June.

See more photos from the day at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151455773190843.1073741847.85142180842

Check out the Etsy store featuring over 200 prints including amusement parks at http://wwww.etsy.com/shop/supkophoto