http://somervilleguy.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] somervilleguy.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2010-11-03 02:56 pm

Chopper buzzing tufts?

Anybody know whats up with the chopper thats been buzzing tufts for last ten minutes? Another cop drama?

[identity profile] infinitemorning.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't have any answers for you, but I've been wondering that as well. I actually thought there was more than one for a bit, but it seems to be the same one circling.

[identity profile] thetathx1138.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 07:35 pm (UTC)(link)
No, but if it starts blasting "Ride of the Valkyries", get video and upload to YouTube ASAP.

In all seriousness, look for an odd appendage on the canopy; I remember hearing something about helicopter footage being shot in the area, but I'm not sure if it's today or if it's flying over Tufts.

[personal profile] ron_newman 2010-11-03 07:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"footage" meaning for a Hollywood or independent film?

[identity profile] thetathx1138.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 08:32 pm (UTC)(link)
I think for a documentary/stock footage folder. I didn't really pay attention, this was just something I saw in passing on a mailing list.

[identity profile] miss-lisa-ma.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe a news chopper shooting footage?

[identity profile] bostonartist.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 08:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Not sure what is going on right now at Tufts BUT last night when the police shooting happened there where a few news helicopters circling for hours. I WISH this activity could be regulated ( get your video for 10 min and LEAVE )

[identity profile] thetathx1138.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Unfortunately, they don't know when something is going to happen, so they have to camp for a while.

[personal profile] ron_newman 2010-11-03 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
In a situation like yesterday's shooting, what can a news reporter see from the air that he couldn't better observe from the street?

[identity profile] thetathx1138.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Usually it offers them a better visual of what's going on, and they're also not in the way of police or emergency services.

[identity profile] bostonartist.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Often when I hear a news helicopter circling, I will turn on my t.v. They will circle for 2 hours to show a 5 sec clip of some parking lot or back yard or street. Its really dumb, annoying and wasteful.

[identity profile] thetathx1138.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Unfortunately, that's what you've got to do to get that five-second clip. They've got no way of knowing what will happen when, and it's all about getting the best possible footage.

[identity profile] bostonartist.livejournal.com 2010-11-03 10:10 pm (UTC)(link)
"Unfortunately, that's what you've got to do to get that five-second clip. They've got no way of knowing what will happen when, and it's all about getting the best possible footage."

I work at home, so I am around all day and have seen this play out many times in my corner of the ville < Union SQ >. The 5 sec clip they wind up showing on TV is always of nothing happening. It's an aerial view of where something DID happen. Its annoying if you happen to live in the area below.

[identity profile] 808.livejournal.com 2010-11-04 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
If this was all there is, news stations would not be doing it. Helicopter flights are quite expensive. You've got high fuel costs, landing fees, permits, etc. They will run 500-1000 dollars per hour depending on the quality and technical ability you need - usually with a minimum hourly commitment. If all the station got was 5 seconds of nothing interesting, then they won't invest the money. The stations are getting something for their money.

maybe something...

[identity profile] francescadavis.livejournal.com 2010-11-04 01:44 am (UTC)(link)
I was driving down Powderhouse when the chopper was circling. There was a cruiser and two cops out on the lawn of a two family across from the Tufts playground. Don't know if that was what was of interest, but perhaps the chopper was just chasing a police scanner. The sight of the cruiser and the cops coupled with the chopper made my stomach jump a little - changed the radio to 1030, but didn't hear anything of interest.

[identity profile] georgy.livejournal.com 2010-11-04 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
They were using it to film footage for a video.

[personal profile] ron_newman 2010-11-04 02:54 am (UTC)(link)
Who are 'they' ?

[identity profile] georgy.livejournal.com 2010-11-04 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
I should add that I work at the university, which is how I know this.

[personal profile] ron_newman 2010-11-04 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
'Babs' ?