FAQ
FAQ: cost, weather, permits & drones in Alaska
Answers to what clients ask Mountain Mind Media most often, from what a shoot costs to flying drones in national parks. For more depth, read our Filming in Alaska guide. Don't see your question? Ask us.
Working with us
Where do you film?
Mountain Mind Media films anywhere in Alaska, from Anchorage and the Mat-Su to fly-in lodges, and on projects abroad, including Pakistan, Nepal, Iceland and Argentina.
How much does a shoot cost?
It depends on shoot days, crew, aircraft and what you need delivered. We quote fixed packages after a short call, so you know the cost up front.
What if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Alaska weather doesn't follow a schedule. We build buffer into every plan, and extra shoot days can be added at our day rate if needed.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Our drone operators are FAA Part 107 certified, and we carry general liability insurance, and our Super Cub carries commercial aerial photography insurance. Certificates on request.
How do you keep crews safe in the mountains?
Our lead safety manager, an IFMGA mountain guide, writes the risk assessments and emergency plans for shoots in the mountains, on glaciers and in remote country, and makes the daily calls on weather and terrain. Glacier and winter filming.
Do you work with nonprofits and public agencies?
Yes. We make mission-driven stories, training and education video and event coverage for nonprofits, foundations and government agencies, and we respond to RFPs. We're registered as a State of Alaska vendor and on SAM.gov. Video for nonprofits and agencies.
Do you work with lodges and outfitters?
Yes. We make brand films and YouTube episodes for lodges and outdoor brands, including Talarik Creek Lodge and Alaska Wildland Adventures. We're lifelong anglers and hunters, so we know how to work around guests and guides. Lodge and outdoor brand videos.
Can you edit footage we already have?
Yes. Our post team edits, colors, mixes sound and builds motion graphics for our own shoots and for footage you bring us. Post-production.
Do you live stream events or make VR video?
Yes, on a smaller scale. We live stream meetings and events, and make VR training video for headsets like Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.
What cinema cameras and gear do you own?
Our own package includes a RED Monstro 8K VV, a RED Raven 4.5K and a DJI Ronin 4D 8K, Zeiss Milvus primes and Canon lenses out to 1200mm, plus lighting, audio and grip. For motion and aerials we have the Cub Cam, a DJI Inspire 3 with the X9 8K camera and the Black Arm camera truck. See the full equipment list.
Can you run a multi-camera shoot?
Yes. We shoot interviews and events with multiple cameras as standard, and our core team scales up for commercials with large casts and crews. On KUIU's Here to Hunt, we handled location scouting, permits, gear rental, drone operations and local crew hiring for a shoot with nearly 100 extras.
What do you handle in-house, and what do you book through partners?
In-house: directing, cinematography, camera and drone crews, the Cub Cam, the Black Arm camera truck, our own cameras, lenses and lighting, editing, color and sound, and safety planning. Through local operators, we book helicopters and large helicopter camera systems, charter flights, boats, lodging and catering, plus any crew or gear we don't own. We manage those bookings, so you deal with one team.
Do you work with networks, agencies and production companies?
Yes. Our crews have worked on projects for Netflix, Hulu, National Geographic, Red Bull Media House and France 5, and for brands like Ford, Patagonia, Arc'teryx and KUIU. We can produce the whole project, or be the local team supporting yours. Production services for visiting crews.
Aerials & drones
What is the Cub Cam?
The Cub Cam is Mountain Mind Media's stabilized 8K cinema camera, mounted to a Piper Super Cub. It flies for hours at a time, goes far beyond drone range, and gets helicopter-style aerials for a fraction of the cost.
Can you fly drones in Alaska's national parks?
Generally no. The National Park Service bans launching, landing or operating drones in parks without its approval, which is rarely given. For park aerials we use crewed aircraft, like the Cub Cam or a helicopter, within FAA and park rules.
Do you fly NDAA-compliant drones for government work?
Yes. For federal and state agencies, government contractors and grant-funded projects, we fly an NDAA-compliant drone that's fit for the project. If your contract calls for Blue UAS or Green UAS aircraft, tell us and we'll confirm the model. We're registered on SAM.gov and as a State of Alaska vendor. More on our NDAA drone services.
Can you bring in a helicopter camera system?
Yes. We work with Alaska helicopter operators and can set up large stabilized systems like Shotover and GSS. For many shots, the Cub Cam gets a similar look for less. Aerial filming in Alaska.
Can our director ride in the Cub Cam plane?
No. The Cub Cam always flies with our own pilot and camera operator, who know the system and are covered by our insurance. We plan every shot with your director before we take off.
What aircraft and cameras do you use for aerials?
Our Piper Super Cub with the Cub Cam, a stabilized 8K cinema camera; a DJI Inspire 3 with the X9 8K camera; an FPV drone; and an NDAA-compliant drone for government work. For larger systems like Shotover or GSS, we bring in Alaska helicopter operators.
Planning a shoot in Alaska
Can you help a production that's coming to Alaska?
Yes. We scout locations, handle permits and logistics, and provide DPs, drone operators, camera crew and gear. Production services for filming in Alaska.
Can we bring our own director and DP?
Yes. Send us your crew list and we'll fill the gaps: local crew, gear, vehicles, locations and permits. We can also take on the whole shoot, from creative to final cut.
Do we need a permit to film in Alaska?
Usually, and it depends on who manages the land. Cities and boroughs, state parks, national parks and forests, Alaska Native corporations and private owners each have their own rules. Some permits take weeks, so we start on them as soon as locations are set.
When is the best time of year to film?
Alaska is famous for its endless golden hour. In June and July the sun sets slowly and it never gets fully dark, so warm, low light can last for hours, late into the night. In winter the sun stays low all day, so you get golden light from sunrise to sunset, plus snow and northern lights. Late August and September bring fall color, and March and April give you snow and long days at once.
How far ahead should we book?
Not as far ahead as you might think. Last-minute shoots are a big part of our work. Our crew, cameras, vehicles and aircraft are all here, so we can often have a crew ready within 24 hours. For June to September, plan 1 to 2 months ahead for lodging, boats and air taxis. Tight dates? Call (907) 521-8133.
Is it expensive to film in Alaska?
It costs less when the crew and gear are already here. Hiring locally saves the flights, freight, hotels and per diem of bringing a team up from the Lower 48. Every shoot is different, so get in touch and we'll talk through yours.
Does Alaska offer a film incentive?
No. Alaska ended its state film incentive in 2015, and none has passed since. The best way to control costs here is a local crew: you skip most of the flights, freight, hotel nights and per diem.
Can you get us to remote locations?
Yes. We move crews and gear by truck, snowmobile and charter aircraft, and we'll tell you up front what each location takes to reach.
Can you shoot in winter?
Yes. We plan around short days, keep batteries warm, let gear warm up slowly when it comes inside so lenses don't fog, and dress the crew for long days in the cold. Glacier and winter filming.
Can you film on whitewater, underwater or in the backcountry?
Yes. Our crew kayaks, skis, dives and snowmobiles to get the shot. Brendan was the on-water cinematographer for The River Runner on Netflix, carrying his camera in his kayak, and we've filmed salmon underwater and ski descents in the Wrangell–St. Elias.
Do you film wildlife?
Yes. We've filmed brown bears, moose and salmon runs across Alaska, with long lenses and a safe distance from the animals. Wildlife filming in Alaska.
Still have a question?
Send us a note or call (907) 521-8133.