Viewpoint Videos, a leading supplier of customer experience videos, has shared how video souvenirs are becoming a widespread offering, moving beyond their traditional association with a particular type of ride or attraction.
Now, says the company, wearable and ride-mounted cameras allow operators to capture highly personal footage across a variety of adrenaline-fuelled experiences.
Additionally, automated processing makes it possible to offer such footage quickly, and without adding significant operational complexity.
Simon Nicholson, business development manager at Viewpoint, says: "What we hear most from operators is that they want something that adds value for guests without adding additional work for the staff.
"The video needs to be simple for the attraction to operate, but also immediate and high value for the guest.
"What has been particularly interesting this year is seeing that work across such different attractions.
"Whether it is a zip line, alpine coaster, amusement ride or driving experience, the basic opportunity is the same: capture a great guest reaction, make it available straight away, and turn that experience into both additional revenue and something people want to share.”
The Viewpoint system requires little infrastructure, with cameras be mounted on guests or the ride itselfImage courtesy of Viewpoint Video
For operators, this presents an opportunity to generate additional secondary-spend revenue from an experience visitors already want to remember, while also creating content they are likely to share to their social channels.
'High-quality, memorable video'
Viewpoint's souvenir video systems are used at adventure and activity attractions worldwide and capture the visitor perspective using plug-and-play technology, with cameras mounted on the guest or directly on the ride.
The resulting close-up footage and audio with the guest’s reactions create a personal and evocative souvenir that is markedly different from conventional fixed-position ride photo systems.
The videos are automatically edited, branded and transferred, and are available directly after the activity. Guests can then purchase and download the video to their phone, ready to view or share.
Video souvenirs are becoming increasingly widespread, as more operators adopt the low-risk model Image courtesy of Viewpoint Video
Viewpoint's system can be found across a range of experiences, such as alpine coasters, amusement rides, driving experiences, and other high-thrill activities in locations spanning Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.
Demonstrating how video is being adopted across a growing variety of attractions and operating models, the company's recent partnerships include Tirolina Pirineos in Spain, Wonderla in India, Steel Pier in the US, and Hangloose Adventure & Kart Silverstone and Center Parcs in the UK.
Wayne Hawkins, group leisure commercial and innovation manager, Center Parcs, says: "We were looking for a solution that would enhance the guest experience without adding complexity to our operation.
"Viewpoint's system gives our guests a high-quality, memorable video that they can access almost immediately after their adventure, while being straightforward for our team to manage. It's a great addition to our Aerial Adventure and Zipline offering."
Low risk, long-term value
Viewpoint's commercial model is structured to reduce the risk of introducing a new souvenir product, with low initial equipment and setup costs, and straightforward infrastructure requirements.
The ongoing model is then typically charged on a per-video-sold basis. As a result, Viewpoint's return is directly linked to the operator's successful sale of videos.
For attractions considering a new video offering, this low-risk approach allows guest appetite to be tested without significant financial investment.
The PierZip zip line at RockReef, Bournemouth Pier, demonstrates the system's success.
Furthermore, guest videos continue to deliver value beyond the original sale.
As videos are delivered directly to a phone, they can be easily shared with friends, family and social media followers. With Viewpoint’s 'Create a Highlight' feature, guests can turn a longer experience video into a short 10- to 30-second clip that they can share directly to their preferred social channel.
For operators, the product therefore generates organic exposure. This helps to build brand awareness and promote the experience to potential future visitors, without requiring additional marketing spend.
Viewpoint Videos will be exhibiting at IAAPA Expo Europe, booth S3028. Attendees at the event, which is taking place from 22 to 24 September, can see demonstrations of the technology and discuss potential applications.
Earlier this year, Viewpoint shared details of how its partnership with the Zip World outdoor adventure parks chain has helped grow and protect ancillary revenue.
