A gradall? Never heard of that before.

Travis- What is the link to that ladder with the platform?

Just wanted to throw the thought out there that with just about any of the options mentioned, using a wide angle lens on your camera - if you have one - will make the shot seem like it's from higher up than it is. So that 10' or 12' ladder might do the trick.

Have fun!

Rob

Gradall
 

I vote for the Gradall.

Thanks for the link Travis.

Keith, you bet.

Rob, the only issue with a wide-angle lens is that you don't want the legs of the ladder showing. This is a direct overhead shot of the subject, so the complication becomes getting the camera high enough and far enough from the ladder.

Around here we still can find some sympatric volunteers to help out.
You might consider your local fire dept. A donation to the stations fireman fund would not hurt. :-)
Of course it was done with the provision that if there was a fire we had to stop.

http://cinebydesign.net/film/ladder.jpg

Bill

Unfortunately this is for a television commercial, for a paying client. I don't feel right asking for people to volunteer time/equipment for a project I'm making a profit on.

That’s why I suggested the donation.

Gotcha. Worth considering I suppose.