Aerial Cinematography: Our Experience in Drone TV Production

Slowly and steadily drones are transcending helicopters, dollies, and other traditional models of simulated flight in the world of aerial cinematography. The economic feasibility, camera angle flexibility and rapid setup time of drones prove them to be the real winner in TV and film production.

The Plot

We recently had the honor of filming with Discovery Communications’ “American Hero’s Channel” (previously titled the Military Channel). The journey began in rural Gettysburg, Pennsylvania set in a backdrop of heavy forest in order to mimic the dense jungle environment present in Vietnam during the war. The plot of the shoot revolved around an American helicopter hero pilot who provided crucial medical aid and advanced recon that aided in the rescue of a group of American soldiers caught in the thick of battle.

New Technologies

With our drone and the addition of heavy duty fans we were able to emulate the idea of a moving helicopter hovering and delivering medical supplies to American soldiers. The producer will take the footage and use a blue screen to sell the viewer the idea that it is identical. This set would have been impossible to replicate using a real helicopter for reasons of safety due to the heavy foliage present and exponentially more expensive with a production level dolly or jib. Another important advantage the drone has in production is that most multi-rotor flying cameras do not require gas, instead rely on rechargeable batteries that are capable of being switched out within a moment’s time allowing multiple retakes with ease. Oftentimes the sound recorded on a set is important to maintain and a drone is considerably less noisy than a helicopter. Because the drone is wirelessly transmitting the video feed to LCD monitors on the ground, the producer is able to frame the desired shot precisely as he or she desires.

Our Future

We eagerly anticipate our next adventure in the world of aerial cinematography as the world of drones take effect.