ROUND TABLE
WILL BANKS: Hybrid FPV drones, blending stabilised, steerable shots with FPV agility, have given filmmakers a new visual language, merging the smoothness of a traditional gimballed drone set-up with dynamic movement. Drones dominate the conversation, but high-speed aerial cinematography in the world of manned aviation is often irreplaceable. At The Aerial Film Company, we’ve embraced this evolution of drone tech, figuring out how it can complement what we’re doing in manned aviation. Our latest investment is the upgrade of our SHOTOVER F1 to the F1 RUSH system. In combination with our Pilatus PC-9, the F1 RUSH allows for stable, high-speed filming at up to 350 knots and 3.5G high-speed turboprop. This tech enables breathtaking high-speed tracking shots of jets, aerobatic aircraft, race cars – sequences that drones simply can’t sustain over long distances. While automation and drone tech continue to reshape the industry, we think the magic of aerial cinematography still lies in human expertise, whether that’s in manned or unmanned aviation. OLLY SUGARS: The miniaturisation and advancement of electronics have transformed aerial filmmaking. This has made equipment more efficient, capable and lighter. Key improvements in flight controllers, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), camera sensors, processing chips and algorithmic software have enhanced stability, precision and image quality. These have led to the rise of FPV and hybrid gimballed FPV systems. All the while, cinema cameras have become more compact and powerful, allowing high-end filmmaking equipment to be flown around without compromise. JOHN MARZANO: Advanced three-axis gimbals – from DJI and Freefly for drones and PV Labs and SHOTOVER for larger
systems and full-sized aircraft – give us ultra-smooth footage, even in turbulent conditions. The stabilisation has made it much easier for the VFX departments to track plate shots for compositing. DJI’s record move functionality (available in its new Inspire 3 drone) incorporates differential GPS accuracy, which allows the drone team to record a repeatable 3D move that, while not frame-exact, is astoundingly accurate. High-resolution, lightweight cameras like the RED KOMODO and V-RAPTOR, ARRI ALEXA Mini LF and 35, Sony VENICE 2 and, most recently, the Zenmuse X9- 8K for the DJI Inspire 3, have facilitated cinema-grade images from drones and compact full-sized aircraft systems. FPV drones capable of carrying cinema grade cameras have revolutionised dynamic aerial shots, enabling high- speed, immersive filming that was previously virtually impossible. With the advancement of AI-aided intelligent flight systems, complex aerial shots are becoming easier and safer. Battery tech has also made significant strides, providing longer flight times, which are vital when hovering in position waiting for all departments to be ready for the single explosion or high-speed stunt. LiDAR and 3D mapping have also made huge advancements in high-res scanning and photogrammetry, providing filmmakers with super-accurate 3D maps for better previsualisation and VFX integration. DEF: WHAT ARE THE KEY CHALLENGES IN YOUR FIELD AND HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THEM? JB: Operating aerial vehicles means adhering to strict aviation regulations, including airspace restrictions and safety protocols. This includes staying updated with local and international aviation laws, obtaining the necessary permits and certifications and ensuring all crew
members are trained in compliance procedures. The risk of accidents like collisions or equipment malfunctions poses significant safety hazards and we do our best to mitigate these with continual training and maintenance. It’s essential to conduct thorough pre-flight checks, regularly maintain equipment and provide ongoing training for crews and operators. WB: Aerial filming with manned aircraft presents unique challenges, from navigating congested airspace and flying low level through complex terrain to keeping up with ever-changing aviation regulations. Use of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft requires detailed permits, enhanced low-level approvals and close coordination with aviation authorities – all within the notoriously tight timelines of film production. We tackle this with a dedicated operations team led by Abi Hensby, ensuring seamless compliance while maximising creative flexibility. Directors and DOPs can dream big knowing our team is hard at work securing the necessary permissions without delays or last-minute restrictions. Many underestimate the importance of adherence to aviation regulations, but it’s the backbone of delivering our services to productions across the world. EB: We believe in staying ahead of the curve, listening to what our clients want and being nimble and solution-finding. This means we’re continually reinvesting time and money into development, and have established a phenomenal in-house team with the skill set to design and manufacture. In doing so, we adapt quickly to clients’ needs and maintain our 36-strong fleet of heavy-lift, super- heavy-lift, FPV and Inspire 3 drones. Regulations become increasingly challenging as they evolve, both in
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