GEAR. AERIAL
DO LOOK DOWN
Aerial filming has soared to new heights over the years, with cutting-edge technology complementing the tried and true. We look at the different options available to filmmakers, while detailing some of the best work in aerial cinematography
WORDS. Robert Shepherd IMAGES. Various
I n the vast world of cinematography, the quest for breathtaking visuals has always been an integral part of the director’s storytelling. Over the years, filmmakers have relentlessly pursued innovative techniques to elevate their craft and transport viewers into captivating realms. One such technique that has undergone a remarkable transformation is aerial filming. Its roots can be traced to the late 19th century, when pioneers
LIFTING THE SCENE Jean-Marc Selva AFC ( Lakadbaggha , Un été à Boujad ) has been using cranes throughout his career, relying on them long before the arrival of drones. “I embrace new technologies eagerly whenever they can offer me options to devise interesting shots. However, I do still use cranes regularly, like for complex shots where an operator is riding the crane and gets off it at the end of the move to keep shooting at ground level,” he explains. “Also, the type of shot when the camera must come in or out of an interior location though a window.” Selva says this is not always possible with a drone due to the sensors that prevent it from coming too close to obstacles on its way. “The propellers may make too
experimented with cameras on hot- air balloons for static shots. These early attempts, though limited in scope and technical capabilities, set the stage for what was to come. From the acclaimed use of cranes by Orson Welles and Jean-Luc Godard, to the iconic inclusion of helicopters in Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now , the art of aerial cinematography has spawned countless unforgettable moments that remain landmarks in the history of cinema.
IN ASCENSION Advances in drone technology have revolutionised aerial cinematography
“I embrace new technologies eagerly – however, I do still use cranes regularly”
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