Aerial Cinematography

Commercial

Film

Personal

Drone Technology

What kind of drone do you have?

For some reason this is usually the first and sometimes only question I get asked when someone is looking for Aerial Cinematography.

I have thousands of dollars invested in a multitude of Canada Registered drones and each one has it's purpose. I am licenced and practice daily.

What people should be asking is do I have the right drone for their project and do I have the ability to capture it the way they want.

A guy with a drone is no match for someone that can utilize the proper equipment for the job.

Guy with drone

Pilot with knowledge

Corporate

Real Estate, Site Planning, Security, Safety

Drone work at a corporate level is expanding fast.

Real Estate

Ten years ago the only way to get a decent aerial photo was only by a plane or helicopter.

Drone Mapping

An aerial survey conducted by a drone and specialist cameras, which can include RGB (for photogrammetry), multispectral, thermal or LiDAR sensors quickly enables the collection of highly-accurate data.

Inspection

Drones quickly capture images of difficult to reach areas saving manpower and safety for inspectors.

Film Industry

Features, Commercials, Shorts

Film from a drone adds an extra dimension to any project.

Drone filming is a dynamic type of aerial filming with several benefits for filmmakers: Reduced cost for aerial footage compared to helicopters. Filming in small or confined spaces helicopters cannot access. Capture new perspectives outside the usual vision from the ground.

Examples from music videos:

Tanner Gordon "So Long"

Koreen Perry "Is This All There Is"

Personal Events

Weddings, Graduations, Social Events

Capture a social event for your family.

Home Owner

Roofs, towers, trees...

Have a home inspection that does not cost you injury by reaching places only ladders went.

Festivals

Promotion, Security, Safety

Drones at a festival can not only give you a birds view for promotional advantages but can also keep an eye on security or safety issues that may pop up quickly.

Construction Site Management

Mapping, Security, Safety

Drone mapping can give high quality 3D and 2D images of progress on a work site. They can also supply accurate measurements and topographical information.

Tools of the trade

Keeping on top of technology

As an aerial artist keeping on top of the latest technology is a requirement. This is a comparison of some of my equipment which will explain many drones are needed for proper filming.

Cinematic Drone

DJI Air 2S

Small and portable. The large wing span helps in high winds. Low winds I will still use my Mini 3 Pro in most cases.

Sub 250 Cinematic Drone

DJI Mini 3 Pro

Sub 250 drones can fly in some places the Air 2S cannot due to Transport Canada Regulations. It closely matches the Air 2S.

Cinematic FPV Drone

DJI Avata

Flies low and fast with amazing control and video stabilization.

Perfect for shooting chase scenes close to the ground and indoor walk throughs.

Cinematic FPV Drone

DJI FPV

Fast, I mean really fast. Great for chase scenes from above. On board camera not sutable for film but drone is strong enough to mount an FPV camera. Used for chase scenes and quick transitions from high altitude to low altitude.

360 Drone

Pavo360 with Insta SMO

While the drone is in flight the Insta camera stitches out the drone.

To be honest it has it's uses but not used much. Lower resolution is due to capture in all directions.

Sub 250 Drone

DJI mini 2

This drone has been a workhorse for me. Even though I have upgraded to the Mini 3 it still has it's uses as it can use third party software that is required for mapping and whey points etc.

360 Hand Held Camera

Insta 360 X3

In places where it is illegal to fly drones this is a great replacement. This is the first 360 camera which is also sold as an action camera. When mounted to a 3 meter invisible stick it can film like a drone without the risk.

DSLR

EOS Rebel 3

Aerial photography sometimes means using non aerial equipment. Ground equipment is vital in some instances.

Computer and software

Editing

Editing and managing imagery is just as expensive as the equipment to capture the shot.

Extras

Extra Equipment

Camera poles, cases, memory cards, thumb drives, lighting, sound equipment, props, gimbles, and much more are required for the job.