Aerial filming and photography

Filming flights for the needs of commercials, live broadcasts and movie scenes with the use of Cineflex gyroscopic stabilization (GSS) or Shotover by helicopter R 44 or AS350 in Poland? This is only possible with Helipoland. Helicopters give the best opportunities to shoot movies and take photos from the air, so you can commemorate picturesque areas and interesting places, or make the most spectacular broadcasts. Helicopters, which in themselves offer much more possibilities than drones, complement each other perfectly… (click to see our article)

The use of helicopters in audiovisual production allows you to capture amazing film and photo frames, impossible to reproduce from a different perspective than the one in which the operator is located during the flight. Additional opportunities that are associated with capturing events from an unusual perspective are increasingly used by film producers preparing their work, used for information or commercial purposes. This applies to materials such as movie scenes, short films, as well as spots and film commercials. Helicopters are increasingly used also to conduct live coverage of concerts, cultural events and other important events, e.g. sports. For a photographer or a filmmaker, a helicopter flight with a camera or a camera in his hand with the door removed is mandatory at least once in his life. Filming and taking photos from a helicopter is also great fun and an amazing experience, especially for those who like to fly.

Commercial use of helicopter film flights

The experience gained while organizing film flights (e.g. Tour de Pologne, The Royal Tour of Poland, WRC Rally Mikołajki) allows us to approach each of the received orders comprehensively, adjusting the flight of the aircraft to the wishes and purposes intended by persons deciding to use helicopters in film production. We give the opportunity to implement concepts and ideas for film and serial scenes, music videos, image films as well as commercials and spots. In addition to sharing the helicopters themselves, tailored to the type of material being created and the event being filmed (this applies in particular to what cameras, lenses, mounting systems and stabilization the helicopter has for aerial recordings), we advise on the selection of optimal helicopter flight routes, matching the right recording equipment and image, as well as choosing the time of day and hours optimal from the point of view of the expected visual effects and sunlight.

Methods of film helicopter flights

The image can be recorded using cameras mounted during the flight outside the helicopter. The image recording device can be placed on special rails or a rotating platform, allowing manipulation of the recorded frame during the flight. If the cinematographer considers such possibilities to be insufficient, for the duration of the flight we also give the opportunity to disassemble the helicopter side door, allowing a better quality image, free from additional and undesirable light reflections. This is done in safe conditions for the film operator, preventing the occurrence of any accident or aviation, which gives him comfort of work and allows you to fully focus on the implementation of the prepared material.

What film materials are created during helicopter flights?

Film shots taken during a helicopter flight are often a part of the full-length films screened on cinema screens. This applies to both action movies, where dynamic action scenes appear most often, as well as other film genres in which helicopter shots are used to show specific spaces or areas (e.g. city panorama) from a different perspective than usual. Film flights are also increasingly used to create shorter film materials. Recordings recorded in their course are used in music videos and advertising spots broadcast on television channels and on the Internet.

Helicopter film flights – live coverage

Until recently, live footage from the helicopter was associated only with the news programs of the largest TV stations that reported the current course of major events in the country and in the world. Currently available technical and hardware solutions enable uninterrupted streaming of audiovisual material on the Internet or television programs. Organizers of concerts, public performances and other mass culture events are reaching for this type of solution more and more often, enabling all interested persons to follow live events of their interest. Live coverage by Helipoland was made available, among others on television broadcasts by TVP, Eurosport or social networks, e.g. Facebook.

Detailed conditions of cooperation in the organization of film flights

The equipment, technical and personal resources we possess enable us to implement all types of film materials, depending on the expectations and ideas of people who cooperate with us. We try to actively participate at all stages of film production, providing experience and advice in making the most important decisions regarding the flight and the shape of the material being created. Terms of cooperation are set individually after prior contact with our representatives.

The calculation of costs is based on the duration of use of the helicopter in flight during altitude work, plus the so-called machine re-gas, counted from the moment of starting in the base until it is turned off at the destination and equally in the return flight. In addition, additional services performed by Helipoland (vision operator) or related to the use of stabilized heads with cameras and optics are also valued.

If at all possible, fly with the doors off. Always ask. But also realize that it can get cold with the doors off, so be prepared for the temperatures. Shooting through any glass affects the resulting image and that is why it is ideal to have no barrier between you and your subject. Be aware of the helicopter rotor blades and skids (the ‘feet’ the helicopter stands on while on the ground) not only for your safety, but also for framing your shot. Before the helicopter takes off, judge your widest focal length before the blades or skids start to show. Once airborne, check again with some test shots.

Prepare more than one camera. Changing lenses without introducing dust inside the camera while the wind whirls around is impossible. Not only that, you stand a decent chance of dropping gear and never seeing it again. For these two reasons, it is a good idea to bring two cameras with two different lenses; a telephoto zoom and a wide angle zoom.

Stay in good voice communication with the pilot. We all know communication is important and that goes doubly when photographing from a helicopter. Some units are voice activated, some require pressing a switch which can cause frustration when you realize you’re telling the pilot to hold steady and he or she can’t hear you.

While it is hip and cool to imagine yourself hanging from the side of a helicopter to get that once in a lifetime shot, chances are rather small.. And that’s why You should stay in the helicopter. The moment you lean outside the protection that the shell of the craft affords, the downdraft can be punishing and knock you seven ways to Sunday. The same goes for poking your lens out a window.
To give a sense of where you are, include some of the helicopter at times. Maybe not a blade, because they look out of place without context.
Lastly remember that helicopters vibrate. Some a little. Some a lot. And they can be bouncy or smooth depending on type of the helicopter and weather.

Cineflex V14HD system

In air operations requiring professional film material, a professional gyro stabilized film system works best. Helipoland offers the Cineflex V14 system – it is an ultra flexible, light, high-performance 5-axis gyro stabilization system. Most often the system is equipped with a Sony HDC-1500 Cine Alta High Definition camera and a Fujinon HA42x9.7 lens. The system provides stunning solid shots up to 120 knots and features the ability of 360 degree continuous pan, 165 degree tilt, and +/- 45 degrees roll, automatic and steerable. All this with amazing accuracy and stability, makes this system ideal for all TV applications, especially live broadcasts. Cineflex V14HD is the system most often chosen for many years due to its amazing performance. It’s very compact and lightweight and can provide amazing, solid shots even at the long end of your massive 22x or 42x zoom lens.

Cineflex V14 can be mounted on helicopters, planes, boats and cars. The Cineflex V14HD system has been the workhorse for aerial filming for several years. It built its reputation on many world popular programs such as BBC Planet Earth and many live broadcasts for sports and live events. From the selection of lens options from the long Fujinon 42x 13.5mm to the 13x 4.5mm extreme wide, each lens option is specially fitted with new servos and controls, and counterbalanced for smooth performance. We provide the system as a kit complete with operator recorder/monitor and monitors for director and pilot. The auxiliary box provides multiple 12v power outlets for monitors along with SD and HD SDI connections. Every lens has an optical doubler plus the internal Sony digital doubler for maximum zoom range.The system is available with the Air Film AFSP-1 nose mount for installation onto Airbus AS350 & AS355 helicopters.