admin, Author at Aerial Advantage

February 15, 2026

Behind the Scenes: What Goes Into a Professional Aerial Filming Shoot

More Than Just Flying a Camera

Professional aerial filming is a precision operation that involves weeks of planning before the helicopter or drone ever leaves the ground. Here is a look at what happens behind the scenes on a typical Aerial Advantage shoot.

Pre-Production Planning

Every shoot starts with a detailed brief. We work with the director or client to understand:

The creative vision — what shots are needed and why
Location specifics — airspace restrictions, terrain, weather patterns
Equipment selection — which camera, lens, and stabilisation platform best suits the brief
Safety and compliance — CASA approvals, NOTAMs, risk assessments

For helicopter work, we coordinate with aviation operators, file flight plans, and conduct detailed safety briefings. For drone operations, we assess controlled airspace requirements and obtain any necessary approvals.

Equipment Setup

On the day, our camera systems are meticulously prepared:

Helicopter platforms: Gyro-stabilised systems like the Shotover F1 are mounted to the aircraft nose or belly. These gimbal systems isolate the camera from all vibration, allowing smooth cinematic footage even in turbulent conditions. Camera setup, lens selection, and gimbal calibration can take several hours.

Drone platforms: Cinema drones are configured with the specified camera and lens package. Flight controllers are calibrated, batteries tested, and fail-safe systems verified. Pilots conduct test flights to confirm settings and review the flight path.

The Shoot

During filming, coordination between the pilot and camera operator is critical. On helicopter shoots, the camera operator monitors a live feed and controls the gimbal remotely while communicating with the pilot via intercom. Every pass is planned to maximise usable footage while minimising flight time.

For live broadcasts, our feed is transmitted in real-time to the production truck or studio via microwave downlink systems.

Post-Production

After the shoot, footage is delivered in the required format — typically ProRes 4444 or RAW. We can provide colour-graded rushes or raw files depending on the production workflow.

The Result

What appears as effortless, sweeping aerial footage on screen is the result of careful planning, specialist equipment, and experienced operators working in coordination. That is what sets professional aerial filming apart from simply putting a camera in the sky.

February 11, 2026

Aerial Filming – Love is in the Air Netflix Movie

Love is in the Air – Netflix

Last year, we had the privilege of being approached to film the Air to Air components of a new Australian-produced movie for Netflix. This production, featuring the renowned Australian star Delta Goodrum, unfolded amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Whitsundays.

For these Air to Air sequences, we employed our Cineflex Elite Nose-mounted gimbal, paired with the Red Helium 8k camera and Canon Cine 30-300mm Lens. While drones were also utilized during the production, the value of utilizing the helicopter and gimbal for the Air to Air segments and backplates was evident. This decision added an extra layer of depth to the film, contributing to the creation of stunning imagery that enhanced the overall cinematic experience.

Aerial filming is what we do, Australia wide we can take on any aerial filming project

Click on the above videos to see the Trailer for Love is in the Air on Netflix

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Our Lead Cinematographer Anthony Shorten on another aerial film sortie on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Our Cineflex Elite With the 6k Red Komodo X & Canon Cinema 30-300mm lens

Shotover F1 6 Axis Helicopter Gimbal

February 7, 2026

Drone vs Helicopter Aerial Filming: Which Is Right for Your Project?

The Two Pillars of Aerial Cinematography

Both drones and helicopters have a place in professional aerial production, but they serve very different purposes. Choosing the right platform can mean the difference between good footage and extraordinary footage.

When to Choose Drone Aerial Filming

Drones excel in situations that require precision, low-altitude work, and access to tight spaces. They are the go-to choice for:

Real estate photography — capturing properties, developments, and construction progress
Events — weddings, festivals, and corporate events where a helicopter would be impractical
Close-proximity work — flying near buildings, through structures, or at low altitude
Smaller budgets — drone operations have lower mobilisation costs

Modern cinema drones can carry cameras like the RED Komodo or Sony FX6, delivering broadcast-quality 4K and 6K footage. With CASA licensing, operators can fly in controlled airspace with proper approvals.

When to Choose Helicopter Aerial Filming

Helicopters remain the gold standard for large-scale, high-speed, and long-duration aerial cinematography:

Film and TV production — feature films, commercials, and drama series that demand cinematic quality
Live sport broadcasts — following fast-moving action across large areas
Long-duration shoots — helicopters can stay airborne for hours, not minutes
Gyro-stabilised systems — platforms like the Shotover F1 and GSS C520 deliver unmatched stability

The vibration isolation and payload capacity of a helicopter allows for full-size cinema cameras and long telephoto lenses that no drone can carry.

Can You Combine Both?

Absolutely. Many of our projects use both platforms. A helicopter captures wide establishing shots and tracking moves, while drones handle close-up reveals and confined spaces. This combination gives directors maximum creative flexibility.

Making the Right Choice

The best platform depends on your creative brief, location, duration, and budget. At Aerial Advantage, we operate both drone and helicopter platforms and can advise on the optimal approach for your specific project.

Get in touch to discuss your next aerial production.

December 12, 2023