Technological progress has transformed the way of film-making. And aerial photography has taken storytelling a notch higher, enhancing the overall visual appeal. However, a lot goes into consideration while choosing aerial filming services and getting the perfect aerial shot displayed on the big screen.
Flying a crewless or crewed aircraft is complex enough, and you cannot take any chances with the added task of filming. And before you make your choice, analysing some crucial factors can give you a little insight. Below are the details:
Location
Location is a vital consideration when opting for aerial filming services. Whether you need to shoot a complex air-to-air sequence of landscape footage, you must be aware of the No-Fly Zones where air traffic is restricted. These zones are located near airports, hospitals, and military bases. Some other areas can also limit air traffic due to certain unique circumstances. So, it is best to check your location and potential restrictions on the website.
Altitude
The filming service you choose must be able to make altitude adjustments according to your needs. Therefore, you need to have a clear vision of the final product you’re trying to achieve.
Knowing your vision will help the service provider make the adjustments accordingly, whether it’s high-altitude market views or low-altitude close-ups. If you want to show expansive region views, your aerial DOP must capture broad and wide shots. If you don’t wish to get very high or low-altitude shots but require something in between, your crew should be efficient enough to get you some fantastic low-market views and overhead shots.
Budget
Before choosing aerial filming services, you need to figure out your budget. Filming comprises two phases: production and post-production. So, it’s better to find out if you need to pay charges for both the phases separately. Also, during this time, you may want to determine the time the service provider needs to deliver the project.
Past work
Assessing the past work of the service-providing company can help you understand the quality of work you can expect. You can ask for their demo reel. You might want to continue your search if they cannot provide one.
When the service-providing company provides a demo reel, you will be able to understand their skill in lighting and composition. If the reel fails to impress you, you must find another company.
Certification
Among other things, checking the certification of the cinematographer is also necessary. This way, you know that the cinematographer has the training and qualifications to work within the aircraft and manoeuvre the camera as required. Also, ensure that the cinematographer has liability insurance to protect the equipment and the quality of photos and videos. You may also inquire about the equipment the cinematographer will use, so you know you will achieve your desired results.
Flexibility
While opting for aerial cinematography, the flying conditions must be optimal to get the best results. Therefore, it is obvious that you did some research on the weather conditions. However, should the weather change, the entire shooting gets postponed. And for that, you need to make sure that the company you choose complies with the changes in circumstances if there is a need to cancel the flight.
Getting the perfect aerial shot is no small feat. You need to do elaborate planning to transform your vision into reality. And for that, you should clearly define your deliverables and choose the best medium for capturing the footage and getting the desired results.
