MOTION PICTURE AVIATORS: BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL AERIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY AND STUNT FILM PILOT

"Some people happen to people on purpose, in order to tell them something about their lives. They sit somewhere and share two or three lines and you leave, and your life is changed!," 

Jamie Foxx in the making of movie Collateral.

This sentiment perfectly captures the serendipitous nature of chance encounters, especially in the world of aviation. And for me, it was a chance meeting with Ivor Shier, president of Corporate Helicopters in California, that planted a seed of curiosity that remains years later.  It began at Dublin Airport, where I was working for American Airlines. I met Ivor, a regular visitor to his native Ireland, and our conversations sparked an enduring interest in me of that field of aviation. Years passed, and the memory faded. Then, in 2004, while watching the motion picture Collateral (with Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx), a jolt of recognition struck me. There he was, Ivor, credited on the screen as the news helicopter pilot sequence.

Ivor’s story is a testament to a niche, highly specialized area of aviation that provides the essential services behind the cinematic magic we all have come to love. His company, Corporate Helicopters, has a long history of providing aerial cinematography and coordination for some of the biggest and best films in history, including Titanic, Master and Commander, and Babel, to name a few.

They specialize in providing this aerial filming service for Hollywood productions and special events. Their team kit out helicopters with specialized equipment, including multiple camera systems, and fly them often inches from the ground, under bridges, and across landscapes to shoot the movies we all love and enjoy.  The art of aerial cinematography involves a deep dedication and an understanding of the equipment, the film’s vision, and the director's artistic sensibilities. Pilots must not only fly, but also compose and capture shots using onboard controls, placing cameras in the sweet spot to ensure the desired perspective and get the shots the director wants. They fly through, around, and by buildings, relying on advanced, gyro-stabilized cameras to minimize vibrations and ensure smooth and stable footage. The flying itself is remarkable, pushing the performance envelope of equipment and machines to the outer limits.

Another legend in the field Fred North, a renowned stunt pilot, describes it as "dancing with the machine."  Movie directors, while passionate about their artistic vision, may not fully grasp the technical complexities and safety considerations involved in aerial filming. This is where the pilot's communication skills come into play. They must clearly explain the limitations of the aircraft, offer alternatives to potentially risky maneuvers, and ensure that expectations are aligned with safe practices. This involves finding creative solutions to achieve the director's vision while prioritizing safety. A skilled pilot will not only explain the risks but also present alternative approaches that still deliver the desired impact. This requires a blend of technical expertise, communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.

The equipment used for aerial cinematography plays a crucial role in capturing those breathtaking shots. Pilots must ensure that cameras, camera mounts, and stabilization systems are of the highest quality and properly integrated with the aircraft. They may use specialized camera rigs, gyrostabilized platforms, and even high-definition cameras capable of capturing incredible detail and movement.  Stunt pilots, through their technical proficiency, communication skills, and dedication to safe flight practices, are the linchpins that ensure breathtaking aerial sequences are captured without compromising the well-being of the crew or the public.

A World of Connections and Expertise

Breaking into this specialized field requires more than just flying skills. It demands an understanding of the filmmaking process, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build strong relationships. Pilots must be able to translate the director's vision into achievable flight plans, offering alternatives when necessary. They need to be familiar with the directors' signature styles, understanding their preferred angles and sequences. This industry is built on connections. The pilots who succeed often start with a network of trusted professionals who vouch for their expertise. Word of mouth is powerful, and a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and creativity is crucial.

For aspiring pilots, the world of aerial cinematography offers a unique and challenging career path. If you are a pilot with a passion for the cinematic arts, it’s an opportunity to be part of something truly special.

Preparation is Key

Mastering the technical aspects of stunt and film flying is key for safely pushing the performance envelope and getting the kinds of movie shots or film sequences you need. This includes intimately understanding aircraft performance, weather conditions, and emergency procedures and understanding what the task is on the day. It's not enough to be a good pilot, you need to be an exceptional one and have good negotiation skills to explain what an artistic director may not understand about the aviation capabilities. In many cases the directors tend to be more cautious than the stunt pilots and coordinators, and it is they occasionally suggest more daring approaches.

Cultivating Key Relationships

Becoming a successful motion picture aerial stunt and film pilot is about building strong relationships with the entire filmmaking team, understanding their creative vision, and contributing to it effectively. If you are a helicopter pilot and get into this field don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, offer creative suggestions, and adapt to changes as they occur. This is what the top pilots in the industry do. 

The Fundamentals of Aerial Filming, A Quick Overview

The director holds the ultimate artistic vision for the shot. Their collaboration with the ground pilot coordinator and stunt coordination team is crucial in ensuring that the flight plan aligns with their creative vision. They may have a particular angle in mind, a specific light they want to capture, or a desired movement that the pilot must execute. The ground coordinator acts as the director's voice in the air, ensuring that the pilot understands the artistic intent behind every maneuver. The bond between the pilot, the ground coordinator, and the director is essential for a successful aerial shoot. It's a symbiotic relationship, built on trust, clear communication, and a shared understanding of the goals. Movie productions, especially those with elaborate aerial sequences, operate on tight schedules and large budgets. This means that stunt pilots often find themselves traveling to various locations, sometimes on short notice, to fulfill filming requirements. While some shoots may last for weeks, others can be completed in a matter of days, requiring pilots to be ready to deploy quickly to locations anywhere in the world. Pilots in this highly specialized field get to witness the magic of filmmaking firsthand, working alongside talented directors and crews. They are part of a creative process that brings stories to life and captivates audiences worldwide.

Elite stunt pilots must possess an innate sense of space and situational awareness, allowing them to navigate tight spaces with precision and anticipate potential hazards before they arise. This intuitive understanding is crucial when performing maneuvers mere inches from buildings or flying through dense urban landscapes.

Types of Helicopters Used in Filmmaking

The Eurocopter AS350 B2 AStar is a popular helicopter choice for aerial cinematography due to its spacious cabin, which comfortably accommodates camera equipment and crew, its smooth and quiet flight, crucial for capturing stable footage, and its impressive maneuverability, allowing for precise movements and close-proximity shots. The Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil, now marketed as the Airbus Helicopters H125, and known as the AStar in North America. This single-engine, light-utility helicopter is known for its agility, maneuverability, and overall performance, making it a favorite for aerial cinematography, news gathering, and utility operations.  Its combination of features makes it a preferred choice for capturing those breathtaking cinematic moments that transport viewers into the heart of the action.

Corporate Helicopters have a diverse fleet of helicopters, including popular models like the Bell 207, 47, 212, Jet Ranger, Long Ranger, AStar, Twin Stars, Hughes, and Robinson R44, allowing them to cater to a wide range of filmmaking needs. They offer filmmakers the perfect aircraft based on their budget, space requirements, and desired maneuverability.

The Skills Required

To become a master of stunt and film flying, a pilot must achieve a level of symbiosis, a seamless connection where the aircraft becomes an extension of their own body. This flow state is achieved through years of practice, world class attention to detail, and a commitment to understanding every nuance of the helicopter's performance. It's about feeling the vibrations of the machine, anticipating its reactions, and responding with an almost instinctive grace. This connection allows these unique pilot group to push the boundaries of the aircraft, achieving shots that seem impossible. Stunt and film pilots are skilled communicators with a keen understanding of film language, the ability to anticipate potential issues, and the confidence to offer alternative approaches.

For example, this model of helicopter operates with a clockwise rotating main rotor system that creates a counterclockwise torque which tries to twist the aircraft in the opposite direction. To counteract this, helicopters utilize tail rotors that provide thrust in the opposite direction, keeping the helicopter stable.  When performing stunts, pilots need to be acutely aware of torque effects. Sudden changes in throttle or abrupt maneuvers can significantly influence the helicopter's yaw behavior. During stunts, especially those involving precise positioning in tight spaces, controlling the crabbing tendency of the aircraft becomes an even more crucial skill.

The Ground Crew

At the heart of this operation is the ground pilot coordinator and stunt coordinator, the linchpin connecting the pilot in the air to the director's vision on the ground. This individual is responsible for relaying instructions, coordinating flight paths, and ensuring that the shoot runs smoothly. The stunt coordinator is essential for the success and safety of aerial helicopter stunt sequences. They work with the director, cinematographer, and pilot to meticulously plan each stunt, analyzing the scene and developing safe, effective sequences. They enforce strict safety protocols, ensuring pre-flight inspections, proper equipment use, and clear communication.  They also act as a translator between the technical language of aviation and the artistic language of filmmaking. Their expertise lies in understanding the capabilities of the helicopter and the director's intent. They must anticipate potential issues, advise the pilot on the best approach, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. The director holds the ultimate artistic vision for the shot. Their collaboration with the ground pilot coordinator is crucial in ensuring that the flight plan aligns with their creative vision. They may have a particular angle in mind, a specific light they want to capture, or a desired movement that the pilot must execute. The ground coordinator acts as the director's voice in the air too, ensuring that the pilot understands the artistic intent behind every maneuver. The bond between the pilot, the ground coordinator, and the director is essential for a successful aerial shoot. It's a symbiotic relationship, built on trust, clear communication, and a shared understanding of the goals. The pilot must trust the ground coordinator's instructions, knowing that they are grounded in safety and creative vision. The ground coordinator must trust the pilot's expertise and skill, knowing that they will execute the plan flawlessly. And the director must trust both the pilot and the coordinator to deliver the shots that will bring their vision to life.

The ground team acts as the bridge between the production crew and the local environment. They work closely with agencies ranging from police and fire departments to city government officials, ensuring the entire area is safe and secure for filming. The team ensures all necessary permits are in place, coordinating with authorities to secure airspace and access to the desired filming locations. They act as liaison with residents and businesses, informing them about the filming schedule, potential disruptions, and any safety protocols. They work with law enforcement to manage crowds, direct traffic, and secure the perimeter of the filming location, ensuring public safety and minimal disruption. To facilitate communication and coordination during the shoot, ground teams often employ a system of color-coded flags. These flags signal to the pilot specific instructions, such as "stop," "hold," or "proceed," allowing for efficient communication in a dynamic and often complex environment.  The ground team, working in concert with the pilot and the production crew, ensures a safe filming experience.

The FAA Motion Picture Manual

The FAA Motion Picture Manual is a vital document for all pilots involved in aerial cinematography in the USA. This manual, which must be renewed every two years, outlines safety procedures and best practices for conducting aerial film shoots, ensuring the safety of the public, crew, and aircraft. It covers pre-flight planning, including detailed flight plans, aircraft inspections, and crew briefings. During flight operations, pilots must maintain minimum safe altitudes, be aware of airspace restrictions, monitor weather conditions, and prioritize public safety. Camera operations must involve certified equipment and operators, with clear communication between the pilot and camera operator. The manual also outlines emergency procedures, including emergency contacts, procedures for various emergencies, and safe landing techniques. Post-flight procedures include debriefing and thorough documentation. Adherence to this manual is mandatory, promoting a safe and professional environment for aerial filmmaking.

How the process works for the Permit

The process of coordinating an aerial film shoot involves detailed planning and collaboration with authorities, particularly the FAA or if in another country the equivalent aviation authority, to ensure public safety and achieve the desired cinematic results. The first step is submitting a detailed flight plan to the FAA office, outlining the intended flight path, altitude, and camera angles. This plan is crucial as it allows the FAA to assess potential risks and ensure compliance with airspace regulations. Public safety is never compromised, and the production team must take proactive steps to protect those on the ground. This often involves obtaining permits for extremely low altitude flying, which may necessitate additional measures like building clearance or removing obstacles temporarily. For example, when filming a sequence in a city or urban area the production team will attempt to negotiate with residents or businesses within the flight path, offering compensation to temporarily relocate or close their operations during the shoot. If residents refuse to move, the team will ensure they are informed of the flight schedule and instructed to remain indoors or avoid the designated airspace. To minimize disruptions and ensure smooth operations, the production team will often prioritize locations with fewer residential areas, opting for commercial spaces, particularly those closed on weekends. They will then clear the chosen location, ensuring any necessary safety protocols are in place, and compensate businesses for their temporary closure.

Tricks and background CGI

The world of aerial cinematography is full of fascinating techniques, and the use of plates is a common practice, particularly in fast-paced, action-packed scenes. A plate is a high-resolution, wide-angle shot of a location, often captured by an aircraft fitted with a high-quality camera. These shots provide a detailed and expansive view of the environment, capturing the cityscape, landscape, or any other setting needed for the scene. They are then used as the background in CGI-heavy action sequences, with the action, often involving fast-moving vehicles or characters, filmed separately, often on a soundstage or using green screens. The CGI team then integrates the action footage with the pre-shot plate, creating the illusion that the action is occurring in the real-world location. This technique allows filmmakers to create dynamic and exciting sequences without the need for expensive and potentially dangerous real-world stunts.

The Use of Drones

The rise of drones in filmmaking has brought a new era of aerial cinematography, offering accessibility and cost-effectiveness. However, the helicopter remains a powerful tool, particularly for low-level, complex maneuvers, and the human element in the cockpit provides advantages that drones, for now, can't fully replicate. While drones offer flexibility and maneuverability in some situations, operating them at low levels, especially amongst obstacles, poses significant challenges. The remote pilot is detached from the immediate environment, making precise maneuvering and spatial awareness more difficult. This limitation is compounded by the inherent difficulty of achieving a smooth, stable shot amidst wind and environmental factors. The helicopter, on the other hand, provides a distinct advantage with its onboard cameraman, who enjoys a direct, immediate view of the scene. This allows for quick adjustments, spatial orientation, and intuitive maneuvering, crucial for achieving complex shots that require proximity to buildings or navigating challenging terrain. The inherent limitations of drones, such as the lack of depth of field, can be addressed by the experienced helicopter pilot who can instinctively utilize depth perception and adjust camera angles to create a more cinematic look.  The future likely holds a blend of these technologies, with each offering unique advantages that will complement and enhance the other. For now, the helicopter's legacy as a vital tool in aerial filmmaking remains strong.

Becoming a Motion Picture Aviator

This is a career that not many people get into. It's highly specialized, challenging, but boy, is it rewarding! I love the way this part of aviation helps bring about the magical and exciting shots we all have come to love and enjoy at the cinema. What more could you want? For those who love the movies and have a passion for aviation, especially on the rotary flying side, this career may be a hard nut to crack, but it's very rewarding if you successfully get into it. Some people break into the field by building a reputation and gaining experience in sports events aerial footage, and even racing gigs such as aerial footage of Formula 1 or Sailing events and so on.

This career demands a unique blend of skills, combining the thrill of flight with the artistry of filmmaking. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine love for the magic that unfolds on the big screen. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding path, one that allows you to contribute to the captivating visuals we all cherish, then perhaps this is the career for you.  Succeeding as a helicopter aerial cinematographer requires a go-getter attitude, a commitment to building a strong portfolio, and a constant drive to stay current. Obtaining licenses in different regions expands your opportunities, while building a reputation for skill, reliability, and trustworthiness attracts clients. Transitioning to financial sustainability is essential, and some engage in Utility flying to supplement their incomes and make a living while trying to get hired by production companies for TV or Motion Pictures. It also important to stay current with industry changes through ongoing training and certifications. This demanding yet rewarding career demands passion, dedication, and a proactive approach to achieve success in the world of aerial cinematography.

Helicopter flying is truly a unique experience. I've been lucky enough to experience hours of flying above the Nicaraguan jungle canopy, and the perspective it offers is unlike anything you'd find in fixed wing flying. It's a world of its own, where you're intimately connected to the landscape. Helicopters are incredibly versatile machines, perfect for both filmmaking and utility work, and they command a special kind of respect and appreciation.

avcox has numerous contacts in the Entertainment Aviation Profession and with production companies in North America, Mexico and Central America regions. If interested in gaining quotes for these services contact us at our services section: Aerial Production and Cinematography Services 

Thank you and safe take offs and landings. 

Noel Cox

Principal Aviation Consultant at avcox

Recommended Reading

Fred recently released his memoir. He's such an authentic, down-to-earth, and interesting guy with a fascinating past. He's an old-school, great character with tons of experience in this field. I'm sure any aspiring pilots thinking about a career in flying helicopters for the motion picture industry would enjoy his story and gain a lot of insights. Pick up a copy of his book, Flying Sideways: The Story of the World's Most Famous Stunt Pilot, by Fred North and Peggy North.