Great Basin National Park
December 4, 2011
North Shore Productions contracted Aerial Filmworks to film aerials of the Great Basin National Park in Nevada on behalf of the National Park Service. Using the Cineflex V14HD and a Bell 206-L4 Long Ranger from Classic Helicopters, the aerial crew filmed the entire park including the southernmost glacier in the United States and ancient snow-covered Bristlecone pines. Director Rory Banyard of North Shore Productions, and Ron Chapple, Aerial Director, worked together with Mario Nickl, Chief Pilot of Classic Helicopters to create stunning landscape footage of the park. The crew lucked into a beautiful clearing winter storm that dropped 6 inches of fresh snow on the mountains.
Wheeler Peak Glacier, one of the southernmost glaciers in the continental USA.
One of the stories for the new Visitor Film is about a rancher who flies a 1941 Piper Cub to check his cattle.
In addition to filming at Great Basin, Aerial Filmworks also captured images of the Great Salt Lake to help tell the geological story of the Great Basin.
The aerial crew based at Border, a unique town on the border of Utah and Nevada that straddles the border. The helicopter landing zone was the hotel parking lot. Classic Helicopters provided a fuel truck as there is no close airport with Jet A fuel. At The Border Inn, the hotel rooms are in Utah, and the restaurant/casino is in Nevada.
Flying over The Border Inn at the base of Great Basin National Park.
About Aerial Filmworks
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Freeride World Tour, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and CBS/Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks delivers Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using robust 12-core MacPros, over 120 Terabytes of online RAID, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
Air-to-Air Filming of a World War II C-54 Skymaster
November 12, 2011
Aerial Filmworks had the unique opportunity to film legendary pilot Gail Halvorsen flying a C-54 Skymaster over Kitty Hawk. During the Berlin Airlift, Colonel Halvorsen, became known as the “Candy Bomber” as he would drop candy to the children on parachutes he handmade from handkerchiefs. This humanitarian gesture became a symbol of support for the 2,000,000 people of Berlin that counted on the Airlift for their daily supplies of food, water and heating fuel.
C-54 Skymaster Filmed with the Cineflex V14HD over the coast of North Carolina
The shoot was directed by Blair Treu and produced by Jeffrey Roberts for a new documentary to be presented on the large screen for a new visitor center in Salt Lake City. Camera operator Ron Chapple, worked with the Cineflex V14HD, Sony HDC1500 and Fujinon 42x 9.7mm lens to create a variety of air-to-air scenes.
Film pilot Mike Creasy of HeloAir flew the Bell 407. Filming air-to-air of the C-54 Skymaster required a fast high maneuverable helicopter as the airplane could only slow down to 120 knots.
Interior view of the cockpit of the C-54 Skymaster
About Aerial Filmworks
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Freeride World Tour, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and CBS/Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks delivers Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using robust 12-core MacPros, over 120 Terabytes of online RAID, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
Fall Color for New National Geographic Project
November 6, 2011
National Geographic Television partnered Aerial Filmworks to produce HD video of fall color in the North Carolina and Georgia mountains. Gray Mitchell and crew rigged the Cineflex V14HD and Fujinon 13x 4.5mm wide lens kit to the Cinetruck and crane. With a reach of 22 feet and a height of 25 feet, the Cineflex could reach deep into the forest and sweep over mountain streams.
National Geographic uses the Cineflex V14HD for New “Untamed Americas” Landmark Series. Photo by Sara Woodmansee.
Frame grab from the Sony HDC1500 and Fujinon 13x 4.5mm wide lens.
The Cineflex Creates the “The Endless Dolly” Move From Vehicles
The Cineflex V14HD is a gyro-stabilized remote head. While used mostly for aerials, the Aerial Filmwork’s crew has built specialty mounts for trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles. Clients are increasing taking advantage of the unique look created by the smooth motion of the Cineflex gyro-stabilization. Aerial Filmworks provides all the equipment, drivers and crane operators for the Cinetruck.
Aerial Filmworks developed a proprietary lens baffle system to eliminate the “bouncing flare” caused by the external protective glass. The beautiful flare in this image is rock-solid natural lens flare.
About Aerial Filmworks
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Freeride World Tour, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and CBS/Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks delivers Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using the robust 12-core MacPro, 32GB RAM, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
Alaska Nature Documentary for Korea New Network
October 30, 2011
The edge of the Bering Sea is the summer home for the Godwit, a migratory bird that flies from the Southern Hemisphere to Alaska. A new nature documentary, produced by the Korea New Network, selected Aerial Filmworks to produce aerials of Alaska, including tundra, wildlife, estuaries, and beautiful scenics to help build the story.
Director Jay Chin and Ron Chapple, Aerial Director of Photography for Aerial Filmworks, flew 20 hours in total, from Homer to Iliamna, and then out to Bethel, Alaska as a base of operations. Several barrels of Jet A fuel were then transported out to Chefornak, a small native village at the edge of the Bering Sea. The helicopter, provided by Pathfinder Aviation and flown by Mike Fell, had just enough fuel to get to the location, but not enough for extensive filming and a return trip.
Chefornak, Alaska at the edge of the Bering Sea.
“The open wilderness of Alaska is absolutely amazing,” states Chapple, “we flew 250 miles straight line from Iliamna to Bethel and never once saw a road, a house or a human… just caribou, bears and birds.” The Cineflex V14HD and the Fujinon 42x 9.7mm lens is the perfect combination to film wildlife from safe distances.
Lake Iliamna, Alaska’s largest freshwater lake, home to freshwater seals.
About Aerial Filmworks
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Freeride World Tour, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and CBS/Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks delivers Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using the robust 12-core MacPro, 32GB RAM, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
Colombia Adventures- Aerial Filming of the Chingaza National Park for Conservation International
October 3, 2011
Aerial Filmworks just completed an amazing project for Conservation International in Colombia, South America. The Chingaza National Park is a unique “paramo” ecosystem only 30 miles from Bogota.
~John Martin, Senior Producer, Conservation International
The ecosystem, at an altitude of 11,000 feet provides water for the 8,000,000 people of Bogota. The aerial footage will be used in Conservation International’s effort to continue protecting the paramo.
About Aerial Filmworks
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Freeride World Tour, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and CBS/Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks delivers Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using the robust 12-core MacPro, 32GB RAM, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
Cineflex V14HD in South America for the Swatch Skiers Cup Competition
September 6, 2011
UPDATE: View the entire TV show online.
Aerial Filmworks just completed the filming for the Swatch Skiers Cup Competition with the Cineflex V14HD gyro-stabilized camera system. The competition is one of the Freeride World Tour events featuring the best extreme skiers in the world. Teams from Europe and the Americas competed in 2 events over the week.
Photo courtesy of Freeride World Tour.
Cineflex V14HD on Eurocopter AS350-B3 provided by Ecocopters in the Andes Mountains outside Santiago, Chile filming the Swatch Skiers Cup in Chile. Photo courtesy of Guillaume Lahure from SkiPass.
Andes Heliboarding and Ecocopters are providing the Eurocopter AS350-B3 helicopter for the filming platform, as well as the heli-lift for competitors and crew. The first event involved 3 helicopters, and moving over 50 people, including competitors, journalists, gear and crew, from the Valle Nevado Ski Resort into position in the Andes Mountains. Photographers were dropped at strategic locations, and Dino Raffault, the Aerial Coordinator, called the start of every run.
Amazing 270 degree panorama of the Andes Mountains from 11,000 feet.
Competitor jumps a cliff during the Swatch Skiers Cup in Chile.
Dino Raffault, Aerial Coordinator for the Freeride World Tour, on location during the Swatch Skiers Cup.
About Aerial Filmworks
Ron Chapple of Aerial Filmworks operating the Cineflex V14HD during the Swatch Skiers Cup Competition.
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Freeride World Tour, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and CBS/Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks delivers Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using the robust 12-core MacPro, 32GB RAM, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
Aerial Filmworks Films Opening Scenes for the new Dallas Television Pilot
August 17, 2011
Ron Chapple of Aerial Filmworks worked with Director of Photography Rodney Charters to film the opening scenes for the new Dallas pilot. TNT is re-creating the world famous television series to premiere in Summer 2012. Audiences were treated to a sneak preview of the pilot in mid-July.
Southfork Ranch from the TV series Dallas filmed by Ron Chapple of Aerial Filmworks.
Rod Tinney of Air Center Helicopters provided the Bell 407 helicopter for the filming. Rod also arranged permissions for the crew to film directly over the top of Texas Stadium along with safety pre-scouting of the various locations including Southfork Ranch. The aerial unit was able to accomplish several complex scenes with cowboys, drill rigs, and herds of cattle all in one day. Rodney Charters posted on Twitter through the day showcasing the capabilities of the Cineflex V14HD.
Cineflex V14HD mounted using the Airfilm AFG-1 mount on a Bell 407 in front of the Texas Stadium during filming for the new Dallas television pilot.
About Aerial Filmworks
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14 HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks also provides Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using the robust 12-core MacPro, 32GB RAM, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
New PBS Landmark Series “America Revealed” to Premier in 2012
August 15, 2011
Aerial Filmworks provided the aerial cinematography for the new PBS landmark series “America Revealed” that will premiere in January 2012. The 8 month project involved over 15 locations around the USA from Boston to Los Angeles, and from Tennessee to Alaska. The filming included air-to-air cinematography of Commander Chuck in Los Angeles, air-to-air of Alaska Airlines in Juneau, sky divers in Kansas, urban New York City aerials, to coal mining scenes in Wyoming. Each one of the programs involved complex “piece-to-camera” sequences with the host talking to the aerial camera unit.
Aerial Filmworks working on location at the wind turbine farms along the Columbia River in Washington State.
The entire project, per the request of Lion TV, was recorded to the NanoFlash recording device from Convergent Design. Aerial Filmworks worked with a video engineer to custom design a trigger to simultaneously record to two Nanoflash units for both primary and back-up recordings.
The “America Revealed” series, hosted by Yul Kwon and produced by Lion TV, promises to be the definitive view of the USA from the viewpoints of how the country manifests food, energy, transportation and manufacturing.
Container yards in Savannah, Georgia for the “America Revealed” series to premier on PBS in 2012.
Helicopter services for the aerial filming sessions were provided by Coyt Bailey of Mercury Aviation. Extra efforts were required to obtain both low-flight and security clearances for a several of the locations. In one scene, permissions were required from TSA, FAA, the Coast Guard and Massachusetts State Police to film a liquid natural gas tanker in the Boston Harbor.
About Aerial Filmworks
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14 HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks also provides Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using the robust 12-core MacPro, 32GB RAM, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
Aerial Filmworks Covers the Velux 5 Oceans Race in Charleston, South Carolina
May 21, 2011
Aerial Filmworks was contracted by NorthOne Productions to film the start of the Velux 5 Oceans Race in Charleston, South Carolina. The race, which covers 35,000 miles around the world, will be the subject of a new television documentary. In addition, the footage was immediately available on the Velux 5 Oceans web site for download by the press.
The Bell 206L3 Long Ranger helicopter was provided by Mercury Aviation and flown by Coyt Bailey. The crew consisted of the Velux Press Officer Sara Hames, race photographer Richard Walch, and Ron Chapple, Aerial Director of Photography. While the race started just offshore of the Charleston Harbor, the aerial team followed the sailboats 35 miles out to sea. With thunderstorms coming up from the south, the pilot used the real-time XM satellite weather on the Garmin 496 GPS to monitor changing conditions.
About Aerial Filmworks
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14 HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators, Gray Mitchell and Ron Chapple, have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks also provides Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using the robust 12-core MacPro, 32GB RAM, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
“Bears of the Last Frontier” Premieres on PBS/Nature With Aerial Cinematography Provided By Aerial Filmworks
May 11, 2011
Aerial Filmworks based the helicopter and Cineflex crew on a trawler for 3 days off the Katmai coast.
Aerial Filmworks provided the aerial cinematography for the “Bears of the Last Frontier” premiere on PBS/Nature. Ron Chapple worked with Director Joe Pontecorvo and Ecologist Chris Morgan to film brown bears and their habitat in Katmai National Park on the Alaska Peninsula.
Aerial Filmworks used a Fujinon 42x 9.7mm lens to film the bears in their natural habitat from 1,500 feet away.
~Joe Pontecorvo, Director
A Bell 206B3 and Airfilm AFG-1 nosemount was used as the helicopter platform.
The Aerial Filmworks team also coordinated the aerial logistics to arrange the helicopter through Pathfinder Aviation, advance Jet A fuel placement, and film pilot Tom Smith. Fuel needed to be ordered and delivered to the ship 6 weeks ahead of time. The crew based on the trawler for 3 days during the production.
Filming included sweeping landscapes, bears in their natural habitat, and air-to-air sequences of a floatplane flying over the mountains and glaciers. To accomplish a variety of looks, both long 42x 9.7mm and extremely wide 13 x 4.5mm lenses were used. The long lens allowed the aerial crew to stay 1,500 feet away from the bears during the filming.
About Aerial Filmworks
Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14 HD provides the highest level of image gyro-stabilization. Our dedicated, experienced camera operators, Gray Mitchell and Ron Chapple, have thousands of hours using the Cineflex for clients including Disney, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBC, PBS/Nature, National Geographic, History Channel, Planet Green, Red Bull, Burton Snowboards, Amazing Race and Survivor. Aerial Filmworks is a highly responsive company with over 25 years of aerial photography experience. Dedicated to providing Cineflex V14HD systems and services, our experienced aerial filming crews specialize in location work all over the world.
Aerial Filmworks also provides Google Earth pre-flight visualization, GPS preparation and flight logistical planning; Geo-coded HD video and images for land survey or mapping; Google Earth integration of video, stills, 360 interactive panoramas, podcasts, historical imagery, topographic maps and data.
With in-house HD video suite utilizing Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Aerial Filmworks also delivers professional editing and color-grading, and BluRay/DVD output using the robust 12-core MacPro, 32GB RAM, Snell ArchAngel restoration, AJA Kona3, HDCAM/HDCAM SR Decks, and fast h.264 encoding.
