AERIAL FILMWORKS: Cineflex Elite and Cineflex V14 Gyro-Stabilized Aerial HD

White Sands National Monument Film Wins the “Best Of” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:34:35 +0000

The new visitor film for White Sands National Monument won the “Best of Government Films” category at the 2012 International Wildlife Film Festival.

Aerial Filmworks provided all of the aerial footage including scenes of a rarely seen Bobcat on the white dunes. In addition, the film also won a Merit Award for overall cinematography. Produced by Henninger Media, the film was directed by Tim Dilworth with ground footage shot by John Golden Britt, and aerial cinematography by Ron Chapple.

The White Sands National Monument park is completely within the restricted airspace of White Sands Missile Range. Special permissions and access were arranged for the flights.

All the clips are available as stock footage directly from Aerial Filmworks.

About Aerial Filmworks

Aerial Filmworks provides high-definition video Cineflex V14HD and Cineflex Elite camera systems and aerial filming services to the international entertainment, documentary and corporate marketplace. Highly regarded by award-winning clients, the Cineflex V14HD and Cineflex Elite 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 and Cineflex Elite 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.

Jamaica Aerials for German ARD Caribbean Project with Correspondent Thomas Roth

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:08:08 +0000

Aerial Filmworks delivered aerial footage of Jamaica for a new series on the Caribbean with Correspondent Thomas Roth. Ron Chapple, Aerial Director of Photography, worked with Director Joe McCarthy to film the island nation. Susan Dempster of Aerial Filmworks captured the original HDCAM SR 1920 x 1080 4:4:4 tapes and color-graded all the footage for ARD prior to delivery.

“Thank you for the wonderful aerials of Jamaica! We received it all and are very happy with them.
Thanks again for doing such a great job.”

~Cristelle Richter, Producer, ARD German Television

Trench Town neighborhood in Kingston, Jamaica.

The village of St. Anns along the northern coast of Jamaica.

The Blue Mountains of Jamaica.

About Aerial Filmworks

New PBS Landmark Series “America Revealed” Now Airing

admin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:39:49 +0000

The compelling new landmark series “America Revealed” is now airing on PBS across the USA. Aerial Filmworks worked closely with Lion TV as the aerial coordinator to film all across the USA including sequences in Alaska. The 4-part series with host Yul Kwon takes an innovative look at Food, Energy, Transportation, and Manufacturing in the USA.

The scenes included many air-to-air sequences including cropdusters and sky-diving in Kansas, chasing a Cessna in Texas and an Alaska Air Boeing 737 in Alaska, along with scenics of every major city.

Due to the remote locations and a tight production schedule, Aerial Filmworks teamed with Mercury Aviation to trailer a helicopter over 40,000 miles to keep up with the fast-paced ground crews.

About Aerial Filmworks

Aerial Filming in Aspen with Torin Yater-Wallace for Vital Films, Armada Skis, and the Aspen Ski Company

admin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:18:39 +0000

Aerial Filmworks shot aerials with Matt Hobbs of Vital Films and Corey Stanton of Armada Skis for a new film on Torin Yater-Wallace coming out in Fall 2012. Doug Sheffer and DBS Helicopters provided the excellent Bell 206 Long Ranger for the filming sessions. Doug’s local knowledge and relationships were integral to the success of the project. Aspen Ski Company provided access to the X-Games park immediately after the conclusion of the competition.

Jim Tharp shoots slow motion with the Phantom while the aerial crew hovers above.

Matt Hobbs, Doug Sheffer and Ron Chapple with the DBS Helicopter’s Long Ranger and Cineflex V14HD.

Torin Yater-Wallace takes a jump during the filming session in Aspen.

Aerial Director Ron Chapple at the controls of the Cineflex V14HD in Aspen.

Many thanks to our colleague Curt Morgan of Brain Farm Cinema for recommending us for this shoot!

About Aerial Filmworks

Aerial Filmworks Invests in First Cineflex Elite With ARRI Alexa-M Super 35 Digital Cinema Camera and Canon 4K Cinema Zoom Lenses

admin — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:41:56 +0000

Aerial Filmworks invests in the first Cineflex Elite gyro-stabilized camera system available to the global market. The Elite will integrate the amazing and award-winning ARRI Alexa-M Super 35 Digital Cinema camera and Canon 4K Digital Cinema lenses into a 5-axis gyro-stabilized system. The new system will work on all existing helicopter, marine and vehicle mounts.

“Aerial Filmworks has always been at the forefront of providing our customers with the most innovative tools for aerial production,” states Ron Chapple, Aerial Director and Founder of Aerial Filmworks, “and our investment in the first Cineflex Elite system extends this commitment well into the future.”

Aerial Filmworks will also acquire both Canon FK30-300mm and FK14.5-60mm lenses offering aerial production an excellent focal range for all productions from epic landscapes to wildlife nature documentary.

Evolution of the Cineflex System

Over the past 2 years, Ron Chapple consulted closely with the design engineers at General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies to develop and design the new Cineflex Elite. In 2010, Gene Katz, Division Manager of the General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies group commissioned Aerial Filmworks to research the future of aerial cinematography. The result, along with additional input from top aerial cinematographers, became the foundation for the new Cineflex Elite.

Click here to download Cineflex Elite Specification PDF.

Highest Resolution Cineflex

Design engineers at General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies worked with ARRI to integrate the new Alexa-M into the Cineflex Elite. The optical block will be connected to the camera body via fiber optics.

“The Cineflex ELITE is our highest-resolution system yet, expanding the proven quality, versatility and rugged reliability of our systems to motion-picture cinematography,” said Bob McGill, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies. “The Cineflex ELITE provides directors with a system that is smaller, lighter and easier to rig than any other camera system of its class, giving them the flexibility they need to get the breathtaking images that capture viewers’ imagination.”

Two Canon lenses will be integrated into the Cineflex Elite: FK30-300mm and FK14.5-60mm.

Key Features

Key features and advancements in the new Cineflex ELITE system include:

Ultra compactness and ease of use
Excellent low light and night cinematography
Integrated Arri Alexa-M Super 35 Camera System
Integrated Canon FK30-300mm and FK14.5-60mm lenses
Modular design for future upgrades
Fully-integrated Filter Set

Click here to download Cineflex Elite Specification PDF.

Authorized Reseller

Aerial Filmworks is the authorized reseller of the Cineflex Elite and all General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies products in the USA and Canada.

About Aerial Filmworks

New York City Clips Added to HD Aerial Stock Footage Collection

admin — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:23:09 +0000

Aerial Filmworks just added over 300 new HD aerial stock footage clips to our growing collection. The new footage was filmed with the Cineflex V14HD gyro-stabilized camera system, and recorded in dual-link 4:4:4 on Sony HDCAM SR tape stock.

Clips are available either by contacting Aerial FIlmworks direct, or through Corbis Motion.

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 and Cineflex Elite 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.

Costa Rica: Aerial Filming of Volcanoes, Waterfalls, and Tropical Rainforest

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:37:44 +0000

Aerial Filmworks just wrapped 3 projects in Costa Rica including a documentary on Carolina Marin, a world class kickboxer, and a new film by Hernán Jimenez, the director of El Regresso. Dramatic nature footage of the Costa Rica landscape will be used as establishing shots for the film on Marin, and late afternoon and night scenes of San Jose for the Jimenez documentary.

Volar Helicopters provided the Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger for all of the filming. Christian Cerdas of Volar Helicopters coordinated the helicopter schedules for the Film Pilot Pedro Vega and crew. Fuel trucks needed to be arranged as only the major airports have Jet A helicopter fuel available.

Nico Ghersinich provided excellent local production expertise, arranged for customs, transportation, and the multitude of logistics for many locations.

“The footage is simply breathtaking. I am absolutely thrilled by it. You’ve made me see my own city
in whole new way. Thank you for your work. ”

~Hernán Jimenez, Director, El Regresso

Volar Helicopters provided the Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger for aerial filming.

Looking into the Poas Volcano.

Arenal Volcano. The top of the volcano is usually obscured by clouds.

Looking through the skids of the Volar Helicopter Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger towards Arenal Volcano.

San Jose, Costa Rica in late afternoon light.

One of the many waterfalls accessible only by helicopter.

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.

“Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap” Premieres to Rave Reviews at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:23:47 +0000

Rolling Stone magazine has named “Art of Rap” as one of the ten best music films at the Sundance 2012 Film Festival. Ice-T’s new documentary on the “Art of Rap” premiered at Sundance on January 21. Ron Chapple, Aerial Director of Photography, filmed the New York City and Los Angeles scenes while Gray Mitchell of Aerial Filmworks was the camera operator for the Detroit sequence. Aerial Filmworks provided the complete Cineflex V14HD camera system and Sony SRW1 HDCAM SR record deck.

Directed by Ice-T and produced by Paul Toogood, the aerial crew worked with Director of Photography Andy Baybutt to create the unique aerial look.

“I am overjoyed with the results of our filming days. The contrast of street shots and helicopter are working tremendously, establishing our artists very well. Thank you again for your outstanding work!”

~Andy Baybutt, Director of Photography, Art of Rap

Director of Photography Andy Baybutt during aerial filming.

“Neon-colored aerial shots of New York and LA, scenes of graffiti art
and bustling inner-city streets provide dynamic B-roll footage.”

~The Hollywood Reporter

“This is one of the most visually sumptuous docs… those shots
from the sky of New York and Los Angeles are some of the best I’ve seen in any movie.”

~Sebastian Gutierrez, Film Critic

“The sweeping, stylized overhead shots of New York, Detroit and Los Angeles practically pulse off the screen…”

Katie Calautti, Spin Online

Intertwined are loving aerial shots… New York, Los Angeles, and Detroit, beautifully captured skylines
energized by the loops of hip hop classics…

~John Wellington Ennis, Huff Post Entertainment

New York City aerial from Bell 206-L3 Long Ranger helicopter provided by Mercury Aviation and flown by Film Pilot Coyt Bailey.

Los Angeles aerial from Bell 206-B3 Jet Ranger helicopter provided by Corporate Helicopters and flown by Film Pilot Garner Shepherd.

Sunset scene from “Art of Rap” Documentary by Ice-T. Filmed with Cineflex V14HD.

More Articles and Reviews

Rolling Stone Magazine: The Ten Best Music Films at Sundance 2012

Movie Line: Ice-T, Director, Talks Sundance Hip-Hop Doc

Sundance 2012 Film Guide

This Beat Goes: Ice-T Talks About “The Art of Rap”

The Salt Lake Tribune: Lifestyle

Rap Radar: Ice-T Speaks On Art of Rap Documentary

Billboard Exclusive: Watch Ice-T Discuss His ‘Art of Rap’ Documentary

Hip Hop DX

The Hollywood Reporter: Sundance 2012: Ice-T Talks Filmmaking and His Festival Debut (Q&A)

Film Threat: Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap

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.

21,500 Foot View of Mt. Everest and the Himalayas. Amazing Kathmandu and Nepal Adventure

admin — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:22:38 +0000

A new documentary project took Aerial Filmworks to Nepal for aerial filming of the Himalayas, Mt. Everest, and Kathmandu. Cineflex operator Mark Gerasimenko rigged the camera system to an Astar AS350-B3 for the Kathmandu and Mt. Everest aerials. Ram Krishna Pokharel of Icefall Productions was the excellent local coordinator who arranged the helicopter, filming permits, and ground transportation.

The Cineflex V14HD is the newest generation gyro-stabilized system with the enhanced Sony HDC1500-R camera and Fujinon 42x 9.7mm lens. Aerial Filmworks provided the Sony SRW1 deck for primary 4:4:4 dual-link recording to HDCAM SR tape and back-up 4:2:2 “digital daily” recording to the AJA KiPro with Solid State Drives.

Rebecca Giblin of Aerial Filmworks arranged for the international export of the Cineflex system from LAX through Thailand to Nepal. Special US State Department licenses are required for use outside of the USA.

Mt Everest from 21,500 feet altitude.

Mt Everest view from inside the Eurocopter AS350-B3.

Cineflex V14HD frame grab of the Himalayas.

The Streets of Kathmandu

The Cineflex V14HD was also rigged to a 1978 Toyota Corolla using the Airfilm Shock Mount! The crew drove through the narrow streets and alleyways of Kathmandu to capture a unique view of this fast-paced city. Note the 2K generator in the trunk!

Cineflex V14HD rigged to a 1978 Toyota Corolla on the streets of Kathmandu.

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.

Big Bend National Park in West Texas

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:54:41 +0000

Aerial Filmworks just wrapped Big Bend National Park aerials for a new visitor film to be released in 2012. Directed by Chris Wheeler and Sonny Hutchison of Great Divide Pictures, the new aerials will take the visitor on a unique tour of Big Bend’s canyons, mountains and historical features. The project included filming of the key geological and historical features of the Park.

In addition, Holly Johnson of Great Divide Pictures coordinated various visitor activities. The aerial crew filmed canoeing on the Rio Grande in Santa Elena Canyon, Jeep adventures on the Old Maverick Road, and hiking along the South Rim.

A Bell 206-L3 Long Ranger piloted by Coyt Bailey of Mercury Aviation was used as the aerial platform for the Cineflex V14HD.

Due to the remote location of Big Bend, Aerial Filmworks worked with Mercury Aviation to bring in a Bell 206-L3 Long Ranger using our custom helicopter trailer.

Flying through Mariscal Canyon in Big Bend National Park in Texas.

The Rio Grande at Big Bend National Park in Texas.

Unique geological features in the Grapevine Hills area of Big Bend 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.