Typical setup for a aerial mission.
Pre planning.
The project is discussed with client.
Storyboard helps us to understand what to be acheived.
The right tools for the project is chosen. (camera lens, etc)
The right choice of helicopter for the mission is decided.
Reccie if neccesery.
Permits from authorites is granted (low altitude, night mission, etc)
Day 1.
System and tech travel to location and install the system on the helicopter.
Approved mounts (brackets) must be used.
Tech check the gyro system, make all settings on camera, recorders and monitors.
Approved tech signs out the helicopter, now it's legal to fly the mission.
Day 2. The production day.
We fly to assigned location (ferry flight). We use only pilots and helicopter companies with good track record.
Meeting with production, DP, Director etc.
Mission starts, DP and director normally fly with the helicopter and give directions. They can look at a 17" & 12" monitor.
Internal communications via headsets.
Talking to crew or talents on the ground, we normally use standard Walkie Talkies and Cellphones as a back up.
The Aerial DP is controlling the gyro and camera inside from a laptop console.
Footage is recorded in camera inside Gyro and simultaneously on a Atmos recorder inside the helicopter. (Quicktime hq or lt)
Playbacks for DP and Director is easy accesible while flying.
With Red Weapon camera every setting on the camera is quickly accessible via the Foolcontrol app through RS 232 (no wifi)
A DIT from the Production normally download and safety copy footage if nothing else is agreed.
We always fly with closed doors, warmer, safer, less noise.
For many of our missions we use the AS 355 twin engine helicopter.
That allow us to have full legal rights to fly night mission, over water, low altitude over cities.
A single engine helicopter is limited to 300 m over cities, we often get permission down under 100 m.
Unfortunately helicopters still needs fuel. Refueling is to be planned carefully. If no airports are available close, we can provide a small fuel truck. (can also save a lot of time and costs).
Day 3. Ferry flight back to base and de rigg of system.
Check out this video about the GSS C520 system