No Time To Die released in cinemas

no time to die buck behind the scenes

Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 has finally hit cinemas across the UK after being delayed for nearly two years. The 25th installment of the James Bond franchise sees him up against a mysterious villain with a deadly new technology. As with most Bond films, filming took place all over the world, including Norway, Jamaica and Italy.

Responsible for the some of the films aircraft and epic airborne action sequences was our Aerial Coordinator. Alongside coordinating the films aerial action, they were tasked with acquiring some of the aircraft used by Bond. This included getting hold of two identical aircraft, one airworthy for the main aerial shots and stunts, and a second “buck” for use on a gimbal for close up shots. He also handled the aerial ground safety, logistics and aerial stunt work for a number of the scenes set in Jamaica.

We Wrap on Mission: Impossible 7

aerial film company mission impossible 7

After numerous delays and difficult circumstances due to the Coronavirus pandemic, principal photography for Mission: Impossible 7 is now complete. The film now moves to the next phase of production, ready for its release in cinemas on 22nd September 2022.

The Aerial Film Company was involved to capture some of the films most dramatic scenes. This production saw us using our Shotover K1 and AS355 and H125 helicopters over a variety of locations across the UK. More information, photos and videos to follow the films release.

The Protégé releases in the US

the protege

The latest film from veteran director Martin Campbell has been released in cinemas in the US. Starring Maggie Q, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Keaton, The Protégé is a slick action-thriller about an assassin out for revenge. Maggie Q plays Anna, an expert contract killer who started her training as child after being rescued by legendary assassin, Moody (Samuel L. Jackson). The star-studded cast, along with the director that brought us arguably the best Bond films to date, GoldenEye and Casino Royale, deliver a superb action packed summer thriller. Maggie Q excels in her role as the world’s deadliest assassin, as she travels the world in her pursuit of revenge.

Filming took place Bucharest, London and Da Nang, and it was in London that The Aerial Film Company played its part. Principal photography began in January 2020 and our first flight over the city was set for March. However after just a few hours of filming, the UK went into full lockdown and production was halted. It wasn’t until July, after some restrictions were lifted, that production resumed and we were able to get back in the air.

The project called for aerial shots of the city during the morning golden hour. As this was now happening in July instead of March, it meant for a much earlier start to the day. Lifting in one of our London based AS355’s (G-LINE), we headed towards the city, ready with our GSS C516 camera system and ARRI Alexa Mini. Flown by Will Banks and Aerial Camera Operator Mike Parker, they approached the iconic skyline as sun began to peak over the horizon. The weather couldn’t have been better the city was bathed in golden light.

Along with capturing London in the early morning, we were to get shots of some of the city’s iconic landmarks and streets that were eerily quiet due to the pandemic. This not only requires special permissions from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), but also required extra safety measures to be in place to protect everyone involved against COVID-19.

While the film has been released in cinemas in the US, a UK release date has yet to be announced.

Lockdown: What we’re up to

cmra helicopter in the hangar during lockdown

We are all currently going through the most unprecedented global crisis in the last 80 years. With the country in lockdown, restrictions on travel and social distancing being enforced, TV and film productions all over the world have come to a standstill.

It is unclear at this point when things will return to normal, both in everyday life and in the world of media production. With social distancing likely to be enforced or encouraged for a significant amount of time after this lockdown, we have started looking into ways that will allow us to begin working as soon as possible, while still following the guidelines. This is something we’ll elaborate on further in the coming weeks and months as the situation continues to develop.

We’re also taking this time to do a little housekeeping. Some of our helicopters have gone in for some maintenance and our camera systems are being given a once over and being thoroughly cleaned and calibrated. We’re also updating inventory of our all equipment and doing everything we can to ensure that when we’re all on the other side of this, we can hit the ground running.

While we’re busy doing this, we’ve added our helicopters to an emergency list that should the need arise, they can be called in to move medical personnel, supplies and equipment.

We’d like to take this time to wish everyone the very best in this difficult time.

Stay home, stay safe.

The Aerial Film Company Exhibiting at BSC Expo 2020

bsc expo logo header

The Aerial Film Company are delighted to announce that we’ll be exhibiting at the BSC at the end of this month. Not only will we be launching the new company there, we’ll be exhibiting our new, custom built truck. Designed to carry a AS355 or H125 helicopter and all equipment, it makes transporting a helicopter to set much more cost effective. This is a saving we can pass on to productions, lowering the overall cost of aerial filming work.

We’ll be exhibiting outside the main entrance of the Expo so please feel free to visit. There’ll also be some refreshments for guests to enjoy.