Flying TV Goes 6K On Helicopters & Drones

Since 2003 Flying TV has led the way in producing high quality, sensibly-priced aerial imagery for the television market.

From our inception by broadcaster Mike Smith, we've led through innovation and continual investment in new technologies. Now in our 14th year, a major upgrade programme will place us well ahead of the competition and meet the demands of every production: from corporate & broadcast to features & commercials.

This month we take delivery of the fabulous GSS C516 cinema camera system, built to our specifications by Gyro Stabilized Systems in Grass Valley, California. It will be available with with the Red Weapon & Canon C300 MkII cameras and Angenieux Optimo Style 25-250 & Canon Cine 50-1000 lenses.

Flying TV's Operations Manager & Aerial DOP, Monica Wyer, flew out to California last December: "Flying the GSS C516 was a breath of fresh air. Not only does it offer incredible payload flexibility, allowing Flying TV to cater for both 4K television clients and 6K cinema clients, it also has some very innovative features such as 'vector steering', a look-down facility creating a virtual sixth axis. Brilliant for those "Bourne" shots! Combined with an open-ended architecture allowing for future camera and optics support, this makes the GSS the best system for us.

"Flying TV's biggest USP has always been our commitment to single engine helicopters – our Robinson R44s. With the GSS, we had to think long and hard about a suitable mounting solution for our aircraft. We settled on the Zatzworks single pole R44 mount which puts the camera just to the right of the helicopter'’s nose. Perfect!"

Another development at Flying TV has been the introduction of a UAV filming service. Flying TV's Managing Director, Sarah Greene, said: "As an established aerials supplier, we've been watching the development of the UAV sector extremely carefully. We can now offer our clients the best possible service and choice – in two forms.

"For television clients content with the quality of a micro 4/3 sensors, we have the DJI S900 flying a Lumix GH4R. This package is so compact we can supply it as an add-on service on aerial shoots as it packs perfectly into the baggage hold of our helicopter! For high-end TV work, for commercials and for features, we have invested in the brand new Freely Alta 8 combined with the MoVi M15 and cinema controller with follow focus. This will comfortably fly our Red Weapon, our Canon C300 MkII and the Alexa Mini.

"Given the Alta's 'top mount gimbal' facility, this puts us on top of the UAV market. And clients booking with us will relish the comfort of working with an established aerials supplier with more than 90 years of industry experience. Please do come and visit us at stand 119 and have a play!"

Main picture: Flying TV's USP, the wonderful Robinson R44 filming helicopter. Inset: DOP Monica Wyer with the GSS C516 in California and the Freefly Alta 8 UAV.

www.flyingtv.co.uk

This article is also available to read at BFV online, page 20.

(JP/LM)