Aerial filming brings Hollywood-style shots to UK businesses

We are increasingly hearing more in the news about drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Now a Surrey based firm is using the technology for filming and is creating some simply stunning points of view for companies who have never been able to afford "aerial' video. The footage is incredibly smooth and rival those only previously seen by using tracking rails, dolly shots or indeed full size helicopters.

Industries who are now looking to benefit from this technology are far ranging. Toby Pocock, founder of Skyvantage and a qualified BNUC Pilot and CAA approved, stated "Property Developers, construction companies, Estate Agents, TV production units and events companies are just some of the clients we have worked for. Traditionally helicopter shots were intrusive plus they could only fly 500ft from the ground. Our rigs are much more intimate and can fly very close to the subject. We can film up to 400ft as well as fly through things so it gives a viewing experience rarely seen outside of Hollywood Movies up until now".

He continued '"skyvantage shoots with a two man team, a pilot and a camera operator to frame the shots. A live stream feeds us with images on the ground so we can see what the camera sees whilst it is in the air".

Flying UAVs can be a dangerous business so it is vital the company is approved by the CAA so that insurances, safety procedures are fully complied with. There are many low cost UAV's on the market, however, it would seem you get what you pay for. Toby continued "We shoot full HD film on a camera mounted to a gyroscopic gimbal which takes out any movement of the the UAV to give us ultra smooth shoots - even if it is windy"!

Anyone offering aerial filming services in the UK with UAV's must be given permissions by the CAA. To get this the UAV pilot will need to achieve qualifications which involve written exams and flight tests, not to mention the submissions of a weighty "Operations Manual" which shows the UAV company fully understand every aspect of putting cameras into the skies and detail their operational and safety procedures. Toby continued "we have these qualifications and permissions and Skyvantage is fully insured with public liability. As these aerial platforms are similar to flying lawnmowers, I wouldn't suggest hiring someone who isn't fully qualified and has permission to do so".

Skyvantage's showreel can be viewed at http://www.skyvantage.co.uk. The company also provide full editing facilities and can create entire short films for their clients, ready for marketing or promotional purposes.