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Experience . . .

Aerial cinematography is a specialized area of filmmaking. Lee Allison S.O.C. has over thirty years and over 2,600 hours of actual logged aerial photography experience. He can assist you in selecting the best combination of camera system, aircraft and talented air crew who'll capture the breathtaking image you've envisioned. We can handle budgeting, ground coordination, clearances and air to ground communication with our new F.A.A. approved communications system.

The Aerial Cameraman . . .

An experienced aerial cameraman is the most important element for a successful aerial shoot. In addition to basic cinematography, he must maintain a goodly amount of aeronautical knowledge. Operation of complex camera systems must be second nature. Additionally, he must be completely comfortable in the aviation environment. He must know wind conditions and how they effect the aircraft, weather patterns, helicopter capabilities and limitations, the principles of rotorcraft flight, aircraft control inputs and their effect on the aircraft and therefore the shot. When ground action is involved, the aerial cameraman is often called on to plan and stage complex action sequences. In the air, he works with the pilot and ground personnel as the move is rehearsed and executed. Aircraft and aerial cinematography equipment are expensive. Magnificent shots often take the aircraft to the edge of its flight envelope. Therefore, an aerial mission is hardly the place to train a ground based cameraman and a pilot assigned by the least expensive helicopter company.

Gyro Stabilized Camera Systems

A gyro stabilized camera system is the best when absolute image steadiness is a must. They are capable of shooting astounding aerial moves at focal lengths of 17.5mm to 250mm and more. We can shoot very wide on a beach and move in to a close shot of a person, all in one tripod-steady move. Gyro Systems mount on either the nose or the left or right side of the aircraft for the most advantageous wind conditions and shot requirements. Pictured is the WESCAM mounted to the nose of an Astar helicopter.

Side Mounts

Side Mounts are the work-horses of the industry. They are used for shooting vistas and rapid action such as chase sequences. They shoot out the side door of a Bell 206B or Astar helicopter. A side mount is considerably less expensive than a gyro mount. When equipped with gyro assist, a good side mount is very capable in many aerial applications. Side mounts are readily adaptable to nearly any motion picture or video camera.

Nose Mounts

As the name implies, a nose mount is "hard-mounted" to the nose or belly of the helicopter. With no vibration dampening, lens focal lengths are limited to 50mm or wider. Nose Mounts are excellent for straight forward wide shots.

Jet to Jet Camera Systems

These modernistic cameras are mounted inside a Lear Jet. They are used primarily for air to air cinematography of jetliners and military aircraft. Airline commercials are their predominant use. They are also used for ground shots when high airspeed is a factor.

The Tools We Use . . .

The Wescam Aerial Camera System

The Wescam is a complete gyro stabilized aerial camera system. A 35mm Mitchell camera (included) mounts in a 36 inch ball on either the left or right side or the nose of the helicopter. All camera controls are operated from a control desk inside the aircraft. The system is capable of 360 degree pans. It tilts up 30 degrees and down 90 degrees. Lenses are the Cooke 10:1 zoom or Panavision Primo 4:1(17.5 to 75mm).

The New Gyron Film System

The Gyron FS 435 is absolutely the latest in aerial filming technology. It mounts to the nose or either side of an Astar 350 series camera ship. The nose configuration allows the cameraman nearly complete pan and tilt flexibility. In addition to tripod-steady moves, programmable and steerable rolls can produce spine-tingling high speed camera moves. The camera is the new Arriflex 435 with wide variety of zoom and prime lenses. The Gyron platform accepts many other cameras, including hi-def video systems.

The Continental Magnum Elite (Available in Honolulu)

The Magnum Elite is a vibration isolation mount that shoots out the left or right side door of the aircraft. It accepts nearly all popular film cameras such as the Arriflex III or Arri 435 with a 10:1 zoom lens and most video cameras. The operator controls all functions from the mount's pistol grips. Outfitted with the Kenyon Gyro Assist package, it can deliver spine-tingling shots, especially when fast action and tight aircraft maneuvers are required. The Magnum Elite and accessories are available for rent at our office at Honolulu International Airport.

 

The MegaMount



The Mega Mount is the most flexible nose mount available. It can shoot forward and aft or anywhere in-between with the image remaining erect. In addition, a continuous 360 degree camera roll can be programmed into the system. All camera and mount functions are controlled from an in-cockpit console. Film cameras may use 1000 foot loads minimizing ferry time to airports for ground reloads.

VectorVision

This is the most advanced camera system made for shooting air to air shots of jet aircraft. It mounts inside a Lear Jet. The camera "looks" through a port in the bottom and the top of the camera aircraft. It pans 360 degrees and tilts 22 degrees. It also has a roll function to add another dimension to its creative capabilities. VectorVision also can shoot still photography simultaneously with the motion picture image.