Helicopter Film Services flies in kit for Gadget Show

Aerial filming company, Helicopter Film Services, flew in a million pounds worth of kit for indie, North One to use on The Gadget Show, giving presenter, Ortis Deley, a chance to earn his ‘aerial filming wings’.The specialist kit includes specialist gimbals that steady the cameras, large format cameras, cinema grade lenses and ultra heavy-lift drones capable of flying IMAX film.

Jeremy Braben, CEO of Helicopter Film Services, who is known for his work as aerial director of photography on major productions such as Titanic, The Bourne films, Mission Impossible, Jurassic World, Fantastic Beasts and Wonder Woman, has worked with directors including Stephen Spielberg, James Cameron, George Clooney, Paul Greengrass and Patty Jenkins (director of forthcoming, Wonder Woman 1984). He was approached with the idea of lending his highly experienced crew and kit to The Gadget Show. In his words, “We thought it would be fun to let Ortis have a go at flying ‘all the toys’ to show The Gadget Show viewers how we capture aerial sequences for the big screen, as well as for TV productions such as The Crown, and big budget adverts.” He adds, “Ortis didn’t do too badly, but perhaps it’s just as well we didn’t tell him the value of the kit in his inexperienced hands!”

Tim Wagg, The Gadget Show Series Producer, adds: “It’s a great opportunity for us to be able to bring Helicopter Film Services’ technology to our audience and give them a sneak peek behind the scenes of a movie shoot. We love to give our presenters first-hand experience of how tech works and for Jeremy and his team to let Ortis’ have this level of access to his kit was a privilege.” Wagg then expressed, “It’s amazing how quickly camera tech filters down from the world of professional videography into the consumer market and to get this insight has been incredibly eye opening. Who knows, maybe it could inspire the next generation of filmmakers.”

EQUIPMENT USED IN THE SHOW

Helicopter:

Airbus Helicopters AS355 Twin Squirrel

Drone:

Aerigon heavy lift drone

DJI Inspire 2 Pro

Gimbals:

Movi Pro stabilised gimbal

Shotover F1 6 Axis stabilised gimbal

Shotover G1 stabilised gimbal

ARRI WCU Wireless lens control system

Vehicles: