I have an interest in drones which got me thinking about the use of drones for creating aerial shots in movies. The common definition of an aerial shot is when the camera is mounted in or on a helicopter or airplane. The aerial shot is a variation of crane shot but from a higher altitude. Aerial shots can be used throughout a movie as they establish setting, movement and convey drama and exhilaration. The video clip below shows the use of a drone filming The Game of Thrones.

Helicopters have been the industry standard for creating aerial shots but drones are proving to be a suitable alternative. Drones are not only more economical but are much easier to manage, safer, and can even be used indoors.  The use of drones in film making is opening up a cottage industry says Randy Slavin, founder of the New York City Drone Film Festival. Referencing smaller and lighter cameras for filming suitable for the use with drones, Salvin said “It’s like when you look at your iPhone, it has more production capabilities in your little handset than NBC had in the 1990s—they surely couldn’t shoot in HD and edit and all that other stuff without millions of dollars’ worth of gear.”  (https://www.wired.com/2015/03/drone-filmmaking/). Cinedrones is an example of a company that specializes in providing drone services to the movie industry.

I found 3 good articles on aerial filming and use of drones.

This article talks about using drones in film making, includes a video.  https://www.wired.com/2015/03/drone-filmmaking/

This article provides a good description of all types of camera angles and shots.  http://www.mediaknowall.com/camangles.html

This article list 10 movies that used drones for aerial scenes. https://skytango.com/drones-in-movies-7-hollywood-movies-filmed-with-drones/