Heli Shooting with Scarlet

[Mike McMillin]

I shot 3k 48 on the with a 24mm lens. all handheld which is extremely hard and makes you kind of feel sick..haha https://vimeo.com/51580064 none of the shots I shot in 23.98 were used the slow stuff just looked better

 

[Michael Brennan]

With respect and sadness.
Cameraman John Driftmier and his pilot perished a few days ago when their fixed wing crashed in Africa.
A second aviation accident in as many weeks.

A needless, avoidable and shocking waste of lives, the pilot was a respected and committed conservationist with a Phd in Ecosystems Analysis.
You may well ask what was he doing flying a professional cameraman around shooting aerials for a Discovery Channel programme.

They were in a small Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat (ultralight category) fixed wing plane with a metal tubular frame and fabric covered wings.

Passenger sits next to the pilot, usually there are dual controls it has fantastic visibility, short take off and low stall speed.

The trip is being reported by a local aviation blogger as an aerial filming trip to shoot GVs to complete filming for the reality series "Dangerous Flights".
The subject of the program was the delivery flight of a Cessna Caravan C208B, not reported as being airborn at the time of the accident.
The weather has been described by the locals at the airfield as being challenging, elevation of the airfield is 6,500feet.


11 Foxbats such planes have crashed since 2007, in eight of the crashes both pilot and passenger perished.

Regardless of the cause, this armchair expert suggests that too many slices of swiss cheese had lined up before this flight took off for it to have been a sensible decision to fly.

I am aware that it posting before accident reports are complete is insensitive to those involved, the goal is to disseminate information about safe aerial filming to cameramen, especially the young who regularly work without supervision.




Mike Brennan
DP
Melbourne

 

[Michael Dalton]

I second the climbing harness. I always pack one incase I go up in a chopper.

I've shot in the helicopter your talking about. If wind conditions are favourable, then it's pretty smooth. Hand held is fine, but the wider you are the more stable it will be. A hughes 520 is a small cramped chopper. Avoid any drag on the camera like matteboxes, lens shades etc. Use a good set of handles. I prefer SHAPE handles as they can easily be adjusted. If you set the LCD down, do it, not a lot of head room.

 

[Will Keir]

I've thought about this a lot lately, which is why most of my aerial work in the future will be drone shoots with octocopters. There is little need for putting lives at risk and making simple yet stupid mistakes. As filmmakers we are always under pressure, it's exciting. So is jumping in a chopper and chasing down that last minute sunset shot but I don't want anyone dying on my watch, it's simply not worth it. Life is precious.

Regardless of your experience as an aerial camerman don't underestimate the pressure and challenges that an aerial filming job can exert on a pilot.

 

[Will Keir]

Mike,

Great advice, fly safe guys.

Quick question here about flight dynamics.

Won't the chopper auto rotate to the ground at a reduced rate of speed and thus impact, rather than just "plummet" lifelessly to the ground, SMASH, end of story?

many light helicopters will fall out of the sky on a warm day or if heavily loaded unless they keep moving forward.

 

[Jeffrey Loewe]

Good Job! I've shot there before. I'm assuming you didn't have the doors off at all and rode with clients based on your shots?

Like others have said be safe. I've just started really shooting aerials. My 4th-16th hours just came from Kashmir Heli Ski. You'll find very quickly the pilot makes a huge difference. Obviously with clients and doors on your limited to what maneuvers the pilot can do for you.

The pilot we had in Kashmir worked with Curt Morgan on Thats it thats all and The Hobbit so the experience was totally different. I didn't really have to ask or talk much with him at all to do maneuvers and do what we needed to get shot wise. And this is at an extremely high altitude of 15,500 ft. Then you can get a totally different pilot at a lower elevation and have an even worst experience depending on what maneuvers the heli pilot is comfortable with. Great shots though!

Like others have said, there is an element of danger to it. But there really is the same danger to just jumping in the car in the morning and trying to race traffic to get to a shoot on time. I've gotten great shots from a UAV before but hand held out of a heli door totally makes a difference if you have a good pilot and the team feels good together.

If you ever have any questions on shooting out of a heli please feel free to shoot me a PM.

 

[Peter Majtan]

I've thought about this a lot lately, which is why most of my aerial work in the future will be drone shoots with octocopters. There is little need for putting lives at risk and making simple yet stupid mistakes. As filmmakers we are always under pressure, it's exciting. So is jumping in a chopper and chasing down that last minute sunset shot but I don't want anyone dying on my watch, it's simply not worth it. Life is precious.

While UAV (such as the Octocopter) are safer for the DP, they are certainly not much safer for the rest of the public - and at the moment also illegal to use in most countries. While I also have my issues with FAA grounding these flights (in particular why only commercial ones are grounded?!?), I do agree there is a need for some sort of regulations and even a special licenses (after passing an exam) to operate these UAVs. Way too many people are into this UAV "craze" without having any or little previous experience and skills...

Peter

 

[Michael Dalton]

With respect and sadness.
Cameraman John Driftmier and his pilot perished a few days ago when their fixed wing crashed in Africa.
A second aviation accident in as many weeks.

A needless, avoidable and shocking waste of lives, the pilot was a respected and committed conservationist with a Phd in Ecosystems Analysis.
You may well ask what was he doing flying a professional cameraman around shooting aerials for a Discovery Channel programme.

They were in a small Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat (ultralight category) fixed wing plane with a metal tubular frame and fabric covered wings.

Passenger sits next to the pilot, usually there are dual controls it has fantastic visibility, short take off and low stall speed.

The trip is being reported by a local aviation blogger as an aerial filming trip to shoot GVs to complete filming for the reality series "Dangerous Flights".
The subject of the program was the delivery flight of a Cessna Caravan C208B, not reported as being airborn at the time of the accident.
The weather has been described by the locals at the airfield as being challenging, elevation of the airfield is 6,500feet.


11 Foxbats such planes have crashed since 2007, in eight of the crashes both pilot and passenger perished.

Regardless of the cause, this armchair expert suggests that too many slices of swiss cheese had lined up before this flight took off for it to have been a sensible decision to fly.

I am aware that it posting before accident reports are complete is insensitive to those involved, the goal is to disseminate information about safe aerial filming to cameramen, especially the young who regularly work without supervision.




Mike Brennan
DP
Melbourne

Mike, not sure what point this post has? Your commenting on something you know little about beyond statistics. I knew the pilot a bit and he was very competent as many of the conservationist/pilots here are with flying in the bush. Having a camera man on board is not new thing to these guys, it's likely a weekly thing, especially for Laikipia Wildlife Forum. I've filmed from many planes and helicopters in this area, and I know the airfield well. It's a local hang out here in East Africa and although slightly challenging it is not beyond the realm of a good bush pilot which there are MANY! What happened was bad luck, maybe pilot error for thinking the conditions we safe to do what the camera man wanted and put him too low. It very easy for this area to become completely clouded over in minutes, or for the weather to go from very good to horrible quickly. Crashes do happen in Africa, largely because they lack the air-traffic control to warn of bad weather. When you film in Africa, you need to except that risk. The pilot Dr. Anthony King had two small children and nice wife! There is no way that he would have put himself in a dangerous position or his passenger.

 

[Peter Majtan]

Mike,

Great advice, fly safe guys.

Quick question here about flight dynamics.

Won't the chopper auto rotate to the ground at a reduced rate of speed and thus impact, rather than just "plummet" lifelessly to the ground, SMASH, end of story?

This is precisely why the chopper needs to be moving forward. Without forward motion there is no autorotation. Many people misunderstand that choppers can stay still. Technically yes - they can - but only for a very limited time and at a great risk of s*** happening...

 

[Michael Dalton]

Mike,

Great advice, fly safe guys.

Quick question here about flight dynamics.

Won't the chopper auto rotate to the ground at a reduced rate of speed and thus impact, rather than just "plummet" lifelessly to the ground, SMASH, end of story?

Actually a helicopter will get a low rotor warning before it falls. It's all about density altitude, and thrust to weight which can be calculated. Most choppers can handle most conditions below 8000ft. I have spent hours doing wildlife game capture (considered as dangerous as combat) in high altitude (6500ft) near Mt. Kenya where the camera man has was killed. Often we are flying under the treetops and thru contours at high speed and spinning the chopper in all directions. The ride requires a change of underpants when done. There pilot skill is everything. Most aerial camera work is extremely straight forward and not at all taxing on the pilot or camera man. Like your UAV threads, you seem to be an alarmist and point out the rare occurrence. It's good to be cautious, I agree there, but remember helicopter camera work has been a mainstay for many camera men, and the accidents are relatively few. If your speaking from experience chasing a sunset is dangerous, then sure weigh in. Helicopters are a great tool for our job and not death traps. UAV's won't replace them. UAV fill a niche between a Jib and Chopper.

 

[Will Keir]

They weight 15lbs and have a life of 6-10 minutes. The places we'll be are far from danger to the public but I get your point.

Unfortunately the UAV world is about to get a lot crazier with government controlled drones over US soil.

they are certainly not much safer for the rest of the public

 

[Will Keir]

I hope there is always a place for you in the air Michael Dalton, accepting the risks, you choose to put your life on the line for a shot and some pay, my hat is off to you, I admire your passion.

I've been in several fixed wing aircraft and have some really shaky footage I can share with you. I've passed on a few offers to hang out of a chopper with a seat belt and I'm glad to say I've never chased that last shot at sunset at the risk of others. Everything I do in the air is planned well in advance.

Africa is a beautiful place, I hope to meet you there someday, balls to the wall, running from Chetas and Lions, hanging from heavy duty sergical tubing, laughing till the sunsets. It's a wild land, much like my home in the mountains, with a thousand dangers. An alarmist? I've been sitting here for the past ten minutes thinking about that one... For myself, no, for the sake of others I'd have to agree with you. Since I was a kid, I've enjoyed staying at home but I found that life happens when you leave your home, to find real joy it takes pushing your limitations, being uncomfortable and rising to the occasion.

Are you also an experienced pilot or are you reiterating what pilots have told you? On your ride near Mt. Kenya, who was the camera man that was killed and how?

Actually a helicopter will get a low rotor warning before it falls. It's all about density altitude, and thrust to weight which can be calculated. Most choppers can handle most conditions below 8000ft. I have spent hours doing wildlife game capture (considered as dangerous as combat) in high altitude (6500ft) near Mt. Kenya where the camera man has was killed. Often we are flying under the treetops and thru contours at high speed and spinning the chopper in all directions. The ride requires a change of underpants when done. There pilot skill is everything. Most aerial camera work is extremely straight forward and not at all taxing on the pilot or camera man. Like your UAV threads, you seem to be an alarmist and point out the rare occurrence. It's good to be cautious, I agree there, but remember helicopter camera work has been a mainstay for many camera men, and the accidents are relatively few. If your speaking from experience chasing a sunset is dangerous, then sure weigh in. Helicopters are a great tool for our job and not death traps. UAV's won't replace them. UAV fill a niche between a Jib and Chopper.

 

[Peter Majtan]

One more thing to add for those who think they can stabilize 4K (or 5K) into useable HD/2K in post - think again...
Sure You can stabilize the shot - that is not a problem. What You can not get rid off is the mostly vertical (but usually all over the place) motion blur from the vibration and the "jello" distortion - which is the result of combining craft's vibration with rolling shutter...
No amount of K's will solve that...

Peter

 

[Jeffrey Loewe]

One more thing to add for those who think they can stabilize 4K (or 5K) into useable HD/2K in post - think again...
Sure You can stabilize the shot - that is not a problem. What You can not get rid off is the mostly vertical (but usually all over the place) motion blur from the vibration and the "jello" distortion - which is the result of combining craft's vibration with rolling shutter...
No amount of K's will solve that...

Peter

Odd. I've found my footage able to be stabilized pretty well in post from 5K down to 4k or even 2k/HD. Maybe again this is where it comes back to the pilot. I've also noticed a difference in Heli's. Most of the work I will do from a heli is from an A-star and those seem to be able to help quite a bit. I've shot out of two others but the A-Star footage comes out way smoother!

 

[Peter Majtan]

Odd. I've found my footage able to be stabilized pretty well in post from 5K down to 4k or even 2k/HD. Maybe again this is where it comes back to the pilot. I've also noticed a difference in Heli's. Most of the work I will do from a heli is from an A-star and those seem to be able to help quite a bit. I've shot out of two others but the A-Star footage comes out way smoother!

Again - yes, you can stabilize the footage. But you can not remove vibration blur and jello distortion. Both have to do with the vibration and motion of the aircraft, the second is the combination of the vibration and rolling shutter. You can reduce (or even almost eliminate) both by isolating the camera from the vibration/motion of the aircraft. You are right that pilot has a lot to do with the quality of the footage. But ultimately the only way to guarantee a great footage to your client is to both isolate the camera and then stabilize it (ideally using brute gyros)...

 

[Jude Byard]

Doing the above may compromise your insurance, saftey and the saftey of the aircraft. Just because the pilot may agree to it does not mean it is legal or safe!

The pilot who crashed into the crane in London was the finest of aviators (who also shot aerials), the Australian Broadcasting pilot who took off after last light was regarded as a top gun and other experienced pilots who have perished in the last 18 months all ran out of luck... there was a common factor of significant pressure to get the job done.

Regardless of your experience as an aerial camerman don't underestimate the pressure and challenges that an aerial filming job can exert on a pilot.Mickjoebill

I can imagine the strain on the pilot.

 

[Wendell Adkins]

Mike,

Great advice, fly safe guys.

Quick question here about flight dynamics.

Won't the chopper auto rotate to the ground at a reduced rate of speed and thus impact, rather than just "plummet" lifelessly to the ground, SMASH, end of story?

Will,

Low and slow is not a happy place for a heli. The ability to pull off a successful autorotation mainly depends on payload, airspeed, relative wind direction, ground elevation, density altitude and last, but not least, the skills of the pilot. Below 500' agl is often called the "dead man's zone" because the odds of walking away from a auto below this point become exponentially less. This is where UAV's will most likely fit in.

Just like UAV's will not totally replace full size helis, Multicopters will not replace single rotor UAV helis. They both have their pros/cons. For big budget features, single rotor helis still dominate due to higher payload capacity, higher forward speed, better visibility, better range of camera tilt axis, autorotation capability and lower relative cost. It requires a higher skillled pilot to fly and tune them however which is a big reason for the increasing popularity of multirotors.

 

[Michael Dalton]

I hope there is always a place for you in the air Michael Dalton, accepting the risks, you choose to put your life on the line for a shot and some pay, my hat is off to you, I admire your passion.

I've been in several fixed wing aircraft and have some really shaky footage I can share with you. I've passed on a few offers to hang out of a chopper with a seat belt and I'm glad to say I've never chased that last shot at sunset at the risk of others. Everything I do in the air is planned well in advance.

Africa is a beautiful place, I hope to meet you there someday, balls to the wall, running from Chetas and Lions, hanging from heavy duty sergical tubing, laughing till the sunsets. It's a wild land, much like my home in the mountains, with a thousand dangers. An alarmist? I've been sitting here for the past ten minutes thinking about that one... For myself, no, for the sake of others I'd have to agree with you. Since I was a kid, I've enjoyed staying at home but I found that life happens when you leave your home, to find real joy it takes pushing your limitations, being uncomfortable and rising to the occasion.

Are you also an experienced pilot or are you reiterating what pilots have told you? On your ride near Mt. Kenya, who was the camera man that was killed and how?

Africa is not that wild to me, it feels as much as home as Canada. The guys here I know respect life just like you and I. I never go up in a chopper thinking oh god I hope I don't die. I'm 99.9% sure that I'm coming back. The .1% is the same as when I drive a car, I know it can happen, but the likely hood is so small . I'm not an experienced pilot, but a very experienced passenger. I've flown in a lot of helicopter and small fixed wings, flown many game capture, anti-poaching, repelled out of them in the military and done a lot STALs in super cubs. I've been in helicopters pushed to their absolute max, as well as planes (ok, I agree this sounds a little risky) I've been in the air with good pilots and some very exceptional ones. The area around Mt. Kenya has been my second home for a number of years. There are a lot of pilots here who have commented on the crash, and they all speak very highly of the pilots skills. So this gives me the ability and confidence to comment on this tragic occurrence. I would agree flying here is not like flying a school bus with wing from point A to B, and as a result is more dangerous. But it;s not a horrible death trap either. I didn't know the camera man, but we both have worked for the same people at Discovery in Canada, and they say very good things about the guy. Despite the sensational nature of title of his show (Dangerous Flight) I bet he was not a huge risk taker. I don't think I am either, I'm actually one of the most cautious guys I know, and I just spent a year filming exploding volcanos in some f*up places. You can decide though, here a link to one of my shows.

http://www.digitalcrossing.ca/VOEP102_CROSSING_THE_DAN_INT_FINAL.mov

I must say, I can't wait to see the last capture I filmed in 4k on a giant screen. We were on the Somalia boarder, and man it was intense the whole time! Some serious chopper work in that one.

 

[Jeffrey Loewe]

One more thing to add for those who think they can stabilize 4K (or 5K) into useable HD/2K in post - think again...
Sure You can stabilize the shot - that is not a problem. What You can not get rid off is the mostly vertical (but usually all over the place) motion blur from the vibration and the "jello" distortion - which is the result of combining craft's vibration with rolling shutter...
No amount of K's will solve that...

Peter

I've seen these issues when folks use DSLR's, rarely with a Epic or Scarlet. Maybe it's the heli I was shooting out of because even then the shots were extremely smooth to start with and i'm simply going hand held with a harness and sitting on the floor behind the pilot with my feet on the skid pad. Occasionally due to where skiers end up i'll have to lean out a bit further to avoid getting my boots in the shot but I seem to have found a way to really limit the jello and distortion you speak of.

 

[Will Keir]

Some really nice shots in the link, well done. Did you shoot the entire show with Epics?

What do you do with all the EXTRA footage, the stuff the shows don't use? There's some great stuff in the chopper of the "primitive" villages. Do your own your Epic and keep the footage for personal use or is it all turned over to corporate?

I must say, I can't wait to see the last capture I filmed in 4k on a giant screen. We were on the Somalia boarder, and man it was intense the whole time! Some serious chopper work in that one.