Comments on: How To Shoot Kickass Video From a Helicopter

By: Rob Moody

Rob Moody — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:01:41 +0000

Har,
When I shot for local TV stations from their choppers we had a variety of cameras some stabilized some just mounted. Later in Iraq shooting from military choppers I just had myself and a beanbag or towel to keep it stable. I’ve see folks set up a steadycam but gyros really are the way to go. You are limited on room in ways you cant begin to think about until you get inside the chopper. If they take the doors off it helps but you have to be strapped in and running a steadycam strapped in is near impossible.

By: Har Rai Khalsa

Har Rai Khalsa — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:53:22 +0000

It is absolutely essential to shoot using a gyro? Could you get smooth enough shots using only a steadicam, then buff it out in post, and get close to the same results?

By: Rob Moody

Rob Moody — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:52:15 +0000

Lee I rent a kenyon gyro from Wilmington Camera Services for 100.00 a day.
910 343 1089

By: Rob Moody

Rob Moody — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:49:56 +0000

Check with your local police department. Many that operate choppers offer “ride alongs” as part of community outreach. Usually all you have to do is sign up. Once you get to go up use the free ride as a way to learn.

By: Stephen pierce

Stephen pierce — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:12:28 +0000

Shooting from helicopters is sick!!!

By: Stefan

Stefan — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:35:17 +0000

I’m a private pilot and can tell you the flight rental might actually not cost as much as you think. Of course this varies by locale, and the aircraft. But the aircraft alone should be about $100-$130 an hour + the pilot fees of about $20-$50 an hour. Like I said this varies based on where you are and what you’re getting, but if you find a private pilot, he’s not allowed to charge you for his time and he has to split the cost of the aircraft rental pro rata based on FAA regulations. Its when you have a “Commercial” pilot who is allowed to charge for his time. Your gear rental will cost you more than the flight.

By: Cornelius

Cornelius — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:51:26 +0000

Amazing stuff, I bet the big production companies are shaking in their boots given the level of professionalism coming through from the guy on the street. One question though: do the skew horizons on the above video not bother anyone?

By: David Keller

David Keller — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 23:19:52 +0000

killer aerials.. what’s the hourly rate for the chopper, and where do you fly out of?

By: Adam Boozer

Adam Boozer — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:59:21 +0000

Thanks everyone!
Lee the Tyler mount mini gyro typically rents for 375/day

By: George

George — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:46:41 +0000

Very insightful! Thanks for sharing.