The Aerial Film Company
About Us
The Aerial Film Company is the only truly in-house, end-to-end aerial filming supplier in the United Kingdom. Comprising of highly experienced crew, a fleet of aircraft, Shotover K1, F1 and F1 Rush camera systems, VFX arrays and a 24/7 operations team. Our services extend far beyond aerial filming including provision of VIP talent and crew charters, aerial stunts, picture aircraft, mobile fuel bowsers, fire cover and ground safety support. This fully integrated approach offers productions unrivalled support every step of the way.
Projects
Our Services
Helicopter Filming Services
The synergy between the camera pilot and aerial DOP stand at the centre of our aerial filming operations, and they’re backed up by our 24/7 operations team with strong relationships with regulating bodies such as the CAA, which allows us to obtain permits for even the most challenging shoots.
Our Shotover K1 and F1 gyro-stabilised camera systems offer class-leading performance, whilst our AS350 and AS355 helicopters offer exceptional power, manoeuvrability and safety margins for congested area operations.
Pilatus PC-9
Joining our fleet in 2024 is the extremely capable Pilatus PC-9. Powered by a 950 horsepower turbine, this aerobatic aircraft started its life as a military fast jet trainer and opens the door to aerial sequences captured at up to 320 knots. The PC-9 is paired with our upgraded Shotover F1 Rush, giving cinematographers and directors a completely new dimension to explore in the sky. Certification on the UK register makes this the only aircraft in the United Kingdom capable of high speed and aerobatic filming tasks. Be amongst the first to unlock the incredible potential of this camera platform and get in touch with us to discuss your ideas.
Hammerhead VFX Array
The Hammerhead Array is our 3 camera large format array which makes aerial VFX capture more accessible than any other system in it’s class. Central to the system are three RED Digital Cinema V-Raptor 8K FF cameras arranged in a vertical configuration paired with a matched set of Carl Zeiss CP.3 XD 21mm lenses providing a resolution of 8192 x 4320 and 17+ stops of dynamic range. The Hammerhead is provided as a pre-configured payload to allow for quick interchangeability with a single camera. This allows productions to efficiently use the Shotover K1 across multiple units.
Aerial Stunts
We are the only helicopter provider within the UK (outside out of the military) with the ability, experience and safety standards to provide you with exhilarating and safe helicopter stunts. All our stunts are approved with the correct enhanced low flying and stunt permissions from aviation authorities. Combined with highly skilled crew, who have extensive experience working in difficult and dangerous conditions, we can provide stunt aircraft and pilots throughout your production
Picture Aircraft
Our team has years of experience sourcing airworthy and prop production aircraft for TV and film productions across the world. We are able to source both civilian and military, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft spanning the last 100 years of aviation. Of course, all helicopters in our fleet are also available to be used for on-screen work. Working closely with the Director and Art Department, we can help shape the overall look of an aircraft and ensure that its implemented quickly and cost effectively using temporary paint or vinyls.
Other Aircraft Services
Our diverse fleet of helicopters is perfectly suited to support productions with all their aviation needs. Whether you need VIP Charters for talent, move heavy or bulky equipment to hard-to-reach locations, scout remote areas for your production or shuttle crew from A to B, we are able to provide you with the best aircraft for the job.
Trusted By
Our Core Team
FAQs
How do I book your services?
Contact Us either through email or via telephone and one of our team will get back to you right away. Our Ops team is always on hand to guide you through the process of booking any of our services needed for your production.
What cameras can you fly?
We can fly all commonly available cameras currently in use across the industry. Be it the latest digital cinema cameras, film cameras or even IMAX, our systems can accommodate payloads of all different shapes and sizes. Head over to our services page for a breakdown of common payloads we fly.
Where are you based?
Our main helicopter base is in Knutsford, Cheshire in the north of the UK. We have helicopters positioned all across the UK which allows us to match the right machine to the job. International operations are achieved by either ferrying our helicopters across by air, in our Helicopter Transporter or by using one of our trusted helicopter partners abroad.
Can you operate abroad?
We certainly can and we love it. We have a lot of experience operating in countries all over the world. Recent productions took us to South Africa, Slovakia, Italy, Spain, Norway, the Arctic circle and the middle east.
Can you fly in bad weather?
Our aircraft are all-weather capable. However, low clouds and fog can provide issues for helicopters departing and arriving at private landing sites such as unit base or on location. Our camera systems are also all-weather capable and we can provide rain spinners for the lens. Best results however are always achieved when no precipitation is present at all.
What about permits and flying permissions?
We have decades of experience when it comes to obtaining the relevant permits and permissions for helicopter operations. We are also one of the very few helicopter operators in the country with a permanent Enhanced Low Flying Permission, bringing our minimum separation and altitude down to 200 feet from the standard 500 feet required. Beyond that, permits are secured on individual application to legally allow us to perform operations in close proximity to structures, people and vehicles. Our operations team has years of experience working with the Civil Aviation Authority to get the permits required for even the most challenging shoots.
Can you operate on location for extended periods of time?
We take care of all the logistics required for extended periods on location. Our fuel bowser keeps aircraft flying all day, whilst our fire truck and fire fighters keep operations safe. All weather covers and tie-downs mean we can keep our aircraft on location overnight, ready to start filming at sunrise the next morning.
Can you arrange last minute helicopter charters for talent/crew?
We understand the sometimes hectic and last minute nature of the film industry all too well and will do our very best to accommodate urgent requests for any of our aircraft services. An entire fleet of aircraft at The Aerial Film Company means that we can usually get you a helicopter without delay. The best thing to do is contact us right away via email or telephone.