Van Nuys, CA—Pursuit Aviation, a global aerial cinematography company for movies, television and commercials, announced it has created Whiskey Wheels. The first-of-its-kind setup inside a helicopter delivers a new way of shooting aerial scenes.
Whiskey Wheels Details
Whiskey Wheels was developed in collaboration with industry stalwart XM2 and its labs department. The system provides new options for DPs and camera operators who would have traditionally stayed on the ground. Whiskey Wheels allows these skilled operators to transition their skill set to the skies.
Furthermore, Pursuit Aviation’s partnership with XM2 strengthens the company’s ability to provide unique solutions that address filmmakers’ evolving needs, the company noted. XM2 works extensively in the film industry, providing drone aerial services for filmmakers during production. In addition, its labs department develops specialized solutions that employ the latest technology in aerial cinematography.
ARRI 535 & ShotOver K1
In addition, Pursuit Aviation announced it successfully demonstrated the use of an ARRI 535 film camera with a 1,000-foot magazine with wheels and a 1:10 long zoom lens inside the ShotOver K1 system. The testing showcases that filmmakers can now carry 2.5 times more film stock than a standard 400-foot magazine. As a result, the system enables longer durations in the air before having to land the aircraft and reload. This increase in film time opens up new possibilities and potential cost savings to filmmakers, according to Pursuit Aviation.
Both sets of new technology are now available for television, movie and commercial shoots. Moreover, the team at Pursuit Aviation believes the use of film provides a “distinctive cinematic look and feel” for any production. It also makes a project unique, compared to other projects that employ the use of digital cameras.
As shooting on film is more frequently today, Pursuit Aviation recognized this trend and developed a system that provides advantages to filmmakers employing aerial cinematography in their production.
“Pursuit Aviation is proud to introduce these new aerial filming technologies in collaboration with XM2 to the industry; and offer new creative solutions for filmmakers that have not previously been available,” said Steve Taylor, managing director for Pursuit Aviation. “As the only company with the ability to provide the unique Whiskey Wheels helicopter setup and ShotOver K1 with an ARRI 535 film camera combined with 1,000-foot magazines, Pursuit Aviation is uniquely positioned to usher in a new era of aerial cinematography.”
Pursuit Aviation
The company has a team of highly experienced stunt pilots, aerial coordinators and cinematographers. Moreover, they that have countless feature and television credits, and an excellent safety record.
It offers various turnkey production, aerial and technical services from concept to completion. Whether chasing a car or chasing the sun, the company will coordinate the exact helicopter camera movements with an aerial DP to support a director in achieving the creative vision from the air.
XM2
XM2 are experts in the design and use of UAV across a range of industries. The company has worked on some of the biggest films and TVCs in the world. Moreover, it researches, develops, custom designs, tests as well as flies its own aircraft.
