What Is Aerial Production?

Aerial production refers to the creation of media (photography and video) with the ground / landscape as the subject of the scene from an elevated position. This typically means the camera is in the air and not supported by a ground-based structure. The camera can either be attached to an object that is floating or flying in the air or the camera operator is in the air themselves and taking pictures and video of the ground below.

There are two main types of aerial shots: vertical and oblique. In vertical, the camera is pointed straight down at the ground. In oblique, pictures and video are taken at an angle.

When it comes to Nevada, both types of aerial shots can be used to convey the beauty and vastness of our mountain ranges, deserts, lakes, gold mines, military bases, state parks, Las Vegas Strip, and more. Aerial shots can also be used to capture the incredible size of events held in Nevada, such as Burning Man in Black Rock City / Black Rock Desert pictured below.

Copyright © Kyle Harmon and made available under the Attribution 2.0 Generic License

Here are some examples of different things that aerial photographers, videographers, and cinematographers use to creatively capture aerial shots:

• Fixed-Wing Airplaces
• Helicopters
• Jets
• UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, also known as a Drone)
• UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)
• Satellites
• Hang Gliders
• Skydivers
• Parachutes
• Hot Air Balloons
• Blimps
• Kites
• Pigeons

There are some methods and tools that are better for shooting aerial scenes for use in film, though. This is because there needs to be professional cinema-grade cameras and lenses used for commercial work, and these can sometimes require modifications to aircrafts in order to fly with them.

If you are interested in using aerial techniques for your next production, it is important to choose a company with the appropriate certifications, licenses, equipment, and experience.

In Nevada, we have aerial production / UAV production support service providers who are fully licensed and authorized for commercial work. They have worked with such networks as ABC KGO / Channel 7, NBC Universal, Grand Canyon Skywalk, UFC, PGA Tour, GMC – Sierra, and more for aerial production work.

Check out our online Nevada Production Directory for a list of companies, individuals and crew in Nevada offering aerial production / UAV production support services or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you offer aerial production / UAV production support services in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Nevada Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

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