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PROFESSIONAL AERIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY PLATFORM

Posted by TYVISTA on April 25, 2010 at 4:35pm
My name is TY and this is my first post on DIY. I need some help on a drone project. I have started a company AERO-DOLLY to service the motion picture industry. I have been a modeler for more years than I care to mention, and also a cinematographer in the feature film industry. I realized that technology has advanced to the point where a drone can accomplish cinematography not possible just a couple of years ago.  In the industry a dolly is a movable platform for a camera, and there are many varieties of them for specialized shots. Hence AERO-DOLLY. I am building twin engine pusher variations of the 12' Telemaster as my platforms. The twin electric motors allow me to mount a 20mp video camera in the nose with a large variation on angles of view, and give me a 5lb allowance for my camera with out adding additional weight to get proper C/G. My run times are short as video is limited to under 15 minutes. This is more than adequate as most takes are cut to only a few seconds. So I have reserve for a few takes per flight. So far nothing beyond R/C aero engineering. But now the special requirements come in that I need help on.
1. Most flights are to be made at 5' to 50' above ground level. 50' is no problem with good visuals, but 5' at 500' distance is.  I want to know if there is a guidance system that will hold an altitude but allow a remote controlled heading change and rise in altitude.
2. What kind of programmable autonomous system is available to fly missions into inaccessible areas.
3. Are there any lightweight gyro stabilizers capable of a 5lb camera. The ones in use in my industry weigh 30lbs or more and designed to carry 35lb++ camera packs.
4. The same for lightweight professional quality remote controlled pan and tilts.
5. If not is anyone interested in engineering them.
6. Is there a remote live video system that I can attach to my camera view finder.
FYI: I am good at engineering but a dolt at building electronic components.
Lastly, if you have skills in flying, engineering,  cinematography, and would like to pursue professional cinematography, please reply. Thanks in advance for any input the community can give me.

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Replies

  • Daniel Gru April 27, 2010 at 11:24am
    I'll drop everything and help you, if you ever need a pilot in germany... :-)

    Regards
    Daniel
  • Mike April 27, 2010 at 5:06am
    Ty, I think if you search the runryder site well or even post there you will get far better advice for your system than here. There are guys on runryder (if they haven't jumped ship to aplanding.com) who have produced some amazing work - largely with helis - and they have been used for commercials and movies. For longer range as you are talking about you could also consider FPV or a second pilot at another point and hand over control. Both are valid methods that you can find information on by searching the specialist sites. Also on Runryder you can find a variety of stabilisation systems and it would be worth talking to PhotoSHipOne - seemingly friendly guys.

    Whilst there is some amazing footage from one guy on Vimeo of what can be done with a 450 do not even thik of this as being representative of a pro-level machine. You need to look at something like a MaxiJoker and these are stunning pieces of engineering.
  • Jack Crossfire April 26, 2010 at 4:57pm
    Most of the pro videographers go to

    http://rc.runryder.com/helicopter/f25p1/
  • Mike April 26, 2010 at 2:26pm
    TY I think you would be better off with a heli and DJI. With some patience you can check out some fabulous work by members of www.runryder.com and www.aplanding.com - both site have a high standard of photography and video capture from many forms of aerial platform. Have a look at some of the real pro stuff and see if that is what you are looking for.

    Mike
  • Moderator
    Gary Mortimer April 26, 2010 at 2:43am
    You will struggle to hold 5' for 500' with any system. Better get your application in for your COA for the research and then await regulations for the commercial use.
  • Daniel Gru April 26, 2010 at 2:14am
    Can't help you much, what i can recommend is the Kenyon Gyro, not that heavy, many use it on their RC-Camera Plattforms

    Also, there is an IMU to stabilise cam mounts, it is called PicLOCK, see if you can use that.

    Daniel
  • Lew Payne April 25, 2010 at 9:55pm
    When I moved out of California, I took my GF-8 camera crane with me. I guess that makes me someone who's interested in cinematography. I've sent a "friend" request, which is necessary before the system will let me contact you.
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