Aerial Directors of Photography (DoPs) are responsible for all the Aerial elements of filming on feature film productions. Films often start with a sweeping birds-eye view of where the story is set: a city's skyline, a rural idyll, or a mountainous landscape. Similarly, at some point in most car chase sequences, a shot from above illustrates all the action from a dramatic and exciting perspective. Creating these powerful images is the responsibility of the Aerial DoP. Aerial DoPs are freelance and acquire work through personal contacts and recommendations. Because aerial filming on (mostly) action feature films requires significant budgets, and the work is therefore irregular, Aerial DoPs also work on commercials, television, promos and corporate films.

During the shoot, the work can vary from one day of pick-up shots to five months of intensive filming, sometimes in hazardous conditions. The Aerial Crew normally arrives on location before the main crew, to prepare the aircraft (usually a helicopter) for the day's flying. This involves vital daily inspections to comply with stringent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules and regulations. When the Safety Engineer and Aerial Pilot are happy that all safety checks have been carried out, they begin their day's work, possibly rehearsing any particularly difficult shots. They work as an autonomous team but stay in close communication with the First Assistant Director about their progress and location. At the end of each working day, Aerial DoPs oversee the tidying up of all camera equipment and the covering up and securing of the aircraft if shooting is to continue the following day.

Typical career routes
Most Aerial DoPs follow the conventional route to becoming a DoP, which usually involves starting out as a Camera Trainee and progressing through the ranks of the Camera Department to 2nd Assistant, then 1st Assistant Camera. In order to specialise in Aerial cinematography, DoPs must develop a keen interest in flying, aviation and aerial camera systems and equipment.

Essential knowledge and skills
Full working knowledge of all camera equipment and lenses and of all photochemical processing as well as digital non-linear techniques is essential. Familiarity with Aerial camera systems (such as the Wescam) and thorough knowledge and understanding of aerodynamics and flight, and of CAA rules and regulations, are also required.

Key Skills include:

• ability to work creatively without compromising on safety;
• ability to lead a team whilst also taking direction;
• concentration and courage;
• methodical working practices;
• ability to stay calm under pressure;
• good imagery skills;
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and safety legislation and procedures (including the handling and placing of camera equipment in aircraft, First Aid, Fire Fighting and other emergency procedures)

Training and qualifications
Although wide experience of Camera work provides the most important knowledge and training for Aerial DoPs, numerous short courses are available in the UK providing the basic skills for 16mm and 35mm camera operation. Training in stills photography provides a good all round understanding of composition and light. All Aerial DoPs have trained in camera operation, and progressed through the ranks of camera crews. Aerial DoPs do not need to hold a pilot's licence, but they should have an interest in aerodynamics and aviation. Training in emergency first aid procedures is recommended.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information

- BECTU, the trade union represents camera personnel;

- The Guild of British Camera Technicians aims to further the professional interests of technicians working with motion picture cameras; Guild of British Camera Technicians website

- The Moving Image Society (BKSTS), organises events, courses, and demonstrations of new equipment, and publishes Image Technology;

- National Film and Television School (NFTS);

- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) www.caa.co.uk;

- flyingpictures;

- flight logistics

- American Cinematographer American Cinematographer

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Aerial DoP - Film

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