Before Drones: Helicopter Filming Explained

In this episode, David and Con discuss the art and challenges of capturing aerial footage in an era before drone technology. Long before lightweight UAVs changed the game, filmmakers relied on helicopters, heavy camera rigs, and skilled crews to achieve those breathtaking shots. We cover: • How aerial cinematography was done using helicopters • The equipment and techniques that made it possible • Why these methods still inspire today’s filmmakers If you love behind-the-scenes stories of historic filming techniques, this is for you! 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on film history, gear, and preservation. Raw footage of Channel 9 helicopter    • GTV Channel 9 AS 355 F1 Twin Squirrel Heli...   Very rare footage of cinematographer/inventor Nelson Tyler filming Barbara Streisand Don't Rain On My Parade @ approx 5.35    • BARBRA filming "DON'T RAIN ON MY PARADE"  ...   0:00 – 0:10 Intro 0:10 – 0:41 Topic of discussion. Filming from a helicopter 0:41 – 7:10 Mentions of different brands Canon, Helico, Schwemm, L3 Harris WESCAM 7:10 – 8:07 Mention of VH-HWA 8:07 – 8:44 Choosing which lens to use 8:44 – 10:37 Aerial Footage of Spirit Of Tasmania 28th November 1993 10:37 – 15:41 Discussion about the Schwemm Gyro stabilised lens and review Raw footage of the Couta Boat Regatta in Sorrento 14th January 1989 15:41 – 19:30 Discussion and review of the Canon J14aX17B4. KRS-V stabilised lens. Raw historic aerial footage of Melbourne CBD and Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG from the late 1990s. 19:30 – 20:50 Historic aerial footage of Westgate Bridge mid to late 1990s. 20:50 – 22:40 Historic raw aerial footage of Melbourne Docklands before development. 22:40 – 23:10 Historic footage of Colonial Stadium now Marvel Stadium. 23:10 – 23:34 Aerial footage of Melbourne Arts Centre Spire the Canon J14aX17B4. KRS-V stabilised lens. 23:34 – 24:09 Raw aerial footage of Rod Laver Arena from the 1990s the Canon J14aX17B4. KRS-V stabilised lens. 24:09 – 24:44 Aerial footage of container ship on Port Phillip Bay using the Canon J14aX17B4. KRS-V stabilised lens. 24:44 – 27:28 Discussion and images of Tyler mount and reference to how it was used in Hollywood productions. 27:28 – 30:03 Discussion and footage of the Flying Scotsman while it was in Australia in 1988 using the Schwemm gyro lens. 30:03 – 31:06 Wrap up discussion and closer