A few months ago, Cory in our office spotted an unusual site: Tanner Faust drifting a 600hp NASCAR Powered Monster Energy Scion tC over Mulholland Blvd. This is one of the most famous driving roads in California, so seeing a world famous driver frying the tires on the road was strange enough, but what really caught his eye was that the aerial photography was being captured with RC Helicopters. Tanner released the video a few weeks ago and it has been a smash hit on YouTube:
As it turns out, the video was captured with a rig like the one used by Helivideo; basically a high-def Canon 7D mounted on a radio controlled helicopter. It works for the government with the predator drone, so why not the car industry? See the video below:
Aerial video with a Canon 5D , 7D helivideo.com from Eric AUSTIN on Vimeo.
Having been on shoots with real helicopters, I can attest to the fact that its outrageously expensive and the results are not always predictable. Poor weather, camera shake, and the fact that engine and rotor noise drown out ambient noise are all risks when working with a full-size chopper. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to work with Helivideo soon, it seems like a fantastic option that will revolutionize the promotional video market for the transportation industry.
