Filming Drone: Aerial Cinematography Redefined by Flying Glass
At Flying Glass, we live and breathe aerial cinematography. Whether it’s the cinematic glide of a drone chasing a speeding car, the sweeping reveal of a pristine landscape, or a perfectly timed shot rising through the cityscape at golden hour, filming with drones has redefined how visual stories are told. This post will explore exactly what a filming drone is, how Flying Glass brings expertise, creativity and technical capability to every production, and why we’re the go-to drone cinematography partner for major productions across Australia.
What Is a Filming Drone?
A filming drone is an advanced remote piloted aircraft (RPA) equipped with high-end camera gear, used specifically to capture motion picture-quality footage from the air. These drones are not toys – they are cinematic tools operated by professionals with licensing, accreditation, and years of flight and filming experience.
Flying drones for TV, film, and commercial production demands more than just piloting skill. It requires:
- Cinematic understanding: Composition, movement, light, and timing.
- Technical know-how: Camera systems, lenses, codecs, and flight control.
- Safety and compliance: Working under CASA rules, navigating controlled airspace, and managing risks during complex shoots.
At Flying Glass, we specialise exclusively in this high-stakes, high-skill world of aerial cinematography. It’s not a side gig – it’s our core business.
Why Aerial Footage Matters
There’s a reason drones have become an essential part of film and television production. Aerial footage creates:
- Perspective: Drone shots provide visual context, making even simple scenes more epic.
- Emotion: Movement and height can stir wonder, excitement, or calm.
- Production value: Viewers associate aerial shots with quality. A well-planned drone sequence signals budget and professionalism.
Filming drones give directors the ability to achieve shots that would have previously required helicopters, jibs, or elaborate rigs – but with far greater agility, less cost, and more creative freedom.
Meet the Fleet: Our Filming Drones
At Flying Glass, we operate a top-tier fleet of drones designed for professional cinematography. We don’t shoot weddings. We don’t shoot real estate. We shoot scenes. Big ones. On location. With credits.
Inspire 3: The Cinematic Workhorse
The DJI Inspire 3 is the heart of our filming drone fleet. Designed specifically for cinema applications, it features:
- Full-frame 8K sensor with 14+ stops of dynamic range
- RAW and ProRes workflows
- Interchangeable DL-mount lenses (18mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm)
- RTK precision positioning
- Advanced obstacle avoidance and gimbal stabilisation
We typically fly Inspire 3 with dual operators – one pilot and one camera op – so we can precisely frame shots while maintaining safe, steady flight paths.
Heavy-Lift Drones
For productions that demand something bigger – such as REDs, Alexa Minis, or other cinema cameras – our heavy-lift drones are purpose-built to carry custom payloads.
These rigs offer:
- Payload capacity up to 12 kg
- Modular camera mounting
- Dual or triple redundancy systems for enhanced safety
If your DOP says “can we rig this to a drone?” – the answer is often yes. Our heavy-lift options are trusted by industry veterans across high-budget features and TVCs.
FPV Drones: Adrenaline Meets Control
We also offer fully customised FPV drone options – including both naked and full GoPro builds – for shots where energy and proximity are key. Think:
- High-speed car sequences
- Chase shots through tight spaces
- Immersive scene openers
Our FPV drone pilots are CASA-certified and work with creative directors to pre-visualise complex sequences safely and legally.
CASA-Compliant, Always
Flying in Australia – especially in cities like Sydney – requires careful compliance with CASA (the Civil Aviation Safety Authority) regulations. At Flying Glass, we hold a CASA Operator’s Certificate (OC) and multiple exemptions that allow us to legally perform complex operations, including:
- Flying over people (OONP)
- Operating at night
- Operating above 120m
- Flying in controlled airspace
We take safety seriously. Every shoot is preceded by a risk assessment and flight plan. We liaise with air traffic control and local authorities as needed. Our team is highly experienced in navigating restrictions around airports, national landmarks, and high-traffic public areas.
Our Role on Set
We’re more than just drone pilots. We’re part of your crew. From early-stage pre-production through to shoot day, we work closely with DOPs, 1st ADs, location managers, and production coordinators to make sure the drone shots are not only stunning, but safe and seamless.
Typical Flying Glass roles on set include:
- Location scouting and pre-vis for aerial feasibility
- Camera and lens matching to main units
- Aerial DP consultation
- Flight execution with live director feeds
- Playback for continuity and review
We understand the pressures of production. We show up early, stay flexible, and don’t need our hands held.
Real Work, Not Stock Footage
When we say we’ve filmed for some of the biggest shows in Australia, we mean it. We’ve worked across drama series, documentaries, travel shows, TVCs, and feature films. Our footage has appeared on major networks and platforms – but we let our showreel do the talking.
It features scenes filmed using Inspire 3, heavy-lift drones, FPV rigs and more. Every shot has a story behind it, and we’d love to be part of your next one.
Filming Drone FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions we get about drone filming:
How much does a filming drone shoot cost?
Pricing depends on location, complexity, drone type, and whether we’re working as a single or dual operator team. Our day rates are competitive for high-end work. Contact us for a custom quote.
Can you fly in the CBD or near airports?
Yes, we hold the necessary CASA permissions to fly in controlled airspace, subject to risk assessments and coordination. We frequently operate in Sydney CBD, over the Harbour, and in other sensitive locations.
Do you work with overseas productions filming in Australia?
Absolutely. We can handle all local compliance, permitting, and crew coordination for international teams needing drone footage while in Australia.
Can you help with storyboarding or shot planning?
Yes. We often assist with pre-production planning to ensure aerial shots are both feasible and impactful. We can also recommend ideal times of day for lighting, and run location scouts.
Book Your Drone Cinematographer in Sydney
We’re based in Sydney, but we work across Australia and internationally. From the bustle of Circular Quay to the cliffs of the Blue Mountains, we know how to position a drone for maximum effect.
Whether you’re filming a feature film, commercial, TV series or documentary, Flying Glass has the expertise, airspace access, and equipment to deliver cinematic drone footage that elevates your production.
📩 Contact us to discuss your shoot, request a quote, or ask us anything about drone filming.