Pursuit Aviation, a leading global aerial cinematography company for movies, television and commercials, announced that it has created Whiskey Wheels, a first-of-its-kind setup inside a helicopter that delivers an entirely new way of shooting aerial scenes. Developed in collaboration with industry stalwart XM2 and its labs department, this new system provides new options for DPs and camera operators who would have traditionally stayed on the ground. Whiskey Wheels allows these skilled operators to transition their skill set to the skies.

In addition, Pursuit Aviation today also announced the company has successfully demonstrated the use of an ARRI 535 film camera with a 1,000-foot magazine with wheels and a 1:10 long zoom lens inside the SHOTOVER K1 system. The testing showcases that filmmakers can now carry 2.5 times more film stock than a standard 400-foot magazine allowing for longer durations in the air before having to land their aircraft and reload. This increase in film time opens up new possibilities and potential cost savings to filmmakers.

Both sets of new technology are now available for television, movie and commercial shoots. The team at Pursuit Aviation believes that the use of film provides a “distinctive cinematic look and feel” for any production. It also makes a project unique, compared to other projects being made which employ the use of digital cameras. As shooting on film is being used more frequently today, Pursuit Aviation recognized this trend and developed a system that would provide distinct advantages to filmmakers employing aerial cinematography in their production.

“Pursuit Aviation is proud to introduce these new aerial filming technologies in collaboration with XM2 to the industry and offer new creative solutions for filmmakers that have not previously been available,” said Steve Taylor, Managing Director for Pursuit Aviation. “As the only company with the ability to provide the unique Whiskey Wheels helicopter setup and SHOTOVER K1 with ARRI 535 film camera combined with 1,000-foot magazines, Pursuit Aviation is uniquely positioned to usher in a new era of aerial cinematography.”

Pursuit Aviation’s partnership with XM2 further strengthens the company’s ability to provide unique solutions that address filmmakers’ evolving needs. XM2 works extensively in the film industry providing Drone Aerial Services for filmmakers during production and its labs department develops specialized solutions that employ the latest technology in aerial cinematography.