I have been producing & directing a short film, and a week ago we had the opportunity to shoot a scene that requires aerial shots. Here is a short clip from three different perspectives: On the ground, POV and the main camera. I can't revile too much, but thought this little teaser would be nice.

Do any of you guys go outside of the box to shoot something different at your wedding or events?
I know something these events are soo fast-paced, that even a stedicam is out of the question.

Helicopter with Canon 7D on Vimeo

Pilot: Doug Ringering
Camera Op: Jamar Harden

On the Ground: iPhone 4s (handheld)
POV: GoPro Hero mounted to the side of the helicopter.
Main Camera: Canon 7D - remotely controlled form the ground.

7 years ago I also was interested in hiring an RC helicopter for aerial work, but found that it's illegal. There used to be guys at NAB showing their wares, but in the past few years, they've sold off their gear. I also contacted my insurance agent, and she assured me that it's impossible to get coverage for RC helicopters flying within 50 feet of people. She also added that flying an RC for any purpose other than a hobby is not permitted. In other words, you can't mount a camera then charge clients for the footage. Previous RC heli footage on this site were taken down because it depicted images of helicopters flying over the ceremony, which is very dangerous and illegal.

Coolest damn thing I've seen in a while. :)

Chris - what lens were you using on the 7D? And how (if I can ask) were you controlling aim and focus?

I'm a videographer, and my son is an aerospace engineer. When I show him this video, he's gonna want to build a plane. Great stuff!

Ben,
If I am not mistaking, it's the 18-135mm kit lins that come with the 7D.

Im not to familiar with the technical aspect of his system. But, the gimbal is controlled by a system he built, for that fact, most of the bird he hand built. It's just generic servos and a seperatle radio system. He ripped apart (I believe) a video baby monitor system he got from eBay, to send the video signal to a 19" flat screen in the back of his truck so the camera operator can see what he is shooting. While he flew the bird, there was another person in the truck just running the gimbal and controlling where/what the camera shot.

Please read this old post, directly from FAA:
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/digital-video-industry-news/145993-rc-aerials-illegal-says-faa.html

There is a reason why you don't see more RC...because it's illegal in the U.S., unless something has changed very recently.

Warren, I cant speak of your information, but the pilot of this bird has a $500,000 general liability policy specifically for filming.

Whether he would fly 50ft above a crowd, well that's just asking for trouble...every situation warrants specific planning to keep everyone safe and protected. Shooting in specific areas around her requires permits, if there were any issues or safety concerns,mpermits would not be issued.

With that said, my question was more of doing something different, thinking outside of the box, not the same-ol-same-ol, stuff you see everyday.

Please read this old post, directly from FAA:
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/digital-video-industry-news/145993-rc-aerials-illegal-says-faa.html

There is a reason why you don't see more RC...because it's illegal in the U.S., unless something has changed very recently.

yea - I think someone came up with a heap more continents - some of them even use RC regularly to film - I do appreciate that this is a US based forum but it does have a worldwide audience

Yeah - but the "whole world" is all 48 States + Alaska and Hawaii to some. :)

and while we're on the subject of RC footage and New Zealand - did you see the footage of the Christchurch cathedral from the Parrot drone - brilliant use of the tool

Awesome use of an iPad and the Parrot AR Drone - YouTube

(this of course may well get deleted .."because it's illegal in the U.S.")

In Christchurch we are mainly using Droidworx Microkopter kits for cutaways and scenic intros. Lately we've been documenting the earthquake destruction which has wiped out most of our churches here unfortunately...

This was taken in June 2011

Christchurch Aerial Shots. Take Two. on Vimeo

and while we're on the subject of RC footage and New Zealand - did you see the footage of the Christchurch cathedral from the Parrot drone - brilliant use of the tool

Awesome use of an iPad and the Parrot AR Drone - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHLU6Fuzb6o)

(this of course may well get deleted .."because it's illegal in the U.S.")The FAA rules only apply when flying in the open. Flying a helicopter inside a building is quite legal.