Filming the Battleship New Jersey’s Historic Move: An Inside Look with Elevated Angles
At Elevated Angles, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the drone industry, providing unparalleled aerial footage that brings the unimaginable to live. One of our most exciting projects to date was filming the Battleship New Jersey as it moved from the drydock at the Naval yard in Philadelphia to Paulsboro New Jersey then back to Camden New Jersey. This was not just any shoot—it was a complex, multi-faceted project that demanded meticulous planning, expert execution, and a deep understanding of both drone technology and FAA regulations. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we brought this iconic moment to life.
The Discovery Call: Setting the Stage for Success
The discovery call marks the beginning of our project process and often stems from the impact our previous work has made. In this case, the client reached out to us after witnessing our FPV drone in action while filming the Battleship leaving Camden for the Navy Yard. Among all the drones in the sky that day, our FPV drone stood out, capturing the client’s attention even before they saw the final footage. Once they viewed the footage, they immediately contacted us, eager to collaborate. This initial conversation allowed us to understand their vision, objectives, and unique needs, setting the stage for a successful project.
When we received an email about filming the movement of the Battleship New Jersey, we knew this was an opportunity to create something truly special. Our team immediately began discussing the unique challenges of this project, as the client wanted comprehensive coverage of the Battleship during its two-leg journey
We knew this would require a full 5 person crew to utilize ground cameras, timelapses, cinematic and FPV drone to create the most dynamic, immersive footage possible. Understanding the client’s vision was crucial, and through a series of detailed discussions, we mapped out the scope of the project, ensuring that our plan would meet the clients goals and exceed expectations.
Navigating the Skies: FAA Waivers and Flight Path Planning
Once we had a clear understanding of the client’s needs, the next step was to navigate the regulatory landscape. Given the size of The Battleship of NJ and the complexity of the shoot, we needed to apply for multiple FAA waivers to ensure compliance when flying near an airport, Naval yard, and underneath the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Securing the FAA waiver is a process that requires precision and attention to detail. Our team meticulously filled out the necessary paperwork, outlining the measures we would take to ensure that the operation would be conducted safely and without risk to other air traffic.
With the regulatory hurdles cleared, we turned our attention to planning the flight paths. Given the dynamic nature of the shoot, with The Battleship of NJ moving from Philadelphia to Paulsboro and then to Camden and with dozens of other drones capturing footage as well, it was crucial to plan routes that would allow us to capture every angle without interfering with each other’s operations. We used our years of experience to design flight paths that would enable our drones to capture seamless footage of the battleship’s journey.
The Day of the Shoot: A Five-Person Crew for Unmatched Coverage
The day of the shoot was a masterclass in teamwork and coordination. To capture the grandeur of the Battleship New Jersey, we assembled a five-person crew, each member bringing a unique skill set to the table.
Camera Operator: Positioned on the battleship itself, our camera operator was tasked with capturing footage from the perspective of the ship. This allowed us to showcase the ship’s journey from the deck.
Two Drone Pilots: To cover the ship from every conceivable angle, we deployed two cinematic drones. One pilot focused on wide-angle shots, capturing the battleship in its entirety as it moved through the water. The other pilot was responsible for close-up shots, focusing on the intricate details of the ship and the water surrounding it.
FPV Drone Pilot:The FPV drone pilot played a critical role in this shoot. This pilot was able to capture dynamic, high-speed footage that brought viewers into the action.
Production Assistant/Visual Observer: The role of our production assistant was multifaceted. In addition to assisting the crew with equipment and logistics, the production assistant served as the visual observer for our FPV drone pilot. This was a crucial role, as it ensured that we remained in compliance with FAA’s VLOS requirements, even when the FPV drone was out of the pilot’s direct line of sight.
Post-Production: Crafting a Visual Masterpiece
After the shoot, the real magic happened post-production. Our team meticulously combed through hours of footage, selecting the best shots and stitching them together into a cohesive video of each leg of the move as well as a video that showcased the whole journey. The goal was to create a video that not only documented the battleship’s journey but also conveyed the size of the battleship and significance of the once in a lifetime movie.
Using advanced editing software, we stabilize the footage, adding color correction, adding music and cutting the footage to the music to create a final product that was as visually stunning as it was historically significant. The result was a video that captured the awe-inspiring movement of the Battleship New Jersey in a way that had never been seen before
Elevate Your Next Project With Us!
Our experience filming the movement of the Battleship New Jersey utilized our expertise, creativity, and precision that we bring to every project. From the initial discovery call to the final edit.
At Elevated Angles, we don’t just capture footage—we create experiences. Whether you’re looking to document a historic moment or need dynamic aerial footage for your next big project, we have the expertise and the passion to bring your vision to life.
