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.

Elevate Your Social Media Strategy: The Power of Stunning Drone Content

In today’s digital landscape, social media is a powerful tool for sharing captivating content and engaging with audiences. As a production company specializing in drones, , we know that incorporating aerial video and photography into your social media strategy can significantly Elevate your presence. No matter what your business is, drone content offers unique perspectives that will set your posts apart. Let’s explore how you can harness the power of
drone content across various platforms and the impact it can have on your social media strategy.

The Allure of The Aerial Perspective

Drone content offers breathtaking views that ground-level shots simply can’t capture. This visual appeal not only grabs attention but also enhances the storytelling aspect of your content, making it more engaging and memorable.

Tailoring Drone Content for Social Media Platforms

Instagram
Instagram thrives on visually striking content, making it an ideal platform for drone content . Use aerial shots for your feed to create a cohesive and attractive grid. Instagram Stories and Reels are perfect for short, dynamic clips that highlight key moments or features of a property or event. Utilize IGTV for longer videos, such as virtual tours or behind-the-scenes footage, providing deeper insights and engagement.

Facebook
Facebook’s diverse content capabilities allow for a mix of photos, videos, and live streams. Share aerial photos in albums to showcase different angles and features of a project. Facebook Live is an excellent way to stream real-time drone content , offering viewers an immersive experience. Videos can be shared directly on your timeline, and boosted posts or ads can target specific demographics to reach potential buyers or clients.

LinkedIn
LinkedIn is ideal for professional content, making it a great platform to showcase commercial drone projects. Share aerial footage that highlights your company’s capabilities, such as construction progress, real estate developments/properties, or event coverage. Use LinkedIn Articles to delve into case studies or project details, incorporating drone content to add visual interest and credibility.

Highlighting Real Estate and Commercial Projects

Real Estate
Drone content is a game-changer in real estate marketing. Aerial shots can showcase the full scope of a property, including the surrounding neighborhood, landscape, and unique architectural features. Virtual tours created with drone footage offer potential buyers a comprehensive view of the property, making your listings stand out. Share these tours on your social media platforms to attract more views and generate interest.

Commercial Projects

For commercial projects, drone content can document construction progress, highlight industrial facilities, or cover large-scale events. Aerial views provide a comprehensive perspective that’s invaluable for project management and marketing. Share these insights on LinkedIn to attract potential clients or partners and use Instagram and Facebook to showcase your work to a broader audience.

Crafting an Effective Social Media Strategy

1. Consistency is Key: Regularly post drone content to keep your audience engaged. Develop a content calendar to schedule posts, ensuring a steady stream of captivating aerial footage.
2. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages and use interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions to engage your followers.
3. Analyze and Adjust: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your drone content. Pay attention to what resonates with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.
4. Collaborate and Share: Partner with influencers, other businesses, or real estate agents to expand your reach. Sharing each other’s drone content can introduce your brand to new audiences.
Incorporating drone content into your social media strategy can significantly enhance your online presence. By leveraging the unique perspectives and visual appeal of aerial footage , you can capture attention, engage your audience, and stand out in a crowded digital space. Ready to Elevate your social media game? Contact us Elevated Angles to start creating stunning drone content that will take your social media strategy to new heights.

Elevated Angles provides heightened views from the perspective of a business owner in recovery

There’s a new drone business in town, and its vision is both creative and kind.

Brett Tiagwad recently launched Elevated Angles LLC, wherein he uses a drone to take aerial photographs on behalf of various clients in the Greater Philadelphia area. Tiagwad’s story is different, because his success with drones was propelled by two life-altering milestones – the untimely death of his mother and the subsequent and swift turn to the road to recovery from substance abuse.

A graduate of St. Joe’s Prep and St. Joseph’s University more recently, Tiagwad had no background in photography of any kind, but he got seriously into drones around two and a half years ago – the launch pad for this endeavor being the death of his mother – whose middle name was Joy. He has since named his favorite drone, Joy. He takes it almost everywhere with him.

“I instantly fell in love with it, really seeing the view. Unless you’re in an airplane, you can’t get those views,” he said.

“The more that I take the drone, the more pictures I take. I take it on vacation, so I figured, why not start a company?”

His first drone was a DJI Mavic Pro and he recently purchased a second one, also made by DJI, called the Phantom 4 Pro. Tiagwad flies the drone via a remote control; the law requires drone operators to be within sight of the drone while flying it. The law also requires a Part 107 License issued by the FAA, which required him to pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA location. He is limited to using it in certain areas, unless he receives a waiver.

Tiagwad’s new interest in drones coincided with another big change in his life, also two and a half years ago: He got sober and entered into a recovery program. The drone hobby, he said, not only helped him fill the time, but helped him refocus his concentration in a new, healthier direction.

“I found this and it really helped me,” he said.

“When you’re newly in recovery, it’s like, what are you looking to do? It’s tough to keep your mind occupied and keep it off of certain things, and I’ve found getting this hobby, it’s almost like a therapy for me,” he said.

“I really found that this filled my gap.”

Helping out others, in a similar way, is one of Tiagwad’s ultimate goals for the company.

“Once I’m in the positive, making money and revenue, I want to give back 5-to-10 percent to care and treatment centers,” he said.

“[I want to] develop a network of pilots who are early in recovery – try to give that guy who’s new into recovery a job…That will provide some type of therapy for that person in recovery.”

Tiagwad’s clients include Conner Strong & Buckelew, where he works in his day job as an employee benefits specialist, real estate and construction firms in Philadelphia, as well as an A/V business at the Jersey Shore. Tiagwad uses his drone to photograph homes and other places, and also photographs private events.
He sees potential in lots of other industries.

“I feel like insurance is going to be a big industry for drones,” he said.

“That’s happening in Florida already, where these drone companies are partnering with insurance carriers.”

Earlier this spring, Tiagwad used his drone for another new, much more personal purpose: To record his own marriage proposal.

It was somewhat nerve-racking for him, he said, especially after his smaller drone crashed into a tree during his practice run. But when he proposed to his fiancée, Alyssa, outside the Water Works adjacent the Philadelphia Museum of Art in April, the drone captured the moment – and she said, “yes.”

What made the proposal even more special for the couple, is that Joy was watching over them (in two ways, really.) Alyssa now wears Tiagwad’s mother’s engagement ring, and Joy, from up above, was there to witness it all.

“After she passed away, I was flying my drone a decent amount of the time and it made me feel like she was looking over me. It still feels like she’s with me every time I take flight,” said Tiagwad.

He said they’re still in the early planning stages, and so he isn’t sure if there will be any drone photography or videography of the wedding. He may hire someone to do it, since he doesn’t want to have to worry about the drone on the big day.

As for Tiagwad’s family, he says he they have been nothing but supportive of his recovery and recent business endeavor.

“I am thrilled with Brett’s progress in his recovery,” said Michael Tiagwad, Brett Tiagwad’s father.

“He has received great help, guidance and resources from professionals, but he deserves a lot of credit for his strong commitment to turn his life around. Brett is convinced that a solid support system and fulfilling activities are key to an effective, long-term recovery. Without all those things working in concert, I am sure Brett could have easily relapsed after his mother’s unexpected passing.”

However beating the odds, Tiagwad decided to dedicate himself even more to his recovery after his mother’s passing, immersing himself further into drone operations, and most importantly, pledged to pay it forward.

Michael Tiagwad added: “I am very proud of all Brett is doing for himself as well as others who are battling addiction.”

So, what are Tiagwad’s ultimate goals?

“[I’m] just trying to eventually create a [successful] company, and help people in need with addiction, and hopefully, provide services that costs less, and gets more things done for different types of companies.”

Real Estate Marketing: How Aerial Content Transforms Property Sales

In the ever-evolving world of real estate marketing, aerial photography emerges as a game-changer. As a leading drone footage company, we’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of this innovative technology on property showcasing and sales strategies. But what sets aerial photography apart, and how does it revolutionize the way properties are marketed and perceived?

Unique Perspective: Aerial coverage offers an unparalleled perspective previously unattainable through traditional means. Equipped with high-definition cameras, drones capture breathtaking aerial views of properties, showcasing architectural features, landscapes, and layout intricacies. From sweeping panoramas to detailed close-ups, aerial imagery provides a comprehensive representation that captivates viewers and sets listings apart.

Enhanced Marketing Experience: By incorporating aerial imagery into property listings, real estate agents can attract attention and generate heightened interest among prospective buyers. In a competitive market, where differentiation is crucial, aerial visuals serve as a compelling selling point that elevates listings above the competition.
Emotional Connection: Aerial photography evokes emotion and fosters a sense of connection with a property. Potential buyers can envision themselves inhabiting the space and embracing the lifestyle it offers. Whether it’s a countryside estate or an urban condominium, aerial imagery enables buyers to visualize the property’s potential, igniting their imagination and desire to make it their own.

Challenges and Considerations: Integrating aerial photography into real estate marketing presents challenges such as regulatory requirements and technical complexities. However, with meticulous planning and expertise, these hurdles can be overcome to harness the full potential of aerial imagery.
As a commercial drone service committed to delivering exceptional results, we address these challenges proactively. From precise flight planning to expert editing, our team ensures a seamless aerial photography process that maximizes the impact of every property listing.

Aerial photography represents a transformative force in real estate marketing. As the demand for high-quality visual content continues to rise, aerial imagery remains a cornerstone of modern property marketing, reshaping the way properties are marketed, perceived, and ultimately sold.

Elevated Angles is proud to have recently hit 100k followers on their Instagram and will soon be launching an invite-only drone network app that will connect the best drone pilots in the world to service their clients around the globe.