How FPV Drone Filming Has Changed the Scope of Aerial Cinematography

The landscape of aerial cinematography has evolved dramatically over the past decade — but few innovations have been as disruptive and inspiring as the rise of FPV (First Person View) drone filming.

At Lithium Aerials, we’ve been at the forefront of this movement in Los Angeles, helping productions rethink what’s possible when a camera can move like a bird, a stunt driver, or even a character.

🎬 From Wide Shots to Inside the Action

Traditional drones offered sweeping, cinematic overheads — beautiful, but often distant and observational. FPV changed that. It put the audience inside the motion.

Now, a drone can:

Chase a car inches from the ground
Drift through a dancer’s choreography
Follow a character through narrow hallways or over a cliffside
Transition from interior to exterior in one seamless take

FPV filming has brought a new emotional dimension to aerial work — one that’s fast, raw, and completely immersive.

🛠️ The Gear Behind the Movement

The FPV revolution isn’t just about flying style — it’s also about engineering.

At Lithium Aerials, our fleet includes:

Micro FPV drones for flying indoors or through tight spaces
Cinewhoops for smooth, stabilized flow around talent and set pieces
Heavy-lift FPV rigs that carry cinema cameras like the RED Komodo and Sony FX3
Dual-op systems for precise framing (pilot + dedicated camera op)
Live video transmission with on-set reference monitors

This gear allows us to blend the energy of FPV with the discipline and control of narrative filmmaking.

🎥 FPV in Film, TV, and Commercial Production

FPV isn’t a gimmick — it’s a storytelling tool.

We’ve used it in:

Car commercials, where motion and momentum sell the product
Music videos, to amplify choreography and mood
Narrative features, for POV shots, stunts, or transitions
Branded content, where energy, rhythm, and social virality matter

Los Angeles is full of productions looking to stand out — and FPV drone work helps make that happen.

🧠 The Key Is Knowing When to Use It

FPV drone filming is exciting — but it’s not always the right tool. That’s why our approach starts with creative intent.

We work closely with directors, DPs, ADs, and stunt teams to design FPV sequences that enhance the story, not distract from it. Our pilots are set-savvy and union-compliant. We fly with the same mindset we light, block, or frame: with purpose.