Drone Company for Film and Television in Los Angeles

In the fast-paced world of film and television, Lithium Aerials provides essential aerial cinematography services that bring scripts to life. Utilizing state-of-the-art drones like the DJI Inspire 3 and Freefly Systems Alta X, we capture breathtaking shots that enhance narrative and visual impact. Our experienced pilots and cinematographers collaborate closely with directors to craft perfect aerial sequences for everything from dramatic TV series to blockbuster films.

Television runs on schedules, and the drone unit has to keep up with them. We work the way episodic crews already work: we get the call sheet, scout with the DP or second unit when needed, and fit our setups into the day instead of building the day around us. Our pilots and camera operators are Local 600 members, so there’s no paperwork scramble on union shows. Insurance is $5M in aviation liability, and COIs typically go out the same or next business day. We handle FAA authorization, including Part 107 waivers and our 44807 exemption for heavier aircraft, while production and the locations team handle the location itself. In Los Angeles the drone goes on the FilmLA permit like any other element. That includes city parks such as Griffith Park, where permitted productions can and do fly; FilmLA coordinates with the park.

We’ve flown on feature films, network and streaming series, and national commercials, more productions than we could ever list. For a typical series day, the DJI Inspire 3 does most of the work: it’s quick to reposition, full-frame, and good at night. When the show needs aerials that match the main unit’s cameras and lenses, we bring the Freefly Alta X.

Feature Films

On features, the drone works as one more camera unit. We prep with the DP and first AD during pre-production, build the aerial shot list into the schedule, and match the A-camera package when the shot has to cut with ground cameras. Heavy-lift carries full cinema bodies and primes, the Inspire 3 handles fast setups with a small footprint on set, and FPV covers the moves no other camera can make. We prepare the drone side of the FilmLA paperwork, while production pulls the permit.