Tom Scott, a well-known YouTube creator, recently announced that he will be retiring from making videos. Marking the end of an era for one of the platform’s most established creators. In a video he released on the 1st of January, titled “After ten years, it’s time to stop making videos”. Tom announced his decision to step away from his content creation duties.

Throughout his time on YouTube. Tom Scott has covered a wide variety of topics including data science, science experiments, history, and educational cultural explorations. He has gained a loyal following of fans who have come to appreciate his unique approach to presenting complex ideas in a fun and engaging way.

GREATEST MOMENTS FEATURING GB HELICOPTERS

In his final video, Tom bids farewell to his viewers and reminisces about some of the most memorable moments from his channel. He shares some of the greatest moments including bloopers, behind-the-scenes footage, and highlights from his most popular videos.

For a long time, Tom had wanted to try something exciting on his YouTube Channel but had never found a reason to do so. This dream involved being harnessed to the underbelly of a helicopter. An experience Tom had always desired to film and share with his viewers. Finally, in his latest video montage, Tom was able to fulfil this wish. He ended his series with incredible footage of himself suspended by one of our AS355 helicopters.

Helicopters, long-lining and human underslung

At GB Helicopters dangling people from a helicopter isn’t an unusual request. We have conducted this stunt previously for Harry Styles‘ “Sign of the Times” music video, and most recently for a giant Dorito (albeit not a human). Taking part in Tom Scott’s ultimate content release was a delight for us at GB Helicopters, and we were happy to make his dreams come true by suspending him from one of our helicopters.

Director and Chief Pilot Will Banks flew the twin-engine aircraft, G-GBTV to Little Staughton Airfield. Upon arrival, our team provided Tom with a safety briefing. He was then securely harnessed to our long line. Finally, Tom took flight across the airfield whilst being suspended from our aircraft.

PERMISSIONS REQUIRED

We required a permit from the CAA for using our Human External Transport System, this was obtained as task specific for this activity. Lec Park drone company shot the aerial footage for Tom Scott’s farewell video. We have a close relationship with Lec Park after  years of collaboration on countless projects.

Watch Tom Scotts latest upload on his YouTube Channel: @TomScottGo.

Aerial Stunts

At GB Helicopters we have the capability and expertise to safely execute helicopter stunts, one of the only helicopter providers in the UK to do so outside of military operations . So, if you’re looking to perform a skydive, or a heli-jump, or you have an unusual request, don’t hesitate to contact our operations team. Let’s discuss your aerial stunt today!

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Ten fresh, famous faces are returning to Channel 4 for the show’s fifth series. Celebrities now known as fugitives are on the run for, Stand Up To Cancer’s Celebrity Hunted. Over the years we have worked on numerous projects with Shine TV and have collaborated with them for both Hunted and Celebrity Hunted. Take a look at our involvement in series 4 of Celebrity Hunted.  

For series 5 of Celebrity Hunted, GB Helicopters were called to conduct the aerial filming, while also helping to track the well-known fugitives.

Conducting the aerial filming

For series 5 of Celebrity Hunted, we operated two AS355 twin-engine helicopters’ to conduct the aerial filming.

On board with the pilot was a hunter tracking the fugitives, coordinating with the ground team to track and capture the celebrities.

Rigged to the helicopter was a state-of-the-art GSS C516, a lightweight and compact gyro-stabilised camera system. To capture the shots for series 5 of Celebrity Hunted we paired our GSS with our RED Epic Dragon.

Shropshire was one of the locations we were tasked to fly to, for series 5 of Celebrity Hunted. This was well documented on social media and media outlets on the day of filming since many spotted our aircraft and shared their sightings.

Flying above Shrewsbury prison we captured shots of the celebrity fugitives escaping the former prison. Using the footage were the professional hunters on board, transmitting the footage to the ground team, and keeping track of the fugitives’ locations.

As documented, this was the start of the celebrity fugitives attempting to remain undetected by the former police and intelligence officials.

Celebrity Fugitives Line-up

The celebrity fugitives taking part and paired together for Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted are the following.

• Nik Speakman and Eva Speakman
• Ed Gamble and James Acaster
• Katya Jones and Amiee Fuller
• Saffron Barker and Bobby Seagull
• Nicola Thorp and Nikesh Patel

Permissions Required

We obtained the necessary permissions for the aerial filming of series 5 Celebrity Hunted. We utilised our long-standing low-level permit from the CAA to conduct the aerial filming for this project.

Our operations team and pilots boast a wealth of expertise working with producers and directors for aerial filming projects. Please discuss with our team to make your vision a reality with our aerial filming services. Call us on 0800 030 4105 or complete the contact form below.

Aerial Film Services

Celebrity Hunted is available to watch on Channel 4 and All 4.

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Following series 9, BBC One Ambulance returns for its tenth series, focusing on the North East Ambulance Service. Since 2018, our crew has been performing aerial filming for the production of Ambulance. For series ten, we followed our amazing ambulance and paramedic crews from the sky across the North East. Series 9 and 10 are the first time BBC Ambulance has focused on the North East Ambulance and emergency response team.

How did GB Helicopters’ participate in the production of BBC One’s Ambulance?

Flying overhead in one of our AS355 twin-engine helicopters, we followed the emergency response teams to significant incidents across the North East. We equipped our twin-engine aircraft with our cutting-edge GSS C516 lightweight camera system and our RED Helium camera to capture the required footage.

Combining our ultra-high-definition camera systems, we flew overhead convoy with several emergency response vehicles and filming crew. This allowed us to capture the required footage of the North East ambulance service attending emergency scenes.

Additionally, we filmed overhead views of the Tyne River, Tees Transporter bridge, and scenic views. This footage captured can be seen throughout the series as transition scenes.

This series shows us a small fraction of what our paramedics attend to at heart-wrenching scenes. 24 hours 365 days a year.

Production and permissions required

GB Helicopters collaborated with Dragonfly Television and the BBC who produced the BAFTA Award-winning documentary series Ambulance.

The permissions required for this production were covered under the permit we hold from the CAA permitting us to fly at low levels.

Ambulance Series 10 air’s every Wednesday on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.

Contact our operations team to use our aerial filming services by completing the form below.

Aerial Filming Enquiry

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Spitfire is a feature film documentary of the history of the spitfire and the people who have flown the machine over its lifetime. We were honoured to be part of such an exciting project. Seeing our work on the big screens as well as working alongside the beautiful aircraft.

The air-to-air scenes were captured on our GSS C516 with the Red Epic Dragon and 50-1000 Canon lens.

To read the full article in The British Cinematographer click here.

If you would like to request any further information on the aerial camera system or aerial filming please do not hesitate to contact our operations team on ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or call 0800 030 4105.

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Ambulance is a BAFTA Award-winning British documentary series that follows the Ambulance Services. Series 4 takes a detailed look at day-to-day emergency responses paramedics attend in the North West as well as a revealing insight from highly pressurised control rooms to the crews on the street.

WHAT ROLE DID GB HELICOPTERS PLAY IN THE MAKING?

Our operational task throughout the series was to provide aerial overviews as well as tracking emergency response vehicles on major incidents throughout the North West, with the main content captured around the Manchester area.

Combined with one of our ultra high definition camera systems we were able to fly in convoy with a number of vehicles and aircraft to achieve the shots required by production. Holding a long-term low-level flying permission that allows us to achieve these dynamic aerial footage sequences in Ultra High Definition.

WHAT CAMERA SYSTEM AND AIRCRAFT WAS USED?

All aerial filming was captured on the state-of-the-art GSS C516 nose mounted camera system, which was configured with our Red Epic Dragon, and 30-300 Canon lens. The 30-300 lens was recommended by our aerial cinematographer for the shoot due to the variety of shots production were looking to achieve; including night time scenes.

All filming supplied by ourselves was conducted on an AS355 twin-engine aircraft, which has the correct safety performance and parameters that allow us to fly around the city centre and over built up areas.

Shooting for the series took place back in August 2018 and the series is currently being aired on BBC One.

If you would like to request further information, please do not hesitate to contact our operations team on ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or call 0800 030 4105.

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Our task throughout the series was to provide multiple aircraft for the air-to-air footage and aerial views. Using one of our AS355 twin squirrel helicopters we were able to help the hunters as one of their many ways used to track and follow the contestants.

Series 4 aired on 10^th January 2019 staring with an audacious speedboat chase through Liverpool docks, as the series progresses you will see exciting vehicle and foot chases while they are on the run.

What Camera system was used?

All the aerial footage was captured with the GSS C516 and Red Epic Dragon camera. This system is renowned for its unprecedented UHD quality when supported with the 50-1000mm Cine lens. The nose mounted camera system was rigged to one of our AS355 twin squirrel aircraft.

Where there any permissions involved?

At GB Helicopters we hold a low-level flying permission which allows us to track and vehicles and people closely achieving the shots required by production teams. As we were flying over Liverpool we liaised with Liverpool air traffic control as we were in their zone.

How do I find out if any permissions are needed for my production?

We understand that each production is completely unique. To discuss what tasks are achievable or simply if you would like any more information on helicopter aerial filming or the camera systems available for TV and Film, please do not hesitate to contact our operations team on ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or calling 0800 030 4105

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We are delighted to reveal another exciting aerial filming project that we have had the pleasure on working on with Air Television, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Ambulance Services.

999 Rescue Squad series 1 and 2 – Is a landmark UKTV original documentary series, where Air Television go behind-the-scenes of HART, The Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s ‘Hazardous Area Response Team”. One of the 15 specialist medical units set up after 7/7 London bombings. Providing unprecedented access, viewers can witness first hand the camaraderie and courage of the men and women who risk their lives to save ours.

What role did GB Helicopters play in the making?

Our operational task throughout the series was to provide air-to-air footage, aerial overviews as well as tracking emergency response vehicles on major incidents.

Holding a long-term low-level flying permission that allows us to achieve dynamic aerial footage in Ultra High Definition throughout the UK. Combined with one of our ultra high definition camera systems we were able to fly in convoy with a number of vehicles and aircraft to achieve the shots required by production.

What camera system and aircraft was used?

All aerial filming was captured on the state-of-the-art GSS C516 nose mounted camera system, which was configured with our Red Epic Dragon, and 50-1000 Canon lens. The system was rigged to one of our AS355 twin-engine aircraft.

When is the series Airing?

Shooting for the series took place back in October 2018 and the series is currently being aired on Channel W.

Every Tuesday, between the 8^th January to the 12^th March 2019, at 22:00.

If you would like to request any further information on the aerial camera systems available, or aerial filming availability and bookings please do not hesitate to contact our operations team on ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or call 0800 030 4105.

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On a recent project we were contacted by a local production company who were creating an advert in line with the World Cup, they were specifically looking for a high-spec AW109 but with an unusual request… it had to be green! As many of you may already be aware green helicopters are few and far between, especially when specific aircraft types are requested too.

The production company had asked if there would be a chance of wrapping the aircraft or even temporary painting! Luckily we had the perfect painting contact that we have previously worked with on Transformers 5 (when one of our As355’s was painted matte black and had prop machine guns attached) and we were extremely happy with the finish and professionalism.

The paint used is a specialist aircraft paint that is waterproof but easy to remove without damaging the normal paint scheme. This allows us to customise any of our fleet to a client’s request or for specialised shoots. Other helicopter wraps and colour transformations include Transformers 5, the Nike Magista launch and Worldeez toy launch.

After a quick call around checking availability and calculations, our operations team were able to get back to the clients request. Contracts were signed and artwork visuals supplied and the painting commenced transforming our AW109SP into a green machine ready for the shoot.

The painting took one day to mark up and a day to paint and the results were amazing! We had also contacted our regular vinyl wrapping company to supply the branded aspects of the design, which were applied when the paint had dried.

Once complete we were ready to go..

If you are a production company looking for a specific aircraft colour or graphics to be added to the helicopter please contact our operations team for more information on ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or 0800 030 4105

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The system fitted with a Red Epic Dragon sensor, has been bespokely calibrated to adapt to both the 30-300mm lens and now the 20×50; both by Canon and encase them within the 16” carbon-fibre gimbal structure. Having initially chosen the GSS system due to its ability to effortlessly interchange payloads. It is ideally suited to task changes whilst on location, catering for dramatic wide shots as well as long range close ups of specific subjects with only minutes of downtime to effect the change.

The two Canon lenses offer the unprecedented quality, flexibility and usability required for shoots in demanding and unpredictable environments. Combining the finest quality optics with a weather-and-shock-proof construction the 20×50 lens is perfect for aerial action shooting, its unrivalled focal length and zooming capabilities capture extremely high-resolution from a distance as well as minuscule details with immaculate definition for close-to-the-action sports work. The lens also maintains the highest quality throughout its impressive zooming range with fast, reactive positional changes. Fitted to the Red Epic Dragon this sensor-lens combination leaves endless possibility for filming requirements.

The C516 as a whole is the lightest most compact system of its type, helping to maintain aircraft operating limitations and endurance whilst maximising payload. GB Helicopters also own and operate an all-weather Air Operators Certificate, which allows the legal carriage of passengers on task; valid throughout the UK and Northern Europe this charter certificate enables a wide operating area of interest. It also allows the ability for the director to watch from the aircraft cabin to ensure that vital sequence has been captured. Simultaneously recording up to 6k R3D files to the Red Epic Dragon or alternatively offering the ability to downlink live images, ensuring any additional viewing requirement can be met on the ground with radio links to the aircraft for direction.

For stabilised footage requirements further afield, the entire system can be packed into five cases, all qualifying under excess baggage, in order to avoid lengthy delays associated with freighting equipment. The C516 can be mounted to multiple types of aircraft, vehicles and marine vessels making it a unit for all occasions.

Alternate camera sensors which we can offer within the C516 platform are the Arri Alexa Mini and the Sony P1.

For further information about the system and for bookings and availability contact the operations team at ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or call 0800 030 4105.

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What are Shotover systems?
Shotover is a developer of high performance aerial camera systems for the motion picture and broadcast industries. The company has produced an impeccable line of gyro-stabilised camera platforms that offer aerial creative’s an unrivalled level of stability, control and versatility.
Of which, the Shotover K1 is their highest performance camera system designed and manufactured to date. Made from intelligent carbon fibre and stabilisation mechanics. The K1 has also been constructed to house the latest variety of high performance camera payloads giving cinematographers full filming flexibility.

What is the Hammerhead Array?
The Hammerhead architectural adaptation to the K1, is design to house three top-of-the-line DSMC2 Monstro 8K VV sensors from camera giants Red. This tri-payload adaptation has been specifically developed and designed to improve Motion Pictures Visual Effects by providing the ability to synchronize the three 8K sensors in one flight. (Previously done by multiple fly overs and a vast amount of time consuming post production to try to create the same angle, lighting and other variables)

Why Red Monstro’s?
The 8K Red Monstro’s deliver stunning image quality with supersized rectangular portrait filming chips. Once stitched, this will provide extreme cinematic definition and panoramic field that surpasses all other aerial filming sequences to date.

Where can the Shotover system be used?
Initially designed to improve the aerial mount industry. The system is universal and can also be mounted on cranes and cars alongside other camera systems including the Shotover F1 and the cinematic GSS C516, providing further scope for any form of filming moving sequences.

Having already completed works that contributed towards Dunkirk, Transformers 5 and the up-coming Terminator movie. We are hoping to continue to see further growth in the aerial filming sector worldwide.

For more information on the camera system, availability and bookings click here or contact our operations team on ops@gbconcierge.co.uk or call 0800 030 4105.

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