CASE STUDIES

Client: Local Production Company

Location: Mackay, Queensland (within 5.5km of Mackay Airport)

Project Type: Aerial Videography & Photography

Technology Used: DJI Mini 3 Pro, NearMaps, Adobe Lightroom, Davinci Resolve

The production company approached us to capture high-quality aerial footage and still photography to enhance their campaign. Their brief required cinematic, smooth aerial visuals to complement ground-based video — showcasing the area's natural landscapes and infrastructure from a fresh perspective.

Key requirements included:

• Smooth cinematic flyovers

• Wide establishing shots for video intros

• High-resolution still images for promotional materials

• Fast turnaround for editorial deadlines

Objective

Challenges

• Controlled Airspace

  The filming location was situated within 5.5km of Mackay Airport, requiring careful airspace planning and strict adherence to CASA regulations — even though the DJI Mini 3 Pro is under 250g.

• Cinematically Demanding Shots

  The client required very smooth, stable motion across variable elevations and landscape features, demanding precise manual control and flight planning.

• Weather & Timing

  Optimal lighting conditions (golden hour and mid-morning shots) were crucial, requiring flexibility and tight coordination to work around cloud cover and changing wind patterns.

• Tight Deadlines

  The footage and images needed to be delivered quickly to meet post-production schedules for the campaign.

By leveraging our RePL and ReOC certifications, we operated safely within the controlled airspace under standard operating procedures. We maximized the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s agility and high-quality sensor for cinematic results.

We pre-planned shot sequences with the production team, ensuring we aligned with their script, storyboard, and editorial direction. Footage and photos were captured with various ND filters for proper exposure control, and edits were expedited using our in-house Lightroom and DaVinci Resolve workflow.

Our Solution

Workflow Breakdown

Pre-Flight Planning

• Consultation with production director.

• Shot list and location scouting.

• Risk assessment and CASA compliance checks

• Correct timing of shots to matach up with planned events on site.

On-Site Execution

• DJI Mini 3 Pro operated for multiple flight sequences.

• Manual and semi-automated cinematic flight paths.

• Captured in 4K 30fps video and 48MP stills.

Post-Production

• Photos color-graded and optimized in Adobe Lightroom.

• Videos stabilized, graded, and cut to sequence in DaVinci Resolve.

• Exported in multiple formats for web, TV, and social use.

Client Review & Delivery

• Delivered via secure cloud folder with organized folders by shot and format.

• Quick turnaround for feedback and any requested revisions.

Results & Deliverables

• 4K UHD cinematic aerial video footage (RAW and edited).

• 15+ high-resolution aerial still images (edited and print-ready).

• Exported clips for Instagram Reels and widescreen TV spots.

• Bonus short aerial clip for behind-the-scenes promotional use.

Conclusion

The production company integrated our aerial content into their campaign, resulting in:

• A visually captivating opening sequence that elevated the production value

• Increased engagement across their digital platforms due to the unique aerial perspective

• Positive client feedback on both the visual quality and professionalism of our workflow

Our work also helped the client stand out in a crowded market by offering high-end visuals without requiring bulky aircraft or complicated logistics.