Aerial cinematography for TV, Film, Commercials and Live Broadcast
Contact us for your next project | (530) 584-9656 | info@aliensandmachines.com
CINEMATIC FPV
FPV Drone Filming in Los Angeles
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Aliens and Machines is a Los Angeles drone company specializing in cinematic FPV (first-person view) filming for commercials, film, TV, music videos and live events. Our team of FAA Part 107 certified FPV drone pilots flies fast, close and low to capture shots that feel immersive and alive: chasing cars, skimming low over the ground, and flying through spaces no other camera can reach. We work throughout Los Angeles and Southern California and travel anywhere in the US.
WHY FPV
What FPV Can Do That Other Drones Can't
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A traditional camera drone is built for smooth, stable aerials. An FPV drone is built for motion. The pilot flies through goggles with a live view from the drone's camera, so the shot moves the way a viewer's eye would: banking into turns, weaving between obstacles and closing in on the action.
That makes FPV the right tool for:
Car chases and vehicle shots: tracking a car at speed through snow, sand or city streets, low to the ground and inches from the bodywork
Reveals: racing low toward a subject or landscape, then rising up into a wide reveal in one continuous move
Fly-throughs: one continuous shot through doorways, warehouses, venues or crowds
Sports and action: following skaters, riders and athletes as they move
Music videos and concerts: sweeping over stages and crowds with energy a static camera can't match
THE GEAR
Our FPV Rigs
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We match the drone to the shot and the camera to the deliverable.
Cinema FPV with RED Komodo
Custom FPV rigs, including X8 Cinelifters, carrying the RED Komodo for commercial and film work that needs full cinema image quality and cuts seamlessly with your A-camera footage.
High-Speed FPV with Freefly Ember
The Freefly Ember shoots ultra-slow-motion at high frame rates. Flown on FPV, it captures fast action you can slow right down in post.
Micro FPV and Cinewhoops
Small, ducted drones for flying indoors and close to people, through tight spaces, venues and interiors, often with a GoPro.
DJI Avata 2
A compact, stabilized FPV drone for smooth flowing shots and quick setups.
THE PROCESS
How an FPV Shoot Works
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01
Planning
We go over your storyboard or shot list, the location and the schedule, and recommend the right rig for each shot.
02
Permits and Airspace
We handle FAA airspace authorizations and help with filming permits. Our aviation insurance is on file with FilmLA, so Los Angeles permitting starts smoothly.
03
Safety on Set
Every FPV flight has a pilot and a spotter, a safety briefing with cast and crew, and rehearsal passes before we roll.
04
Shoot Day
We fly, review takes on set with the director, and adjust until the shot works.
05
Delivery
Footage is handed off on set or uploaded, in the format your post team needs.
OUR WORK
Featured FPV Work
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Toyo Tires Blaze Blue
Drone: X8 Cinelifter carrying either the RED Komodo or the Freefly Ember for slow-motion shots.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Zipangu Music Festival
Drones: Sub250 DollyFly25 for FPV, plus the DJI Inspire 3 and DJI Mini 5 Pro for additional aerials.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Kasso Fest Skate & Sound
Drones: DJI Avata 2 for FPV coverage, plus the DJI Inspire 3 for overviews of the course.
BEHIND THE SCENES
FAQ
FPV Drone FAQs
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Can you fly FPV indoors?
Yes. Our micro FPV drones and cinewhoops are built for interiors like warehouses, venues and small sets, and they fly safely close to people.
How close can an FPV drone get to cars or talent?
Very close. That's the point of FPV. How close depends on the rig, the speed and the safety plan we agree on with your production. We rehearse every close pass before filming.
What camera will the footage come from?
It depends on the shot. For commercial and cinema work we fly the RED Komodo or Freefly Ember. For tight indoor shots, a GoPro on a micro FPV drone, or an on-board DJI Air Unit camera.
How far in advance should we book?
One to two weeks is ideal. Permits and airspace approvals can take longer in certain controlled airspace.
GET IN TOUCH
Ready to Plan Your FPV Shot?
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Send us your shoot date, location and the shots you have in mind, and we'll come back with a plan and a quote.
Call (530) 584-9656 or email info@aliensandmachines.com.
