Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters New Zealand

The most qualified motion picture pilots in the industry for helicopters
Location scouting, Aerial coordination, Motion picture, Pilots Pat West, Fred North, David Paris, and Marc Wolf

Pilot Services

Production Services

Painting and mock up services, Civil Aviation approved motion picture manual, Fuel tanker support, Extensive insurance coverage, Permit acquisitions (long association with the New Zealand Department of Conservation and private landowners).

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Continental mount ( in House ) with Gyro Assist ( 3 Axis). Tyler Mount series. All standard film camera systems Gyro stabilized, Wescam and Pictorvision. Spacecam, Gyron series ( Super G, Stab C, Gyron 935). CAA-approved side mount bracketry for Super G, Stab C and Wescam Head.

Equipment

Creative Custom Solutions

Glacier Cinema Solutions firmly believes that technology should work to free industry professionals from limitations rather than impose them. That’s why they have set up a dedicated division of engineers available to build custom New Zealand Civil Aviation approved rigs for any particularly challenging, difficult or imaginative shots like on 10 000 BC

Film Systems

With over 19 years of experience in the film industry Glacier Cinema Solutions is not only able to provide the type of film camera system that one needs, but also the creative resources to make a production as seamless as possible. We can accept all types of camera mounts for our aircraft.

Services

We are your total solution for Aerial Cinematography Services

Air to air cinematography
Aerial coordination
Ground to air cinematography
Location scouting in conjunction with Independent mountain guides and others.
Painting and mock up services
Permit acquisitions
Fuel support
Mountain / Alpine safety
Radio FM Communications systems

Aside from the right pilot, the keys to a successful aerial sequence are choosing the correct camera system for each shot and utilizing the right camera operator. Glacier Cinema Solutions can assist with both of these elements. Pat’s extensive hands-on experience with each camera system allows us to explain the benefits and drawbacks to each one as well as recommend the most suitable operator for the job. Glacier Cinema Solutions is the authorized New Zealand regional dealer for Continental Camera Systems and also works closely with all of the gyro-stabilized camera companies. Pat can help make your “dream” aerial shot a reality!

Aerial Co-ordination

Having an experienced Aerial Coordinator is essential to a successful shot, and Pat West is as experienced as they come ( Vertical Limit, Lord of the Ring, 10 000 BC, Water Horse…). If he is not flying he can offer his services on the ground ensuring that things run smoothly and safely. Glacier Cinema Solutions can also provide experienced Aerial Coordinators to work with Pat when he is flying. Not having the right coordinator and pilot can waste everybody’s time and money.

Location Scouting

Location scouting is one of the most valuable services that we provide, as our helicopter allows you to find the perfect location for your desired shot, whether within the region or not. Pat’s extraordinary knowledge of the region will insure that the locations are not only feasible but access is available either by road or air. Click on link here to view service.

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Crew

The Aerial Film Unit varies in size depending upon need. It can range from about three people and one camera ship for simple shots, to a large-scale aerial second unit on a major feature film involving multiple aircraft and personnel. Sometimes the aerial unit will not even involve a camera ship, rather utilizing story ships for 1st or 2nd unit ground-to-air shots.

In all cases, the whole unit works as a team. The Aerial Cinematorgrapher, unless required at a production meeting, is expected to and usually helps with any mount installation or change-overs while on location. Each individual must be entirely at ease working around aircraft. Safety for each member of the team is key.

The key aerial unit personnel are:

Aerial Coordinator: The aerial coordinator is often the lead camera ship pilot on the production. Detemines and locates the suitable aircraft and pilot to fly both camera and story ships. Obtains local permits, coordinates the proper choreography and conducts safety meetings with all pilots, crew, the aerial cinematographer and director for all aircraft involved ..

Motion Picture Pilot: Either camera or story ship. All work closely with the aerial cinematographer and coordinator, safely executing coordinated manoeuvring of all air and ground elements. Often the sole voice on the air/ground radio. Everything depends on the pilot’s skill and judgement, as he has the final say when airborne.

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In-House Mounts

Continental Magnum Elite Mount: Still known in parts of the world as the Continental Magnum Elite, this door mount has been around a long time. It was originally manufactured by Continental Camera Systems and a good number are currently owned and used by many worldwide. The Magnum Elite is strong enough to handle large format cameras, but consult with the mounts owner prior to rental as modifications may be necessary to accommodate.

Camera Compatibility: Check with the manufacturer for a complete list of cameras..

Betacam packages; all current available camcorder makes and models including HiDef.
Aaton 16 & 35 models
Arriflex 16SR models
Arriflex, (400’ magazines only) Using Jurgen’s Video Door and Cinematography Electronics Crystal High Speed Control
Arriflex 35-IIC (400’ magazines only) Using Jurgen’s Video Door and Cinematography Electronics Crystal IIC Motor.
Arriflex 435, (400’ magazines only)
Panavision Pan-Arri 35-3, (400’ magazines only)
Panavision Pan-Arri 435, (400’ magazines only)
Specialty & Large Format Cameras including IMAX, Iwerks, Vista Vision; Not optimal from an operator’s standpoint due to size and/or viewfinder configuration, but a necessary evil nonetheless. Practically all makes of Vista Vision, IMAX & Showscan have at one point been used, according to Tyler. Viewfinder issues can be addressed utilizing a video tap and small, camera-mounted LCD monitor. Allow extra set-up and balance times as these configurations are mainly customized for the occasion. Gross weight of the camera package and mount mandates a more powerful aircraft, especially when working ‘hot & high’. Consider nothing less than an Astar B2, Squirrel B2, Twin Star F2 or Twin Squirrel F2 and Twin Star N version.

Aircraft Compatibility

Bell 206 JetRanger; including 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-III
Bell 206L LongRanger, including 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4
Eurocopter AS350 AStar, including AS350B, AS350B1, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS350B2, AS350BA, also known as Squirrel, Ecureuil and Fennec (military)
Eurcopter AS355 TwinStar, including AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, also known as Squirrel, Ecureuil and Fennec (military)

Safety

Glacier Cinema Solutions are providing in accordance with The USA Industry Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee the Standard Safety Guidelines for the Film Industry ( Click here and read the safety bulletin).

Safety FOR ALL CAST AND CREW MEMBERS actively involved in the film production is the number one priority for the aerial cinematographer, aerial coordinator and the aerial filming unit. Working around the aircraft can prove to be hazardous is sufficient care is not taken to ensure personal safety. Those individuals who make their primary living in aerial cinematography know all too well the dangers involved and strive to maintain a safe working environment in the air and on the ground for themselves and their colleagues.

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About Pat West

Pat West is among the finest and most experienced aerial coordinator in New Zealand. Eight years as a Queenstown aerial coordinator and 6000 hours of flight time speak for themselves. Having worked with every available camera system and with a wide array of cinematographers and film pilots. Pat has the insight and ability to make your aerial sequences a success. He was the Main Aerial Coordinator for the NZ location on the Movies Vertical Limit and 10 000 BC.

Aerial Film Pilot
Aerial Coordinator
7 years of film related experience
Over 6000 hours of flight time
Safety Approved Motion Picture Manual
Extensive experience with all camera mounts
Expert on New Zealand and surrounding locations

Aircraft

Aircraft used in aerial cinematography are designated by the Aerial Cinematographer and Aerial Coordinator as either a camera ship or story ship. Many types of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aircraft are utilized with helicopters being the most versatile for most camera ship duties. The choice and use of camera ship aircraft should be decided upon by the aerial cinematographer working closely with the aerial coordinator and camera ship pilot. However, the aerial coordinator is the first and last word on all matters regarding the acquisition, permitting and use of all aircraft on a motion picture aerial unit production.

Story Ships

Story ships, being on camera, can be any aircraft deemed airworthy and suited to the task. For added production value, a custom colour scheme can be applied to the ship’s exterior, as per Art Department specs, using a removable ‘peel’ pain. It is also possible to install a Night Sun for use as a practical or source of air-to-air or air-to-ground illumination.

Pic or Video for Astar/Squirrel ( The island ) for Bell 212 ( vertical limit) and MD 500 ( the Italian Job video of the 500..) Glacier Cinema Solutions is providing Squirrels series, MD 500, Bell series.

Camera ships, in terms of camera mount certification, are limited to only a few types of aircraft. Although the majority of camera ships are rotorcraft, certain situations require higher altitude and performance capable fixed-wing aircraft.
Glacier Cinema Solutions is using mainly Squirrel B2 as camera Ship.

Camera Ships

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Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters is a nation wide leader in aviation services has created a new division dedicated exclusively to the worldwide film industry.

For more than 19 years Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters has proudly served the film production industry with un-matched professionalism and service. Expect Glacier Cinema Solutions to continue their record of quality and service above and beyond all expectations. When top industry professionals require exceedingly experienced aerial production team they know to call Glacier first ( Warner Bros America selected Glacier to be the exclusive Helicopter Operator for the Movie 10 000 BC) . Glacier Southern has the largest helicopter fleet in the South Island of New Zealand. We have the most up to date camera mounts which enables us to offer the most complete aerial production services for film, television and video.

The largest fleet of aircraft available to the motion picture industry nationwide in conjunction with Helicopters New Zealand 1953 limited.

Continuously up grading state-of-the-art camera equipment in partnership with Nettman systems ( Gyron/Super G/Stab C), Wescam and Pictorvision, Space Cam, Tyler, Continental and ACS France.

The industries finest aerial coordinators in NZ and Overseas and cinematographers : Pat West , Fred North, Marc Wolf, David Paris ,John Mahaffie( Water Horse) Larry Blanford, Ueli Steiger, Ron Hersey, Anna Forester, Mike Fitzmaurice.

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Safety Mounts

Camera mounts are the essential tool of the aerial cinematographers, linking camera to aircraft. There are many from which to choose and generally fall into the following categories:

Ball Mounts: Simply referred to as ball mounts due to the spherical wind shroud. Utilized for highly stable, plate-quality images. Door Mounts: Also known as side mounts. Mainly designed for helicopter usage. Some fixed-wing available. Nose Mounts: Also known as belly mounts. Can be an articulated system, however, some are fixed position (hard) mounts. Helicopter or fixed-wing.

Choice of system depends entirely on the nature of the shot. No one filming system is superior over another. Rather it boils down to suitability to task. It’s common to employ any combination of these mounts during a film production. For budgetary reasons, consult the Aerial Coordinator and cinematographer on the demands of the shot to ensure the correct choice of mount.

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Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters Ltd.
The Helicopter Base, 2 Lucas Place, Queenstown Airport
P.O.Box 2152
Queenstown
New Zealand
(approx. 5 minutes from Queenstown)
Freephone: 0800 801 616 (within NZ only)
Phone: +64 3 442 3016
Fax: +64 3 442 3019
Email: pat.west@gslh.co.nz