Johnathan is the lead pilot and founder of AerialJohnny, holding CAA and EASA certifications with over 500 hours of commercial flight time. He specialises in high-speed FPV and cinematic cinelifter operations across the UK and Europe for global powerhouses like UEFA, Everton FC, and Silverstone.
Drone videography for global brands isn’t about flying high; it’s about navigating tight, restricted spaces safely and delivering cinematic quality. As the certified team behind the Everton FC Stadium FPV tour and complex shoots for Silverstone Circuit, we understand that professional drone production begins with advanced regulatory planning and a deep knowledge of complex airspace.
This guide moves beyond beginner tips, offering insights into the specialised gear, safety protocols, and advanced flight choreography we use to produce broadcast-quality drone content that stands out in commercial campaigns.
Drone video production is the process of safely transforming aerial concepts into cinematic reality. To achieve professional results that are trusted by major brands, it requires two distinct levels of expertise:
Utilised for smooth, controlled movements, such as cinematic establishing shots or showcasing architectural details (typically using DJI Air3s and Mavic drones). These drones also offer excpetional safety in densly populated city shoots making flight clearance easier to obtain
This is where the true expertise lies.
We utilise:
Cinelifters: Custom-built FPV drones capable of carrying cinema-grade cameras (like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K) for high-end film and TV production.
Cinewhoops: Small, ducted FPV drones essential for flying indoors or in crowded, close-quarters locations (like the VUE cinema virtual tour) where safety and agility are paramount.
Our CAA and EASA certification and insurance cover is a non-negotiable proof of competence:
£10 Million Cover
We carry up to £10M in public liability insurance. This level of cover is essential for high-risk, high-value locations like stadiums and commercial filming sets, assuring clients that all contingencies are covered.
Verified Track Record
With clients like Silverstone Marketing having said: "You Smaashed it Johnny. It's amazing." This verifiable feedback lets you know that generic services cannot match what we do.
Compliance is Crucial
We hold CAA and EASA commercial certifications. Hiring an uncertified pilot risks illegal operation and catastrophic liability for your brand.
Great drone footage starts long before the batteries are charged. This is where decades of pilot expertise prevents costly mistakes and guarantees compliance.
For every complex commercial shoot, we provide a thorough RAMS document. This is not a boilerplate checklist; it details the specific hazards, crew roles, emergency procedures, and safety perimeter for that exact location.
For highly restricted zones (e.g., central London or near airports), our expertise includes direct liaison with NATS (National Air Traffic Services) for permission submission. Our established relationship and meticulous planning allow us to secure flight clearances in areas other pilots would deem impossible.
Our custom FPV drones are coated in a waterproofing compound, allowing us to safely operate in damp or drizzle conditions. This technical readiness minimises delays and ensures continuity for demanding commercial timelines.
Editing is where the footage moves from raw data to a premium asset. Our workflow is tailored for high-end film production:
RAW Deliverables
We deliver native 10-bit BRAW (Blackmagic RAW) or 10-bit DLOG M (DJI) footage. This is the industry standard for professional colour grading and ensures maximum flexibility for your post-production team to match ground cameras seamlessly.
Colour Science Matching
We ensure drone footage, often captured on the DJI Action 5 Pro (our preferred FPV camera for its superior colour science), integrates perfectly with the look and frame rates of your ground-based cameras (e.g., ARRI or RED).
Optimised Export
Final videos are exported with specific compression codecs to guarantee fast loading speeds on websites and social media platforms while maintaining full 4K or 6K resolution, directly supporting a better on-page user experience.
Get In Touch With Us!
Phone
+44 74 158 37118
UK and Europe
Our office serves as a central hub, allowing us to efficiently service clients across the entire UK. With a team based in London, we’re able to provide local expertise and support for any project, regardless of complexity. This ensures close collaboration and a deep understanding of your needs, wherever you are.