Aerial cinematography
Aerial filming in Alaska: drone, air-to-air & helicopter
Mountain Mind Media shoots air-to-air and scenic aerials anywhere in Alaska, from the Cub Cam (our stabilized camera on a Piper Super Cub), drones and helicopters. We plan the flights, the camera and the logistics, so you get cinema-quality aerials without a helicopter-sized budget.
Three ways to get the shot
Cub Cam air-to-air
A stabilized 8K camera on a Piper Super Cub. Best for air-to-air with other aircraft, long scenic runs and remote country. It flies for hours and lands on skis, floats or tundra tires. More on the Cub Cam.
Drones
Inspire 3 for cinema-quality drone work, plus smaller drones and FPV for tight, fast moves. For government agencies and contractors, we fly NDAA-compliant drones. Our drone operators are FAA Part 107 certified.
Helicopter
When a shot needs a hover or a heavy gimbal, we work with Alaska charter operators and handle the camera mounts and power.
More from the air
Drone mapping & inspection
Maps, 3D models and close-up inspections for construction, utilities, mining and land managers.
Thermal imaging
Thermal camera flights for building, solar, utility and pipeline inspections.
Aerial & second units
An aerial unit or second camera unit that works alongside your main crew, so you cover more in a day.
Flown for Red Bull, Patagonia and more
Red Bull · Originate
Cub Cam air-to-air over the Wrangell–St. Elias
Patagonia Films
Aerial production coordination
Matchstick Productions
Aerial production coordination
Zlin Aero
Aerial coordination and gimbal operation from the camera plane
Hulu · Blood and Myth
Drone and camera operation
Alaska Hard Gear
Drone operation, scouting and permits
What’s included
Flight and shot planning
Aircraft or drone, camera and operator
Coordination with your pilots, talent and ground crew
Weather calls and backup plans
Footage delivered on a hard drive you supply
Aerial filming FAQ
What is the Cub Cam?
The Cub Cam is Mountain Mind Media’s stabilized 8K cinema camera, mounted to a Piper Super Cub. It flies for hours at a time, goes far beyond drone range, and gets helicopter-style aerials for a fraction of the cost. Brendan Wells, a commercial pilot, built the system and flies our Super Cub. More about the Cub Cam.
Can you fly drones in Alaska’s national parks?
Generally no. The National Park Service bans launching, landing or operating drones in parks without its approval, which is rarely given. For park aerials we use crewed aircraft, like the Cub Cam or a helicopter, within FAA and park rules.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Our drone operators are FAA Part 107 certified, and we carry general liability insurance, and our Super Cub carries commercial aerial photography insurance. Certificates on request.
Do you fly NDAA-compliant drones for government work?
Yes. For federal and state agencies, government contractors and grant-funded projects, we fly an NDAA-compliant drone that’s fit for the project. If your contract calls for Blue UAS or Green UAS aircraft, tell us and we’ll confirm the model. We’re registered on SAM.gov and as a State of Alaska vendor. More on our NDAA drone services.
Can you bring in a helicopter camera system?
Yes. We work with Alaska helicopter operators and can set up large stabilized systems like Shotover and GSS. For many shots, the Cub Cam gets a similar look for less.
Can our director ride in the Cub Cam plane?
No. The Cub Cam always flies with our own pilot and camera operator, who know the system and are covered by our insurance. We plan every shot with your director before we take off.
Need aerials in Alaska?
Send the shots you have in mind and your dates. We’ll tell you which aircraft fits and what it costs.
Pilot Brendan Wells and camera operator Olin Wimberg at work in negative temps.