Jeff Gaunt, Operations Manager at Heliguy, is making waves in the film industry with his unique blend of drone tech and creative insight. Jeff’s role encompasses piloting drones, designing unique camera rigs and executing complex operations, like infrared night shoots.
Gaunt holds multiple drone licences, including a remote pilot licence (RePL) for the 25 kg multirotor category, allowing him to fly some of the industry’s most robust drones. The fleet includes the Turbine X8, capable of flying up to 40 kg cinema setups, and the Alta X, a heavy-lift cinema package known for high-speed, long-range capabilities.
‘Our drones have helped capture scenes in major projects like Mad Max: Furiosa, Godzilla vs Kong: Origins and Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder,’ he says.
‘It’s a privilege to contribute to such high-profile films.’
Jeff counts Mad Max: Furiosa among his favourite shoots to date. ‘The scale of that production, combined with the harsh conditions, made it a real test of our skills and equipment. Seeing it all come together on screen was incredibly satisfying.’
When asked about the biggest challenges of aerial cinematography, Jeff says the choice of location is crucial. It is often a collaborative decision involving the director and location manager, with Jeff’s team providing guidance on the best equipment for each scene. ‘We’re not just looking at the location’s visual appeal but also assessing environmental factors – wind tolerance, altitude, any potential obstacles,’ he says. ‘We’ll bring in drones specifically suited to those conditions and work closely with the team to make sure we can capture every shot safely.’
Recently, Jeff facilitated a workshop with Australian Cinematographers Society Queensland, where he shared insights on safe drone operations and innovation in cinematography. ‘It’s rewarding to give back to the industry that has given me so much. I think the more we can support, the more we can collectively and creatively bring magic to the screen.’
For aspiring aerial cinematographers, Jeff’s advice is straightforward: ‘Stay safe. The 120-metre altitude rule exists to keep situationally aware, both on the ground and in the air. No shot is worth risking safety.’
