Drone Show Cinematography at Zayed International Airport - Upper Cut Productions Behind the Scenes
The Story
Upper Cut Productions was proud to play a key role in one of the most ambitious drone filming projects ever staged. In a ground-breaking cinematic event, SKYMAGIC Drown Shows, in partnership with People&Co. and Emmy award-winning director Mark A. Ritchie, brought to life a spectacular 3D performance above the newly renamed Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
At the heart of this project was the jaw-dropping illusion of an A380 aircraft landing on the North Runway – all created using 1,750 swarm drones and 6 camera drones, choreographed in perfect unison. The result? A never-seen-before visual masterpiece that celebrated the arrival of Etihad Flight 09 and was broadcast across the Middle East.
Our Role
As trusted collaborators, the Upper Cut Productions team joined forces with SKYMAGIC’s Drone Shows and an incredible extended camera crew to capture the action from every angle. With specialist expertise in aerial cinematography and ground support, our operators worked across a series of 5 nights to ensure flawless delivery of this highly complex shoot whilst the second runway remained operational.
This project brought together a global team of talent – including our very own Chris Wilkinson, James Markwick, Chris Knight and Jordan Brooks – who combined creativity, technical precision, and production know-how to achieve something truly unforgettable.
Behind the Scenes
Filming at an international airport comes with unique challenges. From coordinating with airport operations to managing tight timeframes and complex logistics, every detail, from pilot positioning to camera movement, had to be meticulously planned and executed.
The seamless integration of air and ground crews was what made this feat possible – showcasing the power of collaboration in delivering world-class film production.
The Impact
The finished film not only marks a milestone moment for Zayed International Airport but also demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when creativity meets cutting-edge technology. It’s a shining example of the kind of ambitious, high-profile projects Upper Cut Productions is proud to support – bringing our expertise to the global stage.
Looking for a trusted partner to capture your next exciting project? At Upper Cut Productions, we specialise in aerial cinematography and complex filming solutions that bring big ideas to life. Get in touch with our team to discuss your project
Take a look at the BEHIND THE SCENES video below