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BBC Panorama | The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool

Updated: Oct 28, 2023

Aerial Cinematography in The Abercrombie Guys

BBC Panorama episode that investigates allegations of exploitation and abuse

The world of documentary filmmaking is a realm of storytelling that allows viewers to explore diverse narratives, cultures, and experiences. While documentaries offer an intimate view into the subject matter, they also involve a great deal of behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed. In this post, I'll take you on a journey behind the camera and share my experiences as an aerial cinematographer on The Abercrombie Guys where I faced working under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).


The Power of Aerial Cinematography


Aerial cinematography is a cinematic art form that adds a breathtaking perspective to storytelling. From capturing sweeping landscapes to revealing hidden details, aerial shots can evoke powerful emotions and immerse viewers in the subject matter like no other technique can. In The Abercrombie Guys, aerial cinematography played a pivotal role in conveying the central focus of the documentary, the fashion giant Abercrombie and Fitch.



Secrecy and Limited Disclosure: My NDA prohibits me from disclosing specific details about the documentary, its subjects, and certain technical aspects of the shoot. This confidentiality is essential to protect the sensitive topic of the documentary.


Behind-the-Scenes Insights

While I can't reveal all the intricacies of The Abercrombie Guys, I can share some behind-the-scenes insights into my role as an aerial cinematographer:

  1. Technical Challenges: Aerial cinematography requires specialized equipment and skills. Capturing stunning visuals from the air often involves navigating challenging local conditions, finding suitable take-off/landing areas, and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

  2. Unique Perspectives: Aerial shots offer a perspective that is otherwise unattainable. Whether it was capturing the grandeur of the headquarters campus or providing a bird's-eye view of the size of the buildings, these shots added depth and emotion to the documentary.

  3. Collaboration: The documentary-making process is inherently collaborative, and this was especially true for aerial cinematography. Working closely with the director, producers, and the rest of the crew was essential to ensure our shots aligned with the film's vision.



As an aerial cinematographer, working on The Abercrombie Guys was an incredible journey that challenged me both technically and ethically due to the NDA constraints. While I can't reveal all the details, I hope this glimpse behind the scenes offers a sense of the artistry, dedication, and creativity that go into capturing breathtaking aerial footage for documentary storytelling. Aerial cinematography is not just about visuals; it's about connecting viewers to the heart of the story in ways that words alone cannot achieve, making it an essential element of documentary filmmaking.




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