Innovative Helicam makes it's thrilling debut!

 
On Wednesday 14th April, the crew of the Second Unit deployed a radio- controlled chopper to film the action from above the Thames.

The chopper, which was about 1 meter in length, had a small manoeuvrable camera fitted into the nose, and was controlled by an operator on the camera boat. The boat also had a landing pad fitted to the front section.
David Williams, who witnessed the action, told us that the Helicam made several passes underneath Tower Bridge while the Cigar Girl's and Bond's boats raced ahead. During these takes beneath the bridge (which was closed to all traffic and pedestrians) were instructed to walk casually across the bridge and gawk at the action.
However, on Thursday 15th April, the Unit progressed on to using a full-size helicopter for the arial scenes, and the tiny helicam was nowhere to be seen.
The full-size chopper, pictured left, had a camera mounted on the side which was operated by cameramen aboard the aircraft.

David Williams reported the helicam spent a great deal of time hovering very close to the water.

  • "No extras were used, nor did the bridge need to be closed for this day's filming. All the boats then sped upstream, back to base," David told us.

 
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