specialist aerial cinematography
Sam Stopher
Professional aerial cinematography for film, commercial, and creative productions. I provide FAA-certified drone operation with a focus on safety protocols and precision flight control. Whether you need dynamic FPV (first-person-view) tracking shots, stable traditional aerial footage, or technical flythrough sequences, I integrate seamlessly with production crews to deliver the shots your project demands. Based on extensive flight experience and rigorous pre-flight planning, I ensure every mission is executed with zero compromise on safety or quality.
Showreel
Be you - Nike
I provided static traditional drone shots for angles that would otherwise need a crane or other tools and FPV for the action-focussed sequences in this Nike spec ad. The main priority was the safety of the athlete and preventing any damage to the amazing property.
Chasing Excellence
In this narrative piece, the creative director aimed to explore the depth of meaning of the athletes pursuit of excellence in his chosen sport. The Mavic shone here at creating the establishing shot and FPV highlighted the location and the intensity of the athlete's drive for perfection.
PORTFOLIO
Chicago Grit
This event recap needed to reflect the size, speed, and intensity of the yearly criterium bike race and I was hired to capture the action alongside a team. Editing and handheld footage was also required for this project, which I handled.
167 Green street
This dynamic drone tour of the co-working space of 167 Green Street in Chicago shows off the location in a way that a handheld video could not. A very small drone was used to prevent the possibility of any damage to the property.
Rocky run 2025
The yearly Rocky Run in Philadeplphia attracts around 30,000 people and FPV was the perfect medium to show the size of the crowds and their excitement. A safe, lightweight drone was vital for this event to protect participants and attendees.
About me
I'm a licensed drone pilot specializing in aerial cinematography for professional productions. My background combines 4+ years of drone piloting experience, 10 years of experience behind the camera with comprehensive knowledge of airspace regulations, risk assessment, and on-set protocols.
I operate both custom-built FPV and traditional cinema drones, selecting the appropriate platform based on shot requirements, environmental factors, and production constraints. My approach prioritizes thorough pre-production planning: site surveys, airspace authorization, weather monitoring, and coordination with ACs and DPs to ensure aerial sequences integrate smoothly with principal photography.
FAQ
Do I need FPV or traditional drone shots?
FPV is well-matched for action-oriented, fast paced scenes where you need to capture the energy, or need to fly through tight spaces. While traditional drones can achieve that to an extent, they are better suited to wide establishing shots or when you need a static shot in a hard-to-reach position.
What cameras can you fly with? can you mount our camera?
I have a range of equipment depending on the request. If safety is top priority I operate smaller setups using action cameras (DJI using D-Log profile), or larger if image quality is what matters most (Blackmagic, Red, Sony etc). Currently I use Mavic 4 Pro for traditional drone operations, and FPV cine setups per request. Please reach out to me if there is anything specific you'd like to ask eg. a specific camera setup.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, I am a part 107 certified and insured drone pilot. I maintain comprehensive commercial drone insurance including general liability coverage. Coverage includes bodily injury and property damage. Certificate of Insurance (COI) can be provided to productions upon request, and I can add production companies as additional insured when required.
What is required on the production side?
Clear communication on shot requirements, adequate flight windows accounting for setup and safety buffers, and coordination on set access and crew positioning during flight operations.
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