Cinematic Drone Filming for Film & TV
America’s Got Talent
Our newest headline credit. This summer Halo Vue provided the drone filming for America’s Got Talent, one of the biggest entertainment shows on television.
The equipment gets you airborne. Experience gets you the shot.
Experienced aerial cinematography for television, documentaries and commercial productions across the UK. Led by Phil Fearnley, combining creative vision, technical precision and the experience to deliver when it matters.
The pilot producers trust to show up ready and deliver the shot — every time
Led by Phil Fearnley — drone cinematographer and photographer with credits spanning BBC, ITV, Netflix, Channel 4 and Sky.
Trusted across returning factual series and one-off documentary commissions alike — broadcast-grade aerial filming, delivered reliably, series after series.
View Phil's credits on IMDb ↗You've Seen Our Work — You Just Didn't Know It
A selection of productions featuring Halo Vue aerial cinematography
Aerial Filming for Factual, Documentary & Comedy
For factual and documentary productions we typically operate as a single-pilot unit — selecting the most appropriate aircraft for location and restrictions. From urban shoots requiring sub-250g kit to remote countryside work demanding maximum resolution, we bring the right tool for your brief.
Production Footage — From the Factual Set
Play filmThe Flying Scotsman — Drone Cinematography by Philip Fearnley
Play filmJosh Widdicombe & Nish Kumar — Hold the Front Page
Play filmJulia Bradbury & ITV — Britain's Favourite Walks Top 10
Play filmHelen Skelton — Television Presenter at Harewood HousePlanning a Factual or Documentary Production?
Tell us your location, dates and delivery requirements — we'll recommend the right aircraft and crew for your shoot.
Canal Boat Diaries
The show everyone talks about — played on Gogglebox whenever Robbie falls in the canal.
Play film
The job · eight series and counting
For the last eight years I've had the privilege of being the drone pilot on Canal Boat Diaries with TV presenter Robbie Cumming, capturing the UK's waterways from above — and we're now eight series in.
It's a unique role working as a very small team: just myself, Robbie and producer Stuart Woodman, based on a small narrowboat, "The Naughty Lass" — keeping our kit to the bare minimum.
Phil's Thoughts on Canal Boat Diaries
I'd describe Canal Boat Diaries as a gentle journey through Britain's canals, seen through the eyes of someone who lives aboard a narrowboat.
What makes the programme special is its pace. There's no great rush to get anywhere. It's about the journey rather than the destination.
Read the full story →
Drone Filming for Drama, Documentary & Feature Film
Broadcast-grade aerial cinematography for large-scale productions — from single-location documentaries to multi-day drama shoots requiring complex sequences close to cast and animals.
Gentleman Jack
Drone filming on Sally Wainwright's hit drama for HBO and the BBC was one of the highlights of our aerial filming business for several years.
We first started drone filming in 2018 on series One, working through the summer heat and enjoying every moment of it. The sun was out every day we were booked for our drone filming service and we never lost a day of filming due to poor weather.
Then 2019 came along and all filming stopped for many months due to a government lockdown caused by a worldwide pandemic.
However, series Two of Gentleman Jack was back in production and over the next 18 months the cast and crew battled through this very difficult time.
More on Gentleman Jack →
Play filmGentleman Jack — Official Trailer, BBC One / HBO
Play filmHappy Valley Series 3 — Trailer, BBC OnePlay film
Cinematographer Matt Gray BSC describes how Phil flew the Inspire 2 low, slow and very close to Suranne Jones in the opening scene of Gentleman Jack — exactly the precise, confident flying a BBC/HBO drama demands.
Trusted by the Best in Broadcasting
As the creator and series producer of Canal Boat Diaries, I’ve worked with Phil for the past six years. His stunning drone camerawork is a vital part of each episode, capturing the landscapes and atmosphere that bring the series to life. Beyond his talent, he’s a great person to work with - reliable, creative, and a real asset on location.
Stuart WoodmanSeries Director (BBC / U&Yesterday)Working with Phil and Halo Vue gave me the chance to stand back and do my job as I had 100% faith that they would deliver beautiful drone shots without the need for me to be watching over a monitor. The results these guys produced are some of the best I have seen and would always get my clients to use Halo Vue.
Jamie KnightsD.O.P Eva ProductionsWe have worked with Phil over several years and we have used his skills on many of our shows including Helicopter ER, Masters of Reinvention and Cumbria : The Lakes and The Coast. He fits in perfectly with our production teams and we’ll definitely work with Phil again.
Matt RichardsManaging Director, Air TVThe Right Aircraft, Cleared to Fly
Live feed to director's monitor and video village as standard. Backup aircraft on every job.
Full kit list & specs →Do you provide risk assessments and RAMS?
Yes. Every operation is carefully planned and risk-assessed to deliver safe, efficient filming. Every deployment is assessed individually, taking into account airspace restrictions, public safety, location permissions and operational requirements.
Do you handle airspace and location permissions?
Yes. We conduct thorough airspace checks, obtain necessary permissions and coordinate with relevant authorities where required — including airport Flight Restriction Zones, where we apply to air traffic control directly. We'll also help assess access and location permissions around your production schedule.
How airport permission actually works →What crew comes with the drone?
Single crew: one pilot handling both the aircraft and camera — fast, efficient and cost-effective for factual, news and documentary.
Multi crew: a dedicated pilot and camera operator for drama, commercials and complex sequences, or a three-person team with a 1st AC as focus controller — often the production's own 1st AC, to keep the cost down.
How our teams work →How much notice do you need?
Short-notice bookings are welcome, and we usually reply the same day. For full deployment planning we typically need 24–48 hours.
Locations inside an airport Flight Restriction Zone need longer — in practice a complete request comes back in two to three working days.
Can you provide documentation before the shoot?
Yes. Risk assessments (RAMs) are prepared as part of the planning for every flight, along with weather checks and calls to the relevant authorities.
Full insurance documentation is available on request and is already on file with all major UK broadcasters as part of our supplier approval status.
How do your day rates and travel costs work?
Every job is unique, so we give a free, no-obligation quote — a fixed best price once we know the filming location, date, number of days and nature of the filming.
We're based in West Yorkshire, and that central location keeps travel costs competitive across England, Scotland and Wales.
Quotes, deposits & terms →High-Speed FPV Filming for Motorsport & Action Sequences
Why do I need an FPV drone rather than a high-end traditional drone?
Because they're faster, fit through small places and are highly manoeuvrable.
For high-speed sequences, tight spaces and immersive action coverage, we fly the DJI Avata 2 FPV drone — operated with VR goggles for a first-person perspective that puts the pilot virtually inside the aircraft. The result is footage that no conventional drone can replicate.
Beyond the Establishing Shot — Specialist Aerial Techniques
Standard aerial coverage is only the beginning. Halo Vue's experience across hundreds of productions means we can offer specialist techniques that add a distinct creative dimension to your project.
Play filmIncredible Hyperlapse Drone Footage over Bradford — Halo Vue
Play filmWelsh Castle — Timelapse & Hyperlapse Drone CinematographyProfessional Drone Filming for Any Production
When your production needs aerial cinematography, Halo Vue delivers the experience, equipment and reliability trusted by broadcasters, production companies and creative agencies throughout the UK.
Get in touch for availability and a no-obligation quote.
Connected to Yorkshire's Film & Television Industry
With over 13 years of experience providing professional drone filming and aerial cinematography for television, film and commercial productions, Halo Vue Aerial Photography is firmly connected to Yorkshire's film and television industry.
Screen Yorkshire
Phil Fearnley is registered on Screen Yorkshire's professional Crew Database, helping television and film productions identify experienced crew and specialist aerial filming professionals working across Yorkshire.
Visit Screen Yorkshire →Film Calderdale
Halo Vue Aerial Photography is included on Film Calderdale's recommended suppliers list, providing local and visiting productions with access to specialist drone filming and aerial cinematography services.
Visit Film Calderdale →Bradford Film Office
Based in West Yorkshire, Halo Vue supports film, television and commercial productions throughout the Bradford district and wider region, offering experienced drone operations and creative aerial cinematography.
Visit Bradford Film Office →Professional Aerial Filming Across Yorkshire & the UK
From locally produced documentaries to major television productions and national advertising campaigns, Halo Vue combines extensive industry experience with creative, cinematic aerial filming.
Planning a production in Yorkshire? Get in touch to discuss your aerial filming requirements.
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Tell us your location, dates and delivery requirements — we'll recommend the right aircraft and crew for your shoot.
Let's Talk AboutYour Project
Whether you're planning a national TV series or a cinematic brand film, we'll help you capture every story from above.
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Call Phil directly07957 627 628 Send an emailphil@halovue.co.uk