Filming the Netflix global sensation Territory was a dream project for the team at Heliguy.
The Northern Territory’s varied and rugged environment turned filming into an aerial adventure with the harsh dusty environments providing valuable experience in adaptability and resilience.
Heliguy’s involvement in Netflix’s Territory began with a 2 day filming research trip to get the lay of the land and provide intel for the production. From capturing the 5000 strong cattle musters to understanding and assessing what was possible within the environment of Australia’s Northern Territory, this early relationship with production allowed Heliguy to be on top of the production’s needs right from the beginning.
Working with Director Greg McLean and Cinematographer Simon Duggan, the four week engagement included a range of Heliguy’s drone platforms. The nimble workflow allowed the team to operate in a variety of settings – from tracking R22 helicopters and road-train gangs, to working closely with the stunt horse team.
“Guy and his crew are always top of mind when I am in need of aerial cinematography. Territory was set within the diversely rich and ancient landscapes of the Northern Territory. The land was in itself a leading character which demanded to be captured as heroically as the people. Heliguy is always at the leading edge of drone innovation, move respectfully on country & on set and render imagery with a cinematic eye for story and composition.”
Paul Ranford, Producer, Jetty Films
The diverse landscape of the Northern Territory and the confidence in Heliguy’s experience from production allowed their team, helmed by Heliguy director Guy Alexander, a certain amount of creative freedom when filming. “Normally the scope you’re given for shooting is fairly narrow,” explained Guy. “Productions will have a particular shot or angle in mind. On this project we were given a lot of scope to find and capture the most impressive shots possible in the moment, it was an approach I think that really paid off when you see what was achieved on screen.”
During production Heliguy’s team had the privilege of capturing aerials in Kakadu National Park, where ancient rock formations and wildly diverse waterways and ecosystems provided extraordinary scenes for the story.
It was also with the close co-operation from the local elders and indigenous communities that allowed Heliguy and Territory to share their culture and native lands with the world.
Watch the series trailer including Heliguy’s aerial work below:
