Safety and operational excellence are integral to our production process.
At Minus 7, safety is our first priority and the foundation of every project. It is embedded in how we plan, communicate, and execute—not applied after creative decisions are made.
We work closely with our clients to align creative objectives with a clear, achievable execution plan, ensuring that ambition and operational reality move forward together. Our procedures are shaped by decades of experience in cinematography and aviation, informed by proven practices from military and airline operations.
The result is a production environment where risk is actively managed, teams operate with confidence, and creative work proceeds without compromise.
Preparation drives safe, effective execution.
Every Minus 7 production begins well before the shoot day. We work closely with our clients to understand creative objectives, operational constraints, and aircraft capabilities—an essential step when clients operate their own aircraft.
Pre-production focuses on translating creative intent into an executable plan. Shot lists are developed collaboratively and mapped to the performance and limitations of both the camera ship and subject aircraft, ensuring all maneuvers and camera moves are achievable and clearly understood.
Pilots are briefed in advance on the shot plan and required maneuvers. Flight plans account for locations, airspace, weather, lighting, backgrounds, and timing, along with the logistical and contingency planning needed to keep execution predictable and controlled. All planning is conducted within a structured safety framework, allowing crews to operate with clarity and confidence.
Disciplined execution, built on preparation and communication.
Minus 7 productions begin with structured briefings the evening before a shoot day, including both creative and pilot briefings. These sessions align the team on creative objectives, shot lists, and the operational plan required to execute them safely and effectively.
Briefings cover formations, communications protocols, piloting procedures, emergency actions, and contingencies. Each pilot remains fully responsible for the safe operation of their aircraft, operating within a shared execution framework.
Shoot days are typically organized around two sorties—sunrise and sunset—optimized for lighting and visual quality. After the morning sortie, we conduct a focused debrief, review captured media, and refine the plan for the afternoon sortie based on conditions and creative priorities. A final debrief closes the day and informs planning for subsequent operations.
Risk Management & Decision-Making
At Minus 7, risk management is embedded in how decisions are made before, during, and after each production. Roles, responsibilities, and lines of authority are defined in advance, along with clear go/no-go criteria tied to weather, aircraft performance, crew readiness, and operational conditions.
Communication is structured and deliberate. Briefings, in-flight coordination, and debriefs ensure a shared operating picture and allow teams to adapt as conditions evolve. When changes are required, decisions are made decisively and communicated clearly.
This disciplined approach supports safe execution and predictable outcomes, allowing creative objectives to be pursued with confidence.