Drone Filming Mercedes S-Class: World Premiere

For the trailer “The new S-Class: world premiere”, VR-Copter delivered the aerial shots – the Mercedes-Benz flagship, staged with Inspire 2 and Zenmuse X7 in 4K.

Project details

Location: Frankfurt am Main (Messe Frankfurt), Wetzlar and the Black Forest, Germany
Project: Trailer “The new S-Class: world premiere”
Client / production: Mercedes-Benz – high-end footage for the press reel; production: schwäble + wolf
Services: Aerial filming in 4K
Shoot date: July 2020 (world premiere on 2 September 2020)

Brief and execution

The S-Class stands for comfort, technology and elegance – so the aerials had to be calm. Instead of hectic cuts: long, flowing camera moves that give the car room.

As with every premiere, confidentiality applied until release; locations and framing were agreed with the client.

Equipment and permits

DJI Inspire 2 with Zenmuse X7 in 4K.

Pilot and camera: Jochen Riehm. Shortly afterwards we filmed the S-Class with DRIVE PILOT at the Immendingen testing centre for the series “Einfach Technik”.

FAQ

Which drone is right for automotive trailers?

For cinema quality, a drone with an interchangeable-lens camera – back then the Inspire 2 with X7, today the Inspire 3 with 8K. For dynamic close-ups we add the FPV drone.

Does VR-Copter also fly driving shots with moving cars?

Yes. Tracking shots, flyovers and reveals are standard – coordinated with driver, production and, if necessary, authorities.

What does drone footage for an automotive film cost?

A shoot day with a drone crew starts at €1,300 net, with Inspire 3 and cinema setup from €2,400 net, and as a combined drone, FPV and car-to-car package from €3,900 net – each including pilot, equipment, insurance and permit coordination.