Behind the Aerials of Neglected: Crafting Tension from the Sky
- Alex Kavanagh
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
In 2024, in the quiet but cinematic backdrop of Clinton, Mississippi we had the opportunity to help bring a gripping new thriller to life. Neglected is the kind of film that thrives on urgency, tension, and momentum—and for our team at Drone Gear Productions, that meant pushing aerial cinematography to its limits.
As lead drone pilot, Alex Kavanagh oversaw all aerial work on the film, collaborating closely with director David Lipper and director of photography Duncan Johnson, who operated the drone camera during some of the film’s most technically ambitious shots. Together, we approached the aerial sequences not as traditional cutaway visuals—but as integral storytelling devices.
A Thriller Built on Urgency
At its core, Neglected is a race-against-time thriller. Josh Duhamel plays Det. Shaw, a veteran cop on the verge of retirement whose final day spirals into chaos when he’s confronted by a serial killer. Dylan Sprouse portrays “The Kid,” a chilling antagonist who forces Shaw into a deadly game—solve a series of murders before his kidnapped son runs out of time. The film also features actress Elena Sanchez as Detective Keyes, adding further depth and tension to the story.
Directed by David Lipper—who co-wrote the film with Nicholas Ferwerda and Adam G. Levine—Neglected blends emotional stakes with relentless pacing, delivering a tightly wound thriller driven by urgency and high-stakes performances.
Designing One-Take Drone Shots
One of the most exciting challenges on Neglected was executing extended, one-take style sequences that feel more like a never ending technocrane than a drone.
There are several standout moments—particularly when Duhamel’s character is running through high-stakes environments, or when Sprouse is moving dynamically through scenes—where the camera never seems to cut. These shots required precise coordination between pilot and operator, flying the DJI Inspire 3 dual-operator setup with a 75mm lens, which is no small feat on a moving platform.
The goal was simple: Make the audience forget it’s a drone.
Instead, the camera glides, rises, tracks, and pivots with a cinematic weight that mimics large-scale crane systems—while retaining the flexibility and speed only aerial systems can provide.
These sequences demanded:
Long, uninterrupted flight paths
Tight navigation through complex environments
Perfect timing with actor blocking and pacing
Seamless communication between pilot and camera operator
What you see on screen are fluid, tension-filled shots that feel grounded—but are anything but.
Collaboration on Set
Working alongside David Lipper was once again a fantastic experience. Neglected marked our second feature film together, following Crescent City. David brings a clear vision and an actor’s instinct to his directing, which creates a collaborative environment where technical teams can really elevate the storytelling.
Having Duncan Johnson operating the drone camera allowed us to push even further creatively. With a seasoned DP controlling the frame, we could treat the drone like a true cinema camera in motion—crafting shots that weren’t just functional, but expressive.
One of the biggest advantages we brought to set was our ability to consistently nail these long, dual-operator one-take shots in a single pass. That kind of execution comes from experience—understanding the shot ahead of time, pre-visualizing movement, and having total trust between pilot and operator. Because of that preparation, we were able to move quickly and efficiently on location, capturing complex sequences without multiple resets and keeping production momentum high.
Aerials That Serve the Story
In a thriller like Neglected, every second counts. The aerial cinematography wasn’t about spectacle for its own sake—it was about:
Building tension
Maintaining pace
Immersing the audience in the chase
Enhancing the emotional stakes of a father racing against time
By blending long-lens compression, fluid movement, and continuous takes, we were able to create visuals that heighten the story without pulling viewers out of it.
Final Thoughts
Projects like Neglected represent where drone cinematography is headed—beyond simple establishing shots and into the realm of primary camera movement. When done right, the line between drone, crane, and handheld disappears entirely.
We’re incredibly proud of what was achieved on this film and grateful to have collaborated with such a talented cast and crew.
Neglected hits theaters on May 8, 2026—and when it does, keep an eye on the camera. Some of the most intense moments in the film aren’t just happening on the ground… they’re unfolding in the air.
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