Crescent City – Aerial Cinematography by DroneGear Productions

G’day everyone – Alex Kavanagh here, Creative Director and Chief Pilot at DroneGear Productions.

It’s been a minute since I’ve posted an update, but I wanted to spotlight some recent work we completed on the feature film Crescent City, a project that really showcased what we love doing: capturing cinematic aerials that elevate storytelling.

As some of you may know, I moved from Los Angeles to Little Rock, Arkansas five years ago with my wife and family. My business partner, Matt Feige, remains in LA, continuing to steer the ship from the world’s filmmaking capital, while I’m proud to now call Arkansas home.

About the Film

Crescent City is a murder mystery thriller about a serial killer terrorizing a small Southern town. Filmed in Little Rock, Arkansas and features a powerhouse cast including Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Nicky Whelan, and Alec Baldwin. The film was directed by R.J. Collins and produced by: David Lipper, Eduard Osipov, Denise Loren, Robert A. Daly Jr., Vince Jolivette. Production companies involved included Latigo Films, Beno Films, Filmopoly, Grindstone Entertainment Group, and The Exchange.

Our Role

DroneGear Productions was brought on to film all aerial cinematography. I flew the drone while working closely with Director of Photography Alex Salahi, who operated the camera, and Second Unit Director Lauren Shaw, who oversaw all second unit work and vehicle chase scenes.

Why Arkansas Was the Perfect Location

Shooting in Little Rock was a refreshing contrast to the challenges of drone work in major metro areas. In cities like Los Angeles, it can take up to 30 days to secure drone permits due to regulatory red tape. But in Arkansas? It was fast, efficient, and collaborative.

A perfect example: For one of the film’s opening sequences, the director wanted a dramatic shot of the main vehicle crossing Broadway Bridge, with the drone flying underneath the steel arches in pursuit. Arkansas Film Commissioner Christopher Crane, who was on set that day, didn’t hesitate. With two Little Rock Police Department officers already on standby, the bridge was safely locked off within minutes.

I submitted a quick LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization) request through the Aloft app and received instant approval, as we were flying below 100 feet within Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport airspace.

From the moment the director made the request to the time we captured the final take, less than an hour had passed. Two passes. One beautiful shot. On to the next location.

This kind of speed and support is what makes Arkansas such an attractive place for filmmakers. There’s less red tape, lower costs, and more creative flexibility, without compromising safety or professionalism.

Gear Breakdown

For this production, we flew the DJI Inspire 3 X9 drone with a range of lenses including 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm focal lengths to match the cinematic look the director and DOP envisioned.

To ensure proper exposure during daytime scenes while maintaining full creative control over depth of field, we used the Tiffen NATural Cinema ND Filter line—a critical tool that allowed us to hit our exposure targets without compromising the shot.

Special thanks to The Tiffen Company for their continued support and sponsorship. We’ve relied on their tools for years, and they continue to deliver every time.

Streaming Now

You can now stream Crescent City on HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Tubi. Keep an eye out for those sweeping aerials filmed right here in Arkansas by the DroneGear team.

Working on Crescent City was an absolute pleasure, and we’re proud to have played a small part in the movie and showcase what Arkansas has to offer. From natural beauty to logistical ease, this state is ready for more productions like this—and DroneGear Productions is ready to fly.

Cheers,

Alex Kavanagh

Creative Director & Chief Pilot