Peter and Susi Thompson established Aeroptics Ltd in 2004 as a company dedicated to specialised aerial filming.
PETER THOMPSON
Executive Director / Aerial Director of Photography
Director of Photography
Peter has had a career in Film and Television cinematography since 1974, filming in 50 countries. This includes over 9,000 hours of gyro-stabilised aerial filming assignments in 40 countries since 1995. Recent filming locations include Germany, Vietnam, Chile, Palau France, Australia, New Caledonia, Panama, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, USA, and Brazil plus of course, throughout New Zealand.
Peter first pointed a clock-work 16mm film camera out of a helicopter in 1975. Later he used Schwemm lenses, Flir Ultramedia, and early Cineflex cameras, but it was the emerging prospect of High Definition that really got the drawing board hot.
Development and Technology
In 1999 / 2000 Peter introduced his original concepts for Hi Def aerial filming equipment to the NZ and USA aerial filming industries. These concepts became a prototype HDTV aerial camera. This product is now marketed as the Cineflex V14 Hi Def gyro camera and is considered by many to be a benchmark with many units operated worldwide. Peter continues to optimise the Aeroptics Cineflex system and has developed several industry exclusive features. On location, Peter's expertise and skills are invaluable in what is recognised as a highly specialised field of filmmaking.
If you like the style and quality of Peter's aerial filming, but need to use a system, other than a Cineflex, check out Peter's availability for operating. His years of experience transfer smoothly to alternative aerial filming systems.
Peter Thompson's CV (pdf)
Filming Locations 1974 - 2010
SUSI THOMPSON
Director, Administration
Susi has a background of business operations management and is the first point of contact when Peter is on location.
Contact Susi