Peter and Susi Thompson established Aeroptics Ltd in 2004 as a company dedicated to 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 41 countries.This includes over 6500 hours of gyro-stabilised aerial filming assignments in 35 countries since 1995. Recent location filming includes 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 HiDef 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 Hidef 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.
Peter Thompson's CV (pdf)Download Boomerang the Movie (pdf)
Download Vertical Rush the Movie (pdf)
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 SusiSHAYNE MATHIESON
Director, Strategy
With a multitude of skills in project management and management consultancy, Shayne completes the team and maintains the Auckland base of Aeroptics.
NEW ZEALAND AIRCRAFT AND AERIAL FILMING PILOTS
Aeroptics’ HDTV camera equipment has NZ Civil Aviation approval for installation on over 250 helicopters throughout New Zealand.
Aeroptics’ New Zealand operational base is at Heliworks hangar, Queenstown Airport.
Heliworks own and operate a fleet of 12 helicopters that include AS350 B3, B2 & BA, Hughes 500E, & Robinson R44 helicopters. Their combined knowledge of the spectacular New Zealand landscape will get you readily to those special filming locations.