About Us

Copter Studios is a California-based company providing professional quality Close Range Aerial Filming and Photography. We have offices in the San Francisco area and also Los Angeles to better serve your project. Our unique vehicle that we use is one of the most innovative, effective and cost-efficient ways of capturing aerial photography and aerial filming, when compared to aerial photography and filming using full-scale helicopters. We specialize in Low Altitude and Close Range Aerial Filming and photography. Simply put, we film where cranes and jibs are out of reach and full-scale helicopters are not permitted and unsafe for filming purposes. Allowing you to capture that unique look to your project to help stand out amongst the rest!

Copter Studios was created with the goal of bringing the uniqueness of Close Range Aerial Filming to your project. Founder of Copter Studios, Darin Huard says, ” These aircraft were built and designed for one thing. That is to capture the unique beauty and cinematic experience that only flying a camera can achieve. We have worked collaboratively with engineers, film makers and the remote control industry to develop a team and a system that can make all of this happen. It is a fine balance between technology, film making and experience that helps us to achieve this goal. It is not easy…..”

Our team of highly trained professionals bring over 20 years of experience in this industry. Copter Studios will work with you from the first story board to final editing.

Lee Cummings

Director of Photography

Lee functions as the Director of Photography on the set. He has produced and directed many projects to include commercials, indie films and also a feature film prior to coming on board with Copter Studios. He has that experience of being on major productions and being behind the camera to help give the aerial perspective to the project we are working on. Lee can make that basic shot stand out and obtain that cinematic experience that will help make the project stand out above the rest. We are very excited to have him part of this team.

Darin Huard

Owner

Darin is the founder of Copter Studios and brings his management skills and dedication to excellence in the filming industry to the team. Darin functions as the teams manager and set coordinator while on the projects. His passion for close range aerial filming drives him to explore the latest new technology and safety standards available. He also is a capable aerial cinematographer and pilot that backs of the team when needed.

Eric Pacheco

Lead UAS Pilot

Eric is our lead pilot and engineer. He has over 22 years in the remote controlled industry. The experience that Eric brings to the team is instrumental. To his credit are numerous commercials, TV programs, feature films and commercial projects. Eric’s dedication to the industry helps push the boundaries to achieving the best possible cinematic experience. Click here for more info about Eric Pacheco.

Fil Lowe

UAS Pilot

Fil Lowe is our very talented UAS helicopter pilot with many years of experience in 3D and precision flying. He is also a factory sponsored pilot that brings his extreme 3D flying skills with smooth steady precision flying to help create an aerial cinematic experience. He works well with our team and the on set producer to capture their ideas and possibilities through the “flying camera” and onto the big screen.