Scotland Revealed director Dani Carlaw had the first view of the stunning aerial shots of Scotland featured in the programme, although she rarely had the time to enjoy what was underneath her.
With time and money paramount when up in the air guiding the helicopter crew to get the perfect shots, Dani put in a power of work to bring the very best footage to STV screens and is proud to have been involved.
“The funny thing about it is you just end up doing the most bizarre things and the most amazing things when you direct factual programmes like this,” says Dani.
“To go out and shoot helicopter footage in high definition of Scotland is a real honour, I have seen things I have never seen before.
Although her work came against the very best backdrops Scotland has to offer, Dani had the arduous task of ensuring she got what she needed from her time up the air.
Preparation and communication were the two key elements, with a heavy amount of work going into things before she had left the ground. But even the best laid plans it seems can come up against unexpected challenges.
“It is hugely complicated. The most important thing is to be prepared. I sit up beside the pilot so the most important thing is that I have a really good communication scenario with him,” Dani says.
“Previous to this I have done several days preparation for a shot list. I have used maps tracking parts of the country and working out exactly what I want to get.
“Going into Glasgow and realising how small streets are from that height is quite a challenge. You need to be prepared or else you look like a complete muppet.”
Fortunately for all on board, Dani enjoyed the task of working hundreds of feet up in the air on a daily basis, which is not everyone’s idea of a perfect job, especially when the helicopter she was in is constantly moving and occasionally buffeted by the wind.
“If you think about the way you feel reading a magazine in a car, imagine watching telly for five hours and having to tell people how you want things shot. That is quite exhausting,” Dani explains.
“Fortunately I don’t get any motion sickness. If I had vomited everywhere I wouldn’t have been popular and it wouldn’t have been very pleasant.”
