Network-grade aerial cinematography
Looking for a drone videographer who has flown for network television? D. Winston Media provides aerial and drone cinematography for networks, streamers, brands and filmmakers. Founder Dwight Winston is a four-time Emmy-nominated cinematographer and a certified drone pilot with the FAA in the United States and EASA in Europe. He flew the aerial camera unit for CBS Survivor.
Aerial work is more than getting a drone in the air. It's choosing the right platform for the shot, reading wind and light over open water, planning safe flight paths around talent and crowds, and getting the approvals that let you fly legally. We bring that planning to every job, so the shot you storyboarded is the shot you get.
What we fly and film
- Cinema drone coverage for commercials, film and television.
- Doors-off helicopter camera work.
- Boat-to-boat and moving-vehicle tracking shots.
- Establishing shots and reveals of islands, resorts, coastlines and events.
- Live event aerials for concerts, festivals and sports.
Airspace approvals, permits and safety
Every flight follows the rules of the aviation authority where we fly, such as the FAA in the United States and EASA in Europe. We plan flights, request airspace approvals and coordinate location permits as part of the job. Approval timelines depend on the location and the authority, so tell us your dates early. We may delay, change or cancel a flight when weather, safety or the law requires it.
Where we fly
We're based in St. Thomas and fly across the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. John, St. Croix and Water Island, and throughout the Caribbean, including the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. We also travel internationally and have filmed in 11 countries and territories.
Drone light shows
Planning a drone light show instead of aerial filming? Our sister company Moko Drones flies 200-drone light shows across the Caribbean.
Aerials that tell the story
The best aerials aren't just pretty. They establish place, show scale and move the story forward. A slow push over a reef can open a tourism film. A low tracking shot behind a speedboat can carry a chase. A reveal over a ridge can land the payoff of a commercial. We design aerial shots with the director and editor in mind, so they cut in naturally rather than feeling like stock.
Who we fly for
We fly for network and streaming television, tourism and brand campaigns, documentaries, music videos, real estate and resorts, concerts and live events, and public agencies. Our network aerial credits include CBS Survivor.
Planning a shoot in the Virgin Islands
A few things help every Caribbean production run smoothly:
- Season and weather. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Shoots in that window need flexible weather days built into the plan. Trade winds and passing showers are normal year-round, so we schedule key shots and aerials with backup windows.
- Light. Being close to the equator, the islands get strong overhead sun in the middle of the day. Golden hour comes and goes quickly, so we plan hero shots around sunrise and sunset and use the midday hours for interiors, interviews and coverage.
- Getting around. St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and Water Island are linked by ferry, seaplane and short flights, and the British Virgin Islands are a boat ride away. We plan crew and gear moves so travel doesn't eat into shoot time.
- Permits and approvals. Location permits and airspace approvals take time. Share your dates early and we'll build approvals into the schedule.
Why productions book D. Winston Media
- Network-grade craft. Four-time Emmy-nominated cinematography, trusted by broadcast networks, streamers and global brands.
- One accountable crew. The people who plan it are the people who shoot and cut it.
- Caribbean know-how, global reach. Based in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, shooting around the world.
- Certified in the air. FAA and EASA certified flying, with airspace approvals handled.
Ready to roll camera?
Tell us what you're making, where and when. We reply within one business day with availability and next steps.
Aerial & Drone Cinematography: frequently asked questions
Are you licensed to fly drones commercially?
Yes. Dwight Winston is an FAA certified remote pilot in the United States and EASA certified in Europe.
Do you handle airspace approvals?
Yes. We plan flights and request airspace approvals and location permits as part of aerial work. Timelines depend on the location and the authority.
Can you film from a helicopter?
Yes. We shoot doors-off helicopter aerials as well as drone coverage.
Have you worked on network television?
Yes. Dwight Winston flew the aerial camera unit for CBS Survivor.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If wind, rain or visibility make a flight unsafe, we reschedule within the plan agreed in your quote.
Can drone footage be combined with ground footage in one shoot?
Yes. Aerial and ground coverage are planned together, so one crew delivers both and they cut together seamlessly.
Do you fly in the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico?
Yes, subject to the local aviation rules and approvals in each location.