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Behind the Scenes of an Emmy-Winning Explosion

Jon Graham • Nov 29, 2022
a man in a suit stands in front of a sign that says 2020

Behind the Scenes of an Emmy-Winning Explosion: Monster Drones and 'Last Week Tonight'


At Flying Monster, we've always prided ourselves on pushing the boundaries of aerial cinematography. But our work on HBO's "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" was an adventure that even we couldn't have imagined. This project was not just about filming — it was about capturing a moment, a feeling, and an explosive goodbye to 2020.


The Challenge: Five Drones, One Explosive Moment


The episode in question was no ordinary shoot. It involved detailed flight plans for five drones, all operating simultaneously, with just one chance to nail the perfect shot. The episode's grand finale? Blowing up a giant "2020" sign, a cathartic end to a tumultuous year, as brilliantly envisioned by John Oliver.



【Newsweek Article Reference】【Primetimer Article Reference】

The Moment of Truth: Pitching the Unthinkable


I recall the initial Zoom call with the production team. The plan was outlandish, audacious, and almost surreal. Would we really be part of blowing up a massive "2020" sign? Our team pitched using our DJI Inspire drones for general coverage and various camera angles. But then, an idea struck: "What about flying into the explosion?" The silence that followed was unnerving. However, Director Christopher Werner and DP Russell Swanson's reactions were priceless: "Wait, we can do that?!"


The Result: An Emmy-Winning Achievement


Our work on this episode of "Last Week Tonight" didn't just make for great television; it earned us a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork. This recognition was not just for our technical skills, but for our ability to think outside the box, to take risks, and to perfectly execute a vision, no matter how explosive.

Preproduction Mastery: Coordinating the Drone Village


Our preproduction plan was meticulous. It had to be. Coordinating five drone teams, each with a specific role, was like conducting an orchestra. The "drone village" was set up with a prime view of the explosion. Here, all teams were based, connected not just by walkies with the production team but also through hands-free communication with all pilots in the air. It was a symphony of technology, skill, and timing.


Capturing the Spectacle: Aerial Artistry Meets Precision


The moment of the explosion was a blend of chaos and beauty. As the "2020" sign erupted in a fiery spectacle, our drones soared, capturing every angle, every burst of flame. The drone flying into the explosion provided a perspective that was both daring and breathtaking, a visual embodiment of the year's frustrations and hopes.

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