Filming the installation of Newcastle University's Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit required careful preparation, particularly given the city-centre location, overnight working conditions and proximity to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).

To capture the scale of the operation from above, Helidragon deployed a sub-250g drone, selected with consideration for the restricted urban environment and the sensitivities of working adjacent to the hospital and its helicopter landing facilities.

As aerial filming would take place after dark, we carried out a daylight reconnaissance of the site to identify potential obstacles and assess the operating environment. This preparation was particularly important because hazards such as overhead cables, structures and other obstructions can be difficult to identify during night operations.

Ground-based cameras captured the detail of the specialist lifting equipment, transport vehicles and the careful positioning of the CHP unit. We also installed short-duration time-lapse cameras to record the lifting sequence, compressing the slower stages of the operation into visually engaging footage that clearly demonstrated its progression.

The Helidragon team worked through the night in winter conditions, with temperatures approaching freezing. These demanding conditions required careful management of equipment, personnel and the filming schedule.

By combining aerial footage, detailed ground-level filming and time-lapse sequences, we produced a comprehensive visual record of a complex engineering operation, demonstrating both the scale of the installation and the expertise required to deliver it safely in a sensitive urban environment.