Disney Cruise Line · August 2023
Disney Dream.
Norwegian Fjords.
Drone cinematography · Lustrafjord & Nordfjord · Skjolden · Nordfjordeid
Drone cinematography · Lustrafjord & Nordfjord · Skjolden · Nordfjordeid
In August 2023, Visio Film was engaged as drone operator and visual observer for the American aerial cinematography company Rocket Aerial LLC, led by Harald Hohenthal. The assignment: to capture Disney Dream — one of the world's largest and most recognisable cruise ships — as it sailed through two of Norway's most beautiful fjords.
The preparations were extensive. Visio Film coordinated the application to the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, registration of sensor use with the Norwegian National Security Authority, and ongoing communication with Norwegian aviation authorities on behalf of the production. Rando was officially listed as the EASA-certified visual observer in the approved flight plan — but in practice also served as the primary drone operator on the shooting days, using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine as his camera.
The production took place from a fast Polarcirkel RIB boat with a local skipper. Rando and production assistant Jacob Schlichting followed Disney Dream into the fjords while the drone was launched and landed from the moving boat — requiring highly precise timing and situational awareness under demanding conditions. Jacob, who is also an AV technician and specialist, handled ongoing communication with Harald and the Disney team during all flights. Jens Schröder covered ground and second-drone positions from shore with the DJI Mavic 3 Cine, as well as Canon C500 and C70.
Harald Hohenthal led the production from Los Angeles and was in continuous contact with the field team and Disney Cruise Line's production team at the same time. The ship's captain was also in direct dialogue with the team through coordinated messages, helping facilitate optimal filming windows during arrival, docked periods and departure.
Over two days, approximately 15 drone flights were carried out — at Skjolden in Lustrafjord and at Nordfjordeid in Nordfjord — with up to 35 minutes of flight time per session. The production included footage during arrival, while the ship was docked, and during departure. The weather ranged from bright August sunshine to rain-heavy fjord clouds, resulting in footage with widely different light and atmosphere.
Photo: Jacob Schlichting
Rando Martinson flying the drone from the Polarcirkel RIB during golden hour — Disney Dream departing Skjolden in the background.
Photo: Jacob Schlichting
Disney Dream sailing out of Lustrafjord during golden hour — the final filming window on day one.
Photo: Jacob Schlichting
Mavic 3 Pro Cine during a test flight on the planning day — Disney Dream docked in Skjolden in the distance.
Photo: Jacob Schlichting
Disney Dream ved Nordfjordeid tidlig morgen på opptaksdag to.
Photo: Jacob Schlichting
Rando ready to launch from the RIB — positioning for the next flight as the ship approaches.
Photo: Jacob Schlichting
The skipper's perspective from the Polarcirkel RIB — Disney Dream on the horizon during positioning before flight.
Photo: Jacob Schlichting
DJI Air 2S during a scouting flight on the planning day — used to map locations and flight routes along Lustrafjord. Bøyafossen waterfall in the background.
Photo: Jacob Schlichting
Disney Dream docked in Skjolden seen from above — used during planning of drone corridors and approach lines.
Photo: Jacob Schlichting
Jens and Rando travelling between locations — coordination and route planning between flights.
Production equipment gathered — FX-30, Canon C500 Mark II, Canon C70, and lenses from the shooting days.
Rando on the RIB with Jacob and the captain in the background.
