Disney Dream.
Norwegian Fjords.

In August 2023, Visio Film was engaged as drone operator and visual observer for the American aerial photography company Rocket Aerial LLC, led by Harald Hohenthal. The brief: to capture Disney Dream — one of the world's largest and most recognisable cruise ships — as it sailed through two of Norway's most spectacular fjords.

Preparations were extensive. Visio Film coordinated the application to the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (Luftfartstilsynet), registration of sensor use with the 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, with the DJI Mavic 3 PRO Cine as his camera.

The production was carried out 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 vessel — requiring precise timing and situational awareness under demanding conditions. Jacob, also an AV technician and specialist, handled ongoing communication with Harald and the Disney team during all flights. Jens Schröder covered the ground and second drone position 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 team in the field and with Disney Cruise Line's production team simultaneously. The ship's captain was also in direct dialogue with the team via coordinated messages to facilitate optimal filming windows during arrival, docked periods and departure.

Over two days, eight drone flights were conducted — four at Skjolden in Lustrafjord and four 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 varied between brilliant August sunshine and heavy rain clouds over the fjords, yielding footage in dramatically different light and atmosphere.