Capturing an Urban HVAC Helicopter Lift in Downtown Atlanta
When E. Escher Inc. needed to replace an aging HVAC system at Georgia State University’s 20-story Student Success Center, they faced a logistical puzzle: How do you transport 11,000-pound cooling tower units to the top of a skyscraper in the heart of downtown Atlanta?
The answer? A sky crane—a specialized heavy-lift helicopter—and months of precision planning.
Sunrise Studios was brought on to document this multi-year, multi-stage project, producing high-impact video content that serves as both a marketing tool for E. Escher Inc. and an educational guide for their future commercial clients.
The Challenge: Documenting Precision in High-Risk Zones
Extremely tight urban spaces, strict safety perimeters set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airspace restrictions meant our visual team couldn't physically stand in the high-action pickup and drop zones.
To overcome these physical limitations without losing visual content, Sunrise Studios deployed a hybrid production strategy combining crewed cameras and remote action tech:
Remote-Mounted Action Cameras: We rigged fixed GoPro and Insta360 cameras directly in restricted drop zones to capture close-up perspectives of 11,000-pound chillers being lowered through roof openings with inches to spare. (Pro tip: We don't recommend standing under an 11,000-pound cooling tower section in 80 mph rotor-wash winds at home.)
FAA-Compliant Aerial Drones: Certified drone pilots provided bird’s-eye views, giving prospective clients a pilot-eye perspective of the entire hoisting operation.
B-Roll & On-Site Crew: Our photographers and videographers captured ground-level operational flow, safety preparations, and team interviews. In production terms, B-roll refers to the supplemental footage inserted alongside main interviews to visually tell the story.
Project Breakdown: Multi-Year, Multi-Stage Coverage
Stage 1 (2023): Emergency Modular Installation
When the building's original system required immediate intervention while permanent upgrades were planned, E. Escher Inc. engineered a temporary modular solution. Sunrise Studios deployed a three-person crew—a drone pilot, photographer, and videographer—for two separate helicopter lifts:
Lift 1 (Steel Support Structure): Documenting the heavy structural steel framing lifted to the roof to support the temporary equipment.
Lift 2 (Modular Chillers): Capturing the installation of emergency cooling units.
Deliverables: Two short-form promotional videos for social media and a long-form overview video featuring team interviews.
Stage 2 (2025): Permanent System Upgrade
The final phase called for lifting two massive replacement cooling towers and two new chillers. Sunrise Studios deployed a three-person crew and a nine-camera setup to deliver complete coverage from ground staging to rooftop placement.
Deliverables: A polished feature video complete with custom scriptwriting, professional voiceover narration, and high-energy post-production audio finishing.
Video as a Commercial Sales & Educational Tool
For general contractors like E. Escher Inc., high-stakes lifts involve complex orchestration across multiple subcontractors, rigging specialists (experts who secure heavy equipment using cables, ropes, and hoists), and municipal authorities.
By utilizing these video assets in their sales pipeline, E. Escher Inc. offers future clients a clear window into their process:
Process Transparency: Shows prospective clients step-by-step how complex crane lifts are managed safely.
Risk Mitigation: Demonstrates strict adherence to OSHA and FAA protocols.
Proof of Capability: Converts complex engineering achievements into compelling visual evidence.
Visual Services Provided by Sunrise Studios
Aerial Drone Videography: FAA Part 107-compliant aerial operations delivering 4K flight passes over downtown Atlanta.
Cinematography & Location Filming: Multi-camera field production (principal photography) utilizing action equipment in high-risk zones.
Voiceover & Scriptwriting: Structural script writing that translates technical engineering stages into clear, accessible language.
Post-Production & Audio Finishing: Photo finishing, motion graphics, balanced audio levelling, color grading, and multi-format video delivery.
Good Company & Sharp Craftsmen
It takes an exceptional team to pull off a project of this scale. Across this two-and-a-half-year shoot, Sunrise Studios assembled a dedicated crew of stoic professionals who braved 4:00 a.m. call times and hurricane-force rotor wash to capture the perfect frame:
Scott Brunson
Certified Drone Pilot
An FAA-certified drone pilot with four years of specialized flight experience. Scott brought high-precision real estate and construction-progress aerial videography to the shoot.
Julie Free
Photographer and Post-Production
Responsible for capturing some of the most poignant candid moments on-site, along with meticulous post-production support.
Bill Mott
Voice Actor
Provided professional voiceover narration for our stage two video.
Penny and Dave Dunbar
Videography
A powerhouse videography duo. Penny has the eye for the shot and exciting angles, and Dave is about the story and how it will all come together.
Danny Kidd
Photography
Known for capturing genuine personality and attitude in high-stress environments. A resilient, "can-do" photographer who even helped us navigate the bureaucratic citadel of the World Congress Center.
