AIRWOLF Drones Behind the Scenes of a Yaamava Casino Drone Shoot with VaynerMedia’s “You In” Campaign

Flying High on the “You In” Campaign

In March, AIRWOLF Drones had the privilege of partnering with VaynerMedia and Pollution Studios on a major project: a Yaamava Casino drone shoot for the resort’s high-profile “You In” campaign.

This wasn’t just another shoot. The “You In” campaign was designed to showcase the energy, luxury, and culture of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, and our job was to deliver aerials that felt cinematic, precise, and immersive. From interior fly-throughs to rooftop finales, our team knew every shot had to land perfectly. The spot was directed by Charlie Di Placido, whose bold visual style shaped the creative vision. Working alongside him, DP Christina Dunlap crafted elegant, cinematic looks with confidence and precision. On the production side, Russell Sanzgiri from Pollution Studios kept everything running smoothly, balancing a complex shoot schedule with military-like precision. From VaynerMedia, we collaborated with Executive Producer Bobby Wittenberg, Art Director Nina Wang, and Creative Director Romeo Cervas. Their commitment to excellence elevated the entire process. And for us, working with VaynerMedia, an agency founded by Gary Vaynerchuk and known for culture-shaping campaigns, was a true highlight.

Why We Flew the Inspire 3 at Yaamava Casino

Inspire 3 in action

Early in planning, production considered using an Alta with an ARRI package. But for a campaign like “You In,” shot inside and around the busy Yaamava Resort, the DJI Inspire 3 was the smarter fit.

• RF interference. Casinos are filled with tech infrastructure. During this Yaamava Casino drone shoot, interference frequently pushed the Inspire 3 into ATTI mode, but it stayed responsive and smooth.

• Agility indoors. Flying through lobbies, glass corridors, and tight interiors required a drone nimble enough to move safely without sacrificing quality.

• Cinematic consistency. The Inspire 3’s full-frame sensor and ProRes recording gave us images that matched seamlessly with the ARRI ground package.

Choosing the Inspire 3 allowed us to execute bold creative moves while protecting both safety and schedule.

Signature Shots from the Yaamava Casino Drone Shoot

Flying Through the Lobby

Dji Inspire FPV/Cam View - Through the Yaamava Casino (CLICK THE PHOTO)

One of the shots we pulled off for the “You In” campaign was a fly-through of Yaamava’s main lobby. The casino was fully open while we were shooting, so we had to wait for breaks in the foot traffic at the entrance and time the move just right. The Inspire 3 ran a straight line through the lobby, slipping past the glass and architectural details, and then out through the front doors, which were left open for us. From there, the shot had to end locked perfectly on the big Y logo out front.

On screen, it plays smooth and simple, but lining that up in a live environment took a lot of patience and some very precise flying. It’s one of those moments where all the planning pays off, and it ends up feeling like the drone was meant to be part of the space.

The 17th Floor Hero Shot

Dji Inspire 3 FPV / Cam view - Off the 17th floor of the Y Lounge (CLICK THE PHOTO)

The finale took place on the rooftop balcony of the Y Lounge, 17 stories up. Once the dancers hit their last pose, we sent the Inspire 3 straight off the edge of the balcony. The drone pulled back wide, opening up the entire resort with golden hour light pouring across the frame.

It was the kind of shot you only get once. The timing, the light, the energy, it all came together in that moment. Simple in concept, but the scale and emotion it delivered made it the defining image of the “You In” campaign.

High Stakes, All Hands on Deck

Large-scale campaigns come with pressure, and this was no exception. Flying drones through active resort spaces and off rooftops required absolute precision. Our team approached the Yaamava Casino drone shoot with an “all hands on deck” mindset:

• Wolfgang Weber – Drone Pilot

• Black Sail Media – Aerial DP

• Rob Watt – Drone Tech

• Justin Enrique – Drone Tech

Support gear like our Voyager 42” Innovativ cart proved invaluable, helping us stay organized across the sprawling property and move quickly from one setup to the next.

Collaboration That Made It Special

This shoot wasn’t just about executing complex aerials—it was about the people and the vibe on set. With Charlie Di Placido’s vision, Christina Dunlap’s cinematography, and the combined talents of Pollution Studios and VaynerMedia, the environment stayed collaborative and focused, even under immense pressure.

When we wrapped, it didn’t feel like just another shoot day ending. Instead of quick handshakes, we shared hugs. That moment summed up the entire experience of working on Yaamava’s “You In” campaign—trust, camaraderie, and creative energy.

Behind the Scenes of AIRWOLF Drones at the Yaamava Casino Drone Shoot

This Yaamava Casino drone shoot for VaynerMedia’s “You In” campaign reminded us why we love what we do. The Inspire 3 handled an RF-heavy environment with precision, delivered stunning cinematic results, and gave us the freedom to create shots that felt fresh and ambitious.

At AIRWOLF Drones, we thrive in these high-stakes environments. Being part of Yaamava’s “You In” campaign alongside Vayner Media and Pollution Studios was more than just a job—it was a chance to contribute to a campaign designed to make an impact. And we’re proud of what we achieved together.

CHECK OUT THE SPOTS

Support Our Work

If you enjoy the content we share and want to support what we do, you can browse gear we personally use and recommend here:Shop Drone + Camera Tools on Amazon Purchases made through this link help keep us flying — at no extra cost to you.

Work With Us

Whether you're producing a commercial, series, or branded shoot, we bring industry-level drone cinematography to every set.

• Contact Us – Start a conversation about your next project

• Drone Services – See what we offer

• Aircraft We Fly – Meet the tools we bring to set

• Our Work – Explore past projects

• Flight Log Blog – More behind-the-scenes stories and gear insights

Behind the Scenes of HELLBENT: Filming Wild Mustangs with DJI Inspire 3 Drone

A Call for Adventure: How Our Journey with HELLBENT Began

In early May, we got a call from director Brooklyn Phillips with a simple question: "Are you down for an adventure?" That’s how our journey began with the feature documentary HELLBENT, directed by Brooklyn Phillips and Sarah Stewart, and produced by Boot Barn and Stept Studios. With cinematographer Max Aldrich behind the lens and camera operator Taylor Finlay in tow, this wasn’t going to be an average shoot. We packed our gear and headed straight to Reno, Nevada, ready to chase down a story that was as wild as the horses we were trying to film — specifically, filming wild mustangs with DJI Inspire 3 to bring this story to life from the air.

Flying After Wild Horses: Our First Attempt

Our first day in the field was tough. The wild horses were incredibly reactive, they spooked easily and would bolt into deep valleys where we’d immediately lose signal. We were flying the Inspire 3, a drone known for its range and reliability, but even that wasn’t enough in such a rugged environment. On one of our last flights of the day, we pushed the battery farther than we ever should have and landed the drone at 5%. That’s a no-go in our world, and it left us feeling like we had failed our team, especially Brooklyn.

The light was fading, and with time running out, the director and cam op decided to go chase ground shots. We hung back, frustrated and defeated, but something told us to keep going.

The Turning Point: Deeper Into the Ranch

Nevada

Nevada

Drone Pilot: Wolfgang Weber

Chasing One Last Chance

Our first attempt hadn’t delivered, and we were determined to make it right. Then, just as we were about to call it, we spotted them, a herd of nearly 200 wild mustangs gathered in a valley. But this time, we were above them, perched on a ridgeline. We finally had elevation, and we knew our signal would hold strong.

Getting the Shot

We jumped out of the truck and without hesitation, sent the drone. It was our moment. As the mustangs began to move, we used the drone to gently steer the herd, guiding their path and capturing every second of it. The golden light hit, and the Inspire 3 delivered. The footage was smooth, locked-on, and emotional, something straight out of a Nat Geo documentary. The way the mustangs moved across the land, framed by the setting sun and captured from above, looked more like a cinematic masterpiece than a drone shot. It felt like a breakthrough. We had the footage we came for, and it took so much pressure off going into day two.

Wild Mustangs Running through a valley

Wild Mustangs Running through a valley in Nevada

Wild Mustangs Running through a valley in Nevada

Wild Mustangs Running through a valley in Nevada

Wild Mustangs Running through a valley in Nevada

Showing the Director: A Moment We’ll Never Forget

Director: Brooklyn Phillips (Left) Drone Pilot: Wolfgang Weber (Right)

When we met back up with team and showed them the footage, Brooklyn nearly cried. You could see it on her face immediately, this was the moment she had envisioned from the beginning. The dust, the light, the mustangs moving together in harmony, it was pure cinematic magic. That moment of relief and pride will stick with us forever. We had gone from doubting ourselves, worried we had blown our one chance, to delivering something that felt like it belonged in the heart of the film. For a few minutes, everything went quiet. Everyone was just... watching. The ranch guide even said, and I quote, "This looks like a motion picture."

We’d gone from thinking we let her down to delivering something that hit everyone on a deep emotional level, and we all felt it.

wolfgang weber, brooklyn phillips, taylor finlay

brooklyn phillips directing

Director Brooklyn Phillips

Taylor Finlay & Brooklyn Phillips in Nevada

Aerial DP Rob Watt

Camer Operator Taylor Finlay

Day Two: A Tougher Ride

Wild and Unpredictable

The next day, the wild horses didn’t want to cooperate. We even hopped on ATVs to try to get closer, but they stayed at a distance that was just too far, no matter what angle we tried. At one point, our aerial DP Rob rode up front on the ATV for several miles while Wolfgang drove, doing everything we could to close the gap and find a new vantage point. The terrain was rough, the sun was high, and despite our best efforts, the horses kept just out of reach.

Thankfully, having captured that golden footage the day before allowed us to keep our cool and stay flexible. We kept chasing, but nothing came close to what we had already banked.

Why We Chose the DJI Inspire 3

Built for the Wild

We chose the Inspire 3 for this shoot because of its extended range, reliability in remote conditions, and incredible image quality. It allowed us to fly tactically, hold strong signal in tough terrain, and produce footage that held up to the emotional weight of the story. We shot in 8K at 48fps, giving us the flexibility to slow things down without sacrificing cinematic resolution. The detail we captured in the dust trails, the muscle movement of the mustangs, and the changing light across the landscape felt more like a feature film than documentary footage.

When you're chasing wild horses across vast open land with no second chances, you need a drone that can keep up. The Inspire 3 did that and more.

AWARD - WINNING Cinematography at 5 Point Film Festival

HELLBENT premiered on April 18 at the 5 Point Film Festival and went on to win Best Cinematography. It was an incredible honor to be recognized among so many talented filmmakers, and a true testament to the vision and collaboration of the entire team, including director of photography Max Aldrich and cinematographer Taylor Finlay. To see our aerial footage of wild mustangs celebrated in this way was both humbling and unforgettable.

-Mission Accomplished-

Aerial Dp Rob Watt (Left) & Drone Pilot Wolfgang Weber (Right)

Final Thoughts: A Ride Worth Taking

Working on HELLBENT reminded us why we do what we do. The terrain was tough, the wildlife unpredictable, and the stakes high. But in the end, the footage spoke for itself.

We showed up for an adventure. We left with something far more meaningful: a chance to help tell a story that matters.

WATCH HELLBENT HERE! CLICK THE POSTER

Synopsis: Unknown to many Americans, the U.S. is in the midst of a highly politicized crisis surrounding its wild horse populations. Hellbent, a Boot Barn Production, follows a woman at the frontlines of that debate, whose story challenges Americans to set differences aside and talk to each other.

In this poignant short documentary, Jenny Leisuiete, a determined life-long wildlife advocate and a community of people impacted at the frontlines of the issue confront the heartbreaking wild horse overpopulation crisis in America, exploring the delicate balance between preservation and intervention in a battle to protect these iconic creatures and their future.

CHECK OUT A COLLECTION OF OUR SHOTS

Support Our Work

If you enjoy the content we share and want to support what we do, you can browse gear we personally use and recommend here:Shop Drone + Camera Tools on Amazon Purchases made through this link help keep us flying — at no extra cost to you.

Work With Us

Whether you're producing a commercial, series, or branded shoot, we bring industry-level drone cinematography to every set.

• Contact Us – Start a conversation about your next project

• Drone Services – See what we offer

• Aircraft We Fly – Meet the tools we bring to set

• Our Work – Explore past projects

• Flight Log Blog – More behind-the-scenes stories and gear insights

Filming the 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV — where rugged performance meets electric precision.

2026 Subaru Uncharted EV

Earlier this year, we teamed up to help capture a bold new chapter in Subaru’s legacy: the 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV, their first all-electric SUV built to roam far beyond the pavement. With cameras rolling and props spinning, we took flight across Northern California’s redwood forest, filming in one of the most cinematic and wild locations we’ve worked in to date.

This wasn’t just another car shoot, it was a true off-the-grid adventure that brought Subaru’s “electric. unplugged.” ethos to life.

Filming the 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV in Northern California

The terrain was no joke. We filmed throughout Santa Rosa and the surrounding redwood forest, where the landscape demanded as much from our gear as it did from the vehicle. Twisting dirt trails, misty switchbacks, river rock beds, and sheer drop-offs, all became part of the narrative.

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV didn’t just keep up, it owned the terrain. Whether we were flying low through moss-draped tree corridors or soaring up for wide reveals, the vehicle remained the visual anchor: a clean, quiet force carving through untamed land.

How the 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV Handled the Redwood Terrain

Subaru’s new electric SUV is no suburban commuter. With dual-motor AWD, aggressive off-road geometry, and intuitive drive modes, the Uncharted EV performed more like a trailblazer than a prototype.

Its design is clean but rugged, with sharp lines and practical detailing that still feels unmistakably Subaru. Inside, it’s packed with intuitive tech and sustainable materials, but what stood out to us was how gracefully it moved through the wild. You could feel it was purpose-built for the path ahead, gliding over wet logs and gravel grades with total control.

This wasn't a stylized test track. It was real-world terrain, and the EV handled it like it had been there before.

A Director with Vision: Bringing Adventure to the Frame

This campaign was led by director Anthony Dias, whose work thrives in grounded, cinematic environments. His vision was to tell a story that felt both personal and epic, where the car didn’t just appear, it journeyed.

Working with Anthony always feels like shooting a film, not a commercial. Every shot was intentional. Every movement had a rhythm. Whether it was a wide drone push through the morning fog or a tight tracking shot along the edge of a ravine, the creative was about motion, emotion, and immersion.

Our aerial team collaborated closely with him to ensure the drone work enhanced, not interrupted, the flow of the visual story.

Aerial Gear and Techniques for the 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV Shoot

We brought out the DJI Inspire 3 paired with the X9 8K full-frame camera. With a dual-operator setup, we had the control and precision to match the Uncharted EV’s movements in real time, even through complex trail systems and low-clearance tree lines.

Some shots required threading the drone through tight spaces in the redwoods; others were wide, cinematic pullbacks that revealed the EV alone in vast, wild terrain. Having flown for Subaru before, we knew they’d want scale, motion, and raw beauty, and the Inspire 3 delivered in all conditions.

From pre-dawn to golden hour, we flew in fog, dust, and dense canopy light. It was the kind of environment that forces you to level up with every shot. And we loved it.

Working with Precision Driver Tony Hunt

One of the absolute highlights of this shoot was working with Tony Hunt — not just an insanely skilled precision/stunt driver, but truly one of the best guys to have on set. From the minute he pulled up, you could feel the calm confidence of someone who’s been behind the wheel on everything from Ford v Ferrari  to Fast & Furious. But even more than his credits, it was the way he worked with us that stood out.

As drone operators, timing and rhythm are everything. Tony understood that instantly. There were moments when most drivers would have charged ahead, but Tony instinctively held pace — letting the Inspire 3 get into perfect position before powering through a turn or kicking up dust on cue. His awareness of both the car and the camera was next-level.

That kind of collaboration is rare. Tony didn’t just show up to drive, he showed up to help us make something cinematic. And he nailed it.

CLICK THE PHOTO - Rob Watt talks about one of our shots

Telling Subaru’s Next Chapter From the Sky

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV is more than a new vehicle. It’s Subaru doubling down on its roots, freedom, function, and a deep respect for the outdoors, while stepping into the future with all-electric power. It’s a call to explore the wild on new terms, without sacrificing capability or soul.

As drone operators and aerial storytellers, our role was to show how far you can go when nothing holds you back, not terrain, not noise, and not a gas tank.

And in the end, that’s what this campaign was really about: uncharted freedom, seen from above.

The all-new 2026 Uncharted EV SUV - Keynote

Support Our Work

If you enjoy the content we share and want to support what we do, you can browse gear we personally use and recommend here: Shop Drone + Camera Tools on Amazon Purchases made through this link help keep us flying — at no extra cost to you.

Work With Us

Whether you're producing a commercial, series, or branded shoot, we bring industry-level drone cinematography to every set.

• Contact Us – Start a conversation about your next project

• Drone Services – See what we offer

• Aircraft We Fly – Meet the tools we bring to set

• Our Work – Explore past projects

• Flight Log Blog – More behind-the-scenes stories and gear insights