When Anthony Dias set out to create an informative video highlighting the new features and capabilities for the all-new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, he needed cutting-edge aerial cinematography to showcase the vehicle's advanced features and rugged performance tackling rugged terrain and navigating through dense forests. That’s where we came in. Teaming up with Damon Productions and under the creative direction of Anthony Dias, we spent four days in Oregon pushing the limits of drone filmmaking to bring his vision to life.
Building Trust with the Director and Production Team
A successful production isn’t just about having the right equipment, it’s about trust and collaboration. From the very beginning, we worked closely with Anthony Dias and Damon Productions to understand their creative vision and ensure our aerial shots seamlessly fit into the storytelling. Our ability to adapt to challenging conditions and execute precision drone work helped solidify our relationship with the team, allowing us to work efficiently and confidently under the pressures of a high-profile shoot.
Building that trust also meant being flexible with shot planning. The dense forest environment presented countless obstacles, requiring us to adjust flight paths in real-time while still delivering the smooth, cinematic visuals the production required. By maintaining clear communication and adapting to evolving challenges, we ensured every shot contributed to the overall storytelling.
The Gear: Inspire 3 and FPV Platforms
For this high-intensity shoot, we used a combination of aerial platforms:
DJI Inspire 3 – Our go-to for cinematic shots, providing 8K imagery and dual-operator control for maximum precision and safety.
5-inch FPV Drone – Perfect for high-speed chase sequences and threading through tight spaces.
Cinewhoop FPV with GoPro Hero 12 – Used for close proximity shots and immersive, first-person perspectives.
Each drone played a crucial role in delivering the seamless, high-energy visuals needed for the campaign. The Inspire 3 provided the stunning shots needed for showcasing the Forester’s performance in tight quarters, while our FPV platforms offered dynamic movement that put viewers right in the heart of the action.
Overcoming Challenges in the Oregon Wilderness
Shooting in Oregon’s dense forests wasn’t easy. The traditional arm car, a staple for capturing dynamic vehicle shots, couldn’t maneuver through the tightly packed trees. That meant drones were our only viable option to capture tracking shots of the Forester tackling rough terrain. The Inspire 3 allowed us to operate, ensuring precise control over both flight and camera movement. Meanwhile, our FPV drones dived between trees and skimmed just inches above the ground to create an adrenaline-fueled experience. Navigating this unpredictable environment took expert piloting and careful coordination to execute every shot flawlessly. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring seamless transitions between our different drone platforms. With tight forest corridors limiting space, switching between cinematic wide shots and aggressive FPV moves had to be executed with precision. The experience gained from this shoot further reinforced our ability to adapt and problem solve in high-pressure environments.
FPV Shots (Stills)
Our FPV Selects (Video)
A Code Red Production: Ensuring Maximum Security
Since the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness hadn’t been publicly revealed, the production was classified as a Code Red shoot, meaning strict security measures were in place to prevent leaks. Extra security personnel were stationed around the set to ensure no bystanders could sneak photos or videos of the unreleased vehicle. This added an extra layer of complexity to our operations, requiring us to adapt to tighter restrictions while maintaining efficiency in capturing every frame.
Additionally, working under heightened security meant we had to keep flight operations as discreet as possible. We employed careful planning to execute flights efficiently while keeping downtime to a minimum, ensuring we captured every necessary shot while remaining within security protocols.
Premiering The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show
All the hard work and meticulous planning will soon be unveiled when the video premieres at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show. This project was a perfect example of how drones continue to push the boundaries of automotive cinematography, offering perspectives that traditional filming methods simply can’t achieve.
Be sure to attend the Chicago Auto Show to experience our work on a massive 90-foot screen. Seeing the dynamic shots, high-speed tracking, and immersive FPV footage on such a large scale will bring the action to life in a way you won’t want to miss!
Elevating Automotive Cinematography
Filming the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness reinforced how essential drones have become in automotive marketing. With drones now indispensable for capturing high-speed action and challenging terrains, we’re always ready to tackle the next big project. Whether it’s navigating dense forests, tracking high speed action, or securing top secret productions, we have the expertise to get the job done right.
Every project we take on strengthens our experience, and this Subaru shoot was no exception. The challenges, the precision required, and the collaboration with an incredible production team have once again proven how aerial cinematography can transform the way audiences experience a brand’s story.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes looks at our latest projects. If you’re looking for next-level aerial cinematography, reach out to us at AIRWOLF Drones! Let's get your shot!
CHECK OUT THE FULL VIDEO HERE!
Want to see the gear we use on set? Check out our curated selection of drones, accessories, and filmmaking essentials on our Amazon Store.
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