Overview.nz
About Us
Overview is a Queenstown-based aerial cinematography company. Since 2015 we have supplied drone units to feature films, television series and international commercials across New Zealand.
We work as part of the camera department. Directors and DP's bring us in for controlled, repeatable camera movement, often in alpine terrain, controlled airspace and remote locations where planning matters as much as flying.
Founder
Overview was founded by cinematographer Ben Ruffell, who also works as a Director of Photography on ground and aerial units.
Ben also holds a CASA RePL, so we can support productions in Australia. See his work at benruffell.com
Recognition
Aerial work shot by Overview has been recognised at the NZCS and ACS awards:
NZCS Bronze, Mitsubishi (2025)
ACS NSW Silver, NIO: Winter (2023)
ACS NSW Silver, Ricki-Lee: On My Own (2023)
NZCS Bronze, Dawn Flight (2021)
NZCS Gold, Mitsubishi: Ski Lift (2019)
NZCS Silver, Telunsu (2019)
NZCS Gold, Flying South (2016)
How we operate
Overview holds a CAA Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate and full commercial and aviation liability insurance. Every job runs under our documented safety system: site risk assessment, airspace and ATC coordination, and a briefed crew of pilot and camera operator.
Our fleet includes the Freefly Alta X heavy-lift cinema drone, DJI Inspire 3, Mavic 4 Pro and FPV, so a production can match the aircraft to the shot.
Work
Drama and television credits include A Remarkable Place to Die, Dark City: The Cleaner, She-Hulk, One Lane Bridge and Forgive Us All.
Commercial clients include Coca-Cola, Samsung, Lloyds, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Hyundai, TAG Heuer, ASICS and Shiseido.
View behind-the-scenes production imagery from recent projects here.
Based in Queenstown, Operating Across New Zealand
Established in 2015, Overview has delivered aerial cinematography for film and commercial productions across New Zealand for over a decade.