How was Amazon Prime Video's The Blue Angels filmed? A behind-the-scenes look at the complex process

Since the release of Top Gun: Maverick and Masters of The Air, there aren't many shows that feature aerial visuals except for The Blue Angels. Amazon Prime Video's documentary takes audiences into the cockpit of the U.S. Navy's elite flying squadron. It was filmed in Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco, and even the team's home bases in Pensacola, FL, and El Centro, CA.

The Blue Angels documentary leverages cutting-edge cinematography to showcase the precision and grace of these aerial artists. Produced by Glenn Powell, a Top Gun: Maverick star, the film was inspired by the theatrical success of similar aerial action films and aimed to deliver an equally riveting experience.

The Blue Angels was released in IMAX theaters on May 23, 2024, along with Prime Video, providing a larger-than-life viewing experience. It captures the grandeur and intensity of the aerial maneuvers performed by the squadron.

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Exploring the complex filming process of Amazon Prime Video's The Blue Angels

The aerial choreography

The filming required detailed planning and innovative cinematographic techniques to capture the high-speed action of the F/A-18 Hornets. Director of Photography Jessica Young, alongside aerial coordinator and helicopter pilot Kevin LaRosa II, undertook the challenge of filming air-to-air sequences that hadn't been attempted before.

For the first time, a civilian helicopter was authorized to fly within the Blue Angels' air box during their formation flying, equipped with a Sony VENICE 2 camera on a Shotover G1 stabilized remote head, which is renowned for handling heavy payloads.

This setup was complemented by using an Angenieux 24-290mm lens with a 1.4x expander, capturing the precise movements of the jets against vast landscapes. Former Blue Angel pilot Lance "Bubbs" Benson played a crucial role in navigating these flights, ensuring the safety and coordination of the complex aerial shoots.

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Innovations in camera technology

One of the features of The Blue Angels documentary's production was the use of various camera systems to record from every conceivable angle. The Insta360 One RS cameras were chosen inside the cockpit for their compact size and high-quality imaging capabilities.

These cameras, equipped with Leica lenses and capable of recording at 5.3K resolution, were mounted inside the cockpits using heavy-duty suction mounts. This allowed for an unobtrusive setup that did not interfere with the pilots' operations while capturing the intensity of flight maneuvers with clarity.

The production team secured custom housing units used in Top Gun: Maverick for exterior shots to mount additional Sony VENICE cameras on the jets. These housings were mounted on the wings and belly of the aircraft. They captured the angles of the jets in formation. The setup provided spectacular visuals and spotted the technological strength and airworthiness of the equipment used. This was because the Navy had thoroughly tested and adjusted it.

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Ground-level filming and coordination

The Blue Angels (Image via Amazon MGM Studios and IMAX)

The ground filming for The Blue Angels documentary was just as tough as the aerial shots. They used a variety of Sony cameras with high-quality lenses like Full Frame Angenieux zooms and Arri Signature primes to get the best shots.

These cameras were set up on gimbals and tripods to ensure the footage was stable and clear. The setup was essential for filming everything happening on the ground, such as jets taking off and landing, as well as the pilots and ground crew getting everything ready for flight.

Jessica Young, who was in charge of The Blue Angels production team, worked closely with local officials and the Navy. They needed special permission to film in certain places, and each scene needed to be carefully planned out.

This detailed planning on the ground was essential to ensure that the footage taken on the ground matched perfectly with the footage taken in the air. The careful team coordination ensured a coherent narrative for The Blue Angels.

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The documentary from Amazon Prime Video exemplifies aerial filmmaking that mixes new filming methods with the impressive skills of the U.S. Navy's best pilots. The documentary shows some of the best flying and camera work out there.