Cinematic Flight Reports that take a look at airlines and their onboard experience, featuring elevated image quality to deliver an immersive viewing experience.
The ETIHAD A380
AN ICONIC AIRCRAFT RETURNS
In a dramatic turn of events, Etihad Airways decided to relaunch its former flagship back into service. And with it came two of the worlds most innovative and beloved cabins: The First Apartment and The Residence. Starting with the inaugural from Abu Dhabi, I got onboard the A380 four times in order to capture the experience in its full glory.
The Turtles of Abu Dabbab
A DOCUMENTARY
Close to Marsa Alam on Egypt’s Red Sea coastline lies the small bay of Abu Dabbab. In the crystal-clear waters, one can find a haven for snorkelers and divers alike; a pristine reef with colorful corals on either side shields a meadow of underwater grasslands, which attracts truly fascinating creatures: Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). This film takes a close look at a typical day under the sea and, for the first time on this channel, pulls nature into focus.
A personal commitment.
Sponsorship is a crucial factor in making a Youtube Channel viable. The time spent to create these videos is in no way proportionate to the revenue the channel could ever create on its own - and in order to be able to publish videos regularly without compromising quality, it is important to get brands and businesses involved that embrace the same ideas and can add value to the channel.
Clear Indications
When watching a video on the channel @flytoptiermedia you never have to ask yourself if it contains sponsorship. Any kind of advertisement will be clearly indicated.
Long-lasting Partnerships
If a brand gets involved, the collaboration is aimed at long-lasting success rather than a one-time ad.
A personal Match
Brands and products are not integrated simply to the highest bidder, as the brand's identity and product/service must be a match for both myself as well as the channel and add value.
No scripted lines
Sponsors often urge to use supplied bullet points or "sizzle words" that are their preferred framing of a product or service - just as servers would at a restaurant. Yet scripted lines have no place on this channel.
Independent at the Core
Just as with the Cinematic Flight Reports, no sponsorship can interfere with the core values of a series. Even if that means missing out on potential deals.
Story comes First
When there is no story to tell, there is no video. I refuse to create empty content just for the purpose of sponsorship. This does mean fewer videos, but it also means you can trust what you see.
In case you did not find the answers you were looking for, check the FAQs below or reach out for a personal comment. Marcel
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What cameras and equipment do you use for your YouTube videos?
I get this question a lot and mostly decline to answer it politely. Camera brands and used lenses have varied widely throughout the years, and my setup is changing constantly even today. I might disclose and even openly promote specific gear of mine at some point in time, but for now, I will keep the focus on my work rather than the tools I use to create it. Something I always say, though, is that story is most important and that a camera itself, whether it's an all-in-one GoPro or a fully rigged RED, will not make a great video on its own. I recommend getting a system that is great for tackling the exact problem you want to solve. Lots of cameras these days produce decent video, yet not all are equally good for certain tasks. Therefore recommending a single setup at this time would not be helpful for you at all.
Are you using stock footage in your videos?
Absolutely not. All shots used are mine.
Is your channel open for sponsorship?
Absolutely, as long as it adds value and doesn't affect the series' authenticity, sponsorship is possible and welcome.
Does staged or sponsored footage appear in your videos?
No. All footage used in the Cinematic Flight Reports is shot precisely for that purpose, and under no circumstances does commercially shot material appear in the series unmarked. Yet, in some instances, shots may appear in other projects afterward - such as several scenes for the projects with the Hilton in Luxor or the Interview with Chef Lendl from the client page. The reason here is simply that the shots needed to tell the story already existed in the Cinematic Flight Reports, and there was no need to shoot the same thing twice, saving time and resources. Especially in an outdoor environment that can't be controlled, it sometimes is convenient to reuse existing shots.
Are your hotel stays sponsored?
All hotels that appear in the Cinematic Flight Reports have been booked and paid for either with cash or points unless marked otherwise. If a hotel is visited because of a commercial project, grants a free stay, or even pays for being featured, this will be clearly addressed in both the video and its description.
In the case of Hilton Luxor, for example, the Episodes of the Cinematic Flight Reports had already been shot and completed before the property became a customer. The shots filmed for commercial purposes were taken during a dedicated stay.
Is there airline sponsorship on your YouTube channel?
As already disclosed on the corresponding page, the Cinematic Flight Reports are independent at the core. That categorically disallows airline sponsorship. My opinion disclosed throughout each Episode needs to be unbiased in order for the series to make sense. Otherwise, it would be nothing more than an airline commercial. I try my best to deliver a modest and respectful commentary that, though of course being subjective, is free of outside influence.
The same standards apply to the entire channel, as the videos in other aviation series follow the same guidelines.
Would you ever accept an airline's invitation?
Yes. There are experiences and flights that you just can't buy a ticket for, such as aircraft deliveries, unique excursion flights, or other events that are not open to the public. I absolutely would welcome to join as an aviation enthusiast, but this can not be part of the Cinematic Flight Reports or other series that have an independent and self-funded policy.