Widow’s Bay Wins 14 Emmys: Behind Our Drone Cinematography for Apple TV

Airborne Studios provided the drone cinematography for the Episode 1 title sequence of Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay—the shot of Shep’s boat sitting in the fog as the title appears. It’s a quiet, unsettling introduction to the series, and a sequence we’re proud to have contributed to.

Filming off Gloucester, Massachusetts, we flew an ARRI ALEXA 35 with a Tamashii 35mm lens on our Freefly ALTA X heavy-lift drone. Working with director Hiro Murai and director of photography Christian Sprenger, ASC, our team helped capture the image they envisioned.

Taking Off and Landing From a Boat

The biggest challenge was safely launching and landing the aircraft from a boat throughout the shoot.

Every takeoff and landing was coordinated with the assistant directors, with their go-ahead before each operation. We also had to ensure sufficient onboard power to support our equipment and keep the aerial unit ready between flights.

There’s a considerable amount of coordination behind a shot that looks still on screen. Clear communication, careful preparation, and making sure we could repeat the operation safely were just as important as capturing the footage.

Flying the ALEXA 35 With a Tamashii 35mm Lens

For this sequence, the ARRI ALEXA 35 and Tamashii 35mm lens were central to the camera package. We were filming in low light on the ocean, with extensive visual-effects work planned, and Christian had a specific lens he wanted to use.

Our Freefly ALTA X heavy-lift setup allowed us to fly that camera-and-lens combination rather than adapting the shot around a smaller drone camera. That flexibility is a key part of our approach to aerial cinematography for film and television: supporting the creative choices of the director and camera department.

Supporting Major Apple TV Productions

Widow’s Bay joins our work on Apple TV productions including Your Friends & Neighbors and Echo Valley, continuing our experience providing drone cinematography for high-end television and feature films.

Congratulations to the Entire Widow’s Bay Team

Congratulations to the cast, crew, and everyone behind Widow’s Bay on 14 Emmy wins in 2026, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing for Hiro Murai, and Outstanding Writing for Katie Dippold. Special congratulations also go to Christian Sprenger, ASC, for his cinematography Emmy for Episode 6, “Our History.”

It takes an incredible team to bring a series like this to life. We’re grateful to have contributed to the Episode 1 title sequence and to everyone who trusted us with the shot.

For heavy-lift drone cinematography, FPV filming, and aerial production services in New York, Boston, and beyond, contact Airborne Studios.