FLIGHT LOG

All new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness (Shot on Dji Inspire 3)

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.

Dji Inspire 3 FPV Camera View — Pilot View via the Dji Inspire 3

FPV Shots (Stills)

Our FPV Selects (Video)

Our favorite FPV shots

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.

Our Favorite Inspire 3 Shots

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!

Drone Pilot Wolfgang Weber and Aerial dp Dominic Bendijo — Drone/FPV Pilot Wolfgang Weber (Left) Aerial Dp Dominic Bendijo (Right)

CHECK OUT THE FULL VIDEO HERE!

Introducing the new 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and the new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

Want to see the gear we use on set? Check out our curated selection of drones, accessories, and filmmaking essentials on our Amazon Store.

Since its release, the DJI Inspire 3 has been a game-changer for aerial cinematography. Now, two years later with the DJI Inspire 3, we at AIRWOLF Drones can confidently say that this drone has redefined the industry and how we do business, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerial filmmaking. From tracking wild horses to executing high-speed car shots and confidently flying over water, the Inspire 3 has proven itself time and again.

2 years later with the Dji Inspire 3 Cinematic - Performance in Real-World Projects

Tracking Wild Horses

One of our most challenging shoots involved tracking wild horses in remote terrain. The Inspire 3’s agility, stability, range and image quality allowed us to capture breathtaking footage that would have been nearly impossible with previous models. Without it, we likely wouldn't have had a successful shoot.

Track Day with Hawx

For our commercial work, the Inspire 3 was crucial in a Hawx 500 project with Boot Barn Work where we used it as an arm car, navigating at Willow Springs International Speedway in California. The precision and stability of the drone made it the perfect tool for capturing dynamic, high-speed vehicle shots that traditional methods would have struggled with.

Mag Bay Yachts Overwater Filming

Additionally, during a shoot for Mag Bay Yachts, we needed absolute confidence while flying over water. The Inspire 3 provided that confidence, allowing us to capture shots of flying low and fast skimming the water. The combination of reliability, flight control, and image quality made it the ideal platform for such demanding conditions.

The Shift Away from Large Payload Drones

The Inspire 3’s small form factor and high-quality imaging have led to a noticeable shift in client requests. In the past, larger drones were necessary to carry heavy payload cameras for premium cinematic shots at the request of the directors and dp's. However, with the Inspire 3 delivering uncompromising image quality in a compact design, the demand for larger payload drones has significantly declined. This is only speaking for ourselves and our client base. Other companies may not have experienced the decline. Productions can now achieve the same high-end results with a more streamlined and cost-effective system.

Inspire 3 Limitations: Anamorphic Lens Needs

Dji Inspire 3 Lens Limitations

While the Inspire 3 excels in many areas, one of its remaining limitations is its reliance on still lenses. This can sometimes be restrictive in certain shooting scenarios. Despite its outstanding image quality, the lack of anamorphic lens options means that operators must carefully plan their shots and positioning in advance.

Even with the release of the 75mm lens, an excellent addition to the Inspire 3 line up, we would love to see DJI introduce anamorphic lenses. While third-party modifications exist, having a native DJI solution would provide better integration and overall performance, allowing aerial filmmakers to achieve even more cinematic visuals straight out of the box.

The Future of Aerial Cinematography

The DJI Inspire 3 has raised the bar for aerial cinematography, offering unmatched image quality, intelligent flight systems, and a robust ecosystem. Over the past two years, it has become an essential tool in our workflow, helping us execute complex, high-end shots with precision and efficiency.

As we continue to refine our craft, the Inspire 3 remains at the forefront of our aerial cinematography projects. Whether it’s capturing high-speed chases, dynamic landscapes, or intricate commercial shots, it continues to exceed expectations.

For those looking to integrate next-level aerial cinematography into their projects, AIRWOLF Drones is here to help. Reach out to us to discuss how we can bring your vision to life with the Inspire 3.

Wolfgang Weber and Rob Watt on location for boot barn work hawx shoot — Pilot Wolfgang Weber (Right) & Aerial DP Rob Watt (Left) On Location for Boot Barn Work Hawx Shoot