Kirk Watson — Drone Operator & Aerial Cinematographer

Kirk Watson is a Scotland-based drone operator, aerial cinematographer and camera operator specialising in cinematic aerial filming for film, television and commercial productions. He is regularly hired by production companies and broadcasters to capture high-quality aerial footage efficiently, safely and creatively, both in the UK and internationally.

Specialism

Kirk is primarily hired as a drone operator and aerial cinematographer, often working with high-end cinema drone systems including the Inspire 3 with X9 camera, alongside smaller drones for lightweight or fast-moving productions. He is known for producing beautifully timed aerial shots, working quickly on set and integrating smoothly with existing camera departments.

Before specialising in drones, Kirk worked as a camera operator, developing a strong understanding of composition, movement and visual storytelling. This background means he approaches aerial filming with a cinematographer’s eye, understanding how shots need to work within an edit, whether filmed from the ground or from the air. He continues to work as a camera operator and enjoys both roles equally.

Selected Credits

• National Geographic — Europe From the Air (3 series)

• BBC — including Roaming in the Wild and Jules and Greg’s Wild Swimming

• ITV — including This Morning

• Brit Rock Films productions

• BAFTA-winning documentary The Great British Sheep Gathering

Experience

With over a decade of professional filming experience, Kirk works across documentary, television, commercial and narrative productions. He is equally comfortable operating as part of a camera team, working solo, or running lightweight remote shooting setups, and is frequently booked for shoots requiring efficiency, adaptability and technical reliability.

He travels internationally, often at short notice, and can work with his own professional equipment or production kit depending on the needs of the shoot.

Expedition & Technical Background

Before working full time in film, Kirk spent over ten years as a professional mountain and outdoor instructor, holding the MIC (Mountain Instructor Certificate), the highest national qualification for mountain leading and climbing. He also worked as a kayak and canoe instructor and spent over six years living in Antarctica as a polar guide for scientists, leading expeditions across glaciers and mountains by foot, ski and snowmobile.

He has worked extensively in remote environments across Europe, Africa, Nepal, Bhutan and New Zealand. These experiences developed strong logistical awareness, calm decision-making and the ability to operate effectively in challenging conditions. Those skills now translate directly into professional filming environments, particularly on shoots in remote or demanding locations.

Approach on Set

Kirk is known for being calm under pressure, easy to work with and highly adaptable. Productions frequently rehire him not only for the quality of his footage but because he brings a steady, positive presence to set, especially on shoots where conditions or schedules are demanding.

Filmmaking Projects

Alongside freelance crew work, Kirk occasionally produces his own films, including South of Sanity, the first fictional feature film ever made entirely in Antarctica, and the award-winning short The Quest for the Golden Roll, created for the international Antarctic 48-hour film festival.

He has also created a range of independent short documentaries, climbing films and online projects, including the documentary Why Winter, which screened at international film festivals and was shown at the Antarctic Cinema Festival in Hobart alongside screenings of Encounters at the End of the World by Werner Herzog. Additional personal projects include short creative films such as the Don’t Be Like Barry series. These productions allow him to experiment creatively and continually refine his filmmaking craft outside of commissioned work.

Early Filmmaking

Kirk first became interested in filmmaking while documenting expeditions and remote journeys with friends, including exploratory trips in northern Kenya and other isolated regions. Wanting to capture these experiences properly led him to teach himself filming, editing and storytelling techniques from scratch.

As his work improved, others began asking him to film projects for them, which gradually developed into professional commissions and led to him working full-time freelancing in the film and television industry.

Certifications

CAA certified drone operator
EASA certified drone operator
MIC — Mountain Instructor Certificate
Emergency First Aid certified
Fully insured for commercial aerial filming

Availability

Available worldwide as a drone operator, aerial cinematographer or camera operator for film, television and commercial productions.

Perfect View Productions Ltd — Company No. SC588785

Aviemore, Scotland, PH22

kirk@perfectviewproductions.co.uk | 01479 812739 | 07788 553559

Drone operator and aerial cinematographer based in Scotland, available internationally.