Behind the Wings ®
The Podcast – S6, Episode 52
Aerial Coordinator and Stunt Pilot Kevin “K2” LaRosa shares how he brought some of the most complex aviation movie scenes to life.
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In this episode, Kevin discusses designing and flying the modified L-39 CineJet, filming iconic movies like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Devotion”, and training A-list Hollywood actors. If you’ve seen aerial cinematography on the big screen lately, it’s likely Kevin had a hand in it. Be sure to tune in because there’s an exclusive announcement this episode! This one is going to be cool!
Want to hear more “Top Gun” stories? Check out Episode 40 with “Maverick” Stunt Pilot Scott “Intake” Kartvedt!
Key Takeaways:
- When Tom Cruise wanted to make Maverick, he tasked Kevin to find a faster, more powerful cinema jet in order to get the most exciting shots. Kevin went to the drawing board, and the L-39 CineJet was born, an aircraft with a large, high-speed camera mounted to the front.
- Kevin discusses how intense aviation scenes are shot. He uses the “crawl, walk, run” technique to meticulously rehearse and practice dangerous stunts. When it’s shoot day, and you’re flying 18 inches off another aircraft at high speeds, everything has to be perfect.
- In episode 40, we talked with Maverick Stunt Pilot Scott “Intake” Kartvedt, who told his story about dogfighting with a helicopter at 70 feet. Kevin was piloting that helicopter, and gives his unique take on what that experience was like and how everyone stayed safe.
Resources:
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