anthropological urbanism

Eyes in the sky

We are used to see aerial views of cityscapes during protests and demonstrations as helicopters buzz over head and cameras swivel to try and capture unobscured views. Likewise we’ve become accustomed too seeing journalists with tele-lenses on rooftops giving birds-eye views of events on the streets below. However these views are relatively unaccessible and generally only go out through official media channels. Its been interesting to see CBS News in the States beaming live unedited photoage of the Occupy Wall Street protests yesterday live on its Ustream Channel.

But how about some alternatives? This amazing video shows a camera attached to model helicopter flown over police lines at a recent demonstration in Warsaw, Poland. Something about the picture quality and the light makes this extremely watch-able, what with the tiny people running about and sense of action which you don’t just get in real life size helicopter video (like above). Full-screen it and sit back!

As pointed out at Kottke, there is something amazing cinematic about this film, maybe we are heading somewhere where the news will become more “aesthetically watch-able”. I’m sure there are more serious implications though, rather than just for my viewing pleasure. What does it mean for people on the ground (and protesters) to have access to this kind of footage? What are the implications for sitting at home and watching events which might wield considerable power?

Last year, on one of the many exciting student protests which arguably helped shaped the country for events to come in 2011, I met a man who was busy filming around Parliament Square from a weather balloon which was flying way above the crowds below.

Whilst it doesn’t have quite the same effect as the helicopter it was great to see the balloon hoover about all day.

Lastly back to ground level for The Other 99’s Ustream channel which is fast spreading around the internet and in some sort of reality-TV way is really addictive watching. Following the camera as it makes it way live around Occupy Wall Street in New York City chatting to the participants.