NEFLIX DOPE: Series Aerial Cinematography by Thomas C. Miller

The Netflix docuseries DOPE offers an unfiltered look at the illegal drug trade, told from the perspectives of dealers, users, and law enforcement. To capture the scale and intensity of this underground world, the series relied on striking aerial cinematography—shot by Thomas C. Miller. As the Aerial Cinematographer for DOPE, Thomas was responsible for every aspect of the aerial filming process. He traveled to each filming location, arranged helicopter charters, transported specialized camera equipment, and personally installed the Cineflex gimbal system on the helicopters. Working closely with the director, he interpreted the shot list to ensure each aerial sequence added depth and context to the storytelling. With strict time constraints—just 1.5 hours for daytime flights and 1.5 hours at night—every moment in the air counted. Precision, efficiency, and technical expertise were critical. Thomas' experience and ability to operate under pressure ensured that each location’s aerial footage was captured seamlessly, providing the series with its signature sweeping visuals. With over 30 years of experience in aerial cinematography, Thomas has worked on major productions for Netflix, National Geographic, BBC, and Disney+. His ability to execute complex aerial shoots makes him a go-to cinematographer for high-stakes film and television projects. For more on Thomas C. Miller’s aerial cinematography work, visit his website or reach out today.