FTC Solar

William Elliot

Hybrid Creative

Industrial Cinematography for a Leader in Renewable Energy

The Challenge

FTC Solar needed to capture the immense scale and technical sophistication of their utility-scale installations, particularly their flagship Firwood location set against the iconic backdrop of Mt. Hood. The primary challenge was environmental: the vast, acre-spanning terrain and the notoriously unpredictable Oregon weather—including persistent wildfire smoke—made guaranteeing a perfect, crystal-clear shot for a high-value corporate mural a significant logistical and creative problem.

My Solution

My approach was rooted in meticulous planning and an uncompromising commitment to quality. To overcome the environmental variables, I implemented a multi-faceted solution:

Professional Flight Operations

Safety and compliance were paramount. I partnered with a commercially certified helicopter pilot who performed a detailed aerial reconnaissance of the site. During the UAV shoots, he served as my on-the-ground, line-of-sight visual observer, ensuring we operated with the utmost safety and full adherence to FAA regulations.

Advanced Environmental Forecasting

I utilized sophisticated weather and atmospheric monitoring software to analyze conditions and pinpoint precise, narrow windows of opportunity when the air would be clear and the light would be optimal.

A Client-Centric Guarantee

I offered a flexible, “conditions-permitting” scheduling commitment. This assured the client that I would only conduct the shoot when the environment allowed for the perfect shot, guaranteeing their complete satisfaction with the final assets.

Advanced Post-Production

For the panoramic mural, I performed advanced, pixel-perfect photo compositing and worked directly with the print company to ensure the final, large-format output was flawless. Video assets were professionally color-graded and edited to create dynamic sequences for various marketing and web applications.

The Results

By transforming environmental challenges into a matter of precise planning, I successfully delivered a comprehensive suite of high-impact visual assets.

A Polished Library

I produced a library of striking aerial and ground-based photography and videography from multiple sites, used to bolster FTC Solar’s marketing and internal communications.

A Stunning Centerpiece

I delivered a flawless, high-resolution panoramic composite of the Firwood site with a pristine Mt. Hood backdrop. This image was successfully produced as a wall-to-ceiling mural, becoming a stunning centerpiece in the company’s corporate headquarters and a powerful visual representation of their brand.