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various cameras are used for the high-quality still shots,
which are later ‘stitched together’ in post-production.

“Our drones are authorised to fly up to 400ft/120m
AGL (above ground level), but we sometimes want
to go higher, so we use a helicopter. For example, the
opening shot of Waterfall City was photographed from
a helicopter to get a wider angle – just beautiful.”

Martens trained as a mechanical engineer and, in the late
2000s, began designing and building drones for aerial
photography. These drones were rented out to companies
needing aerial footage of their premises. “Before drones
were invented, we actually used remote control helicopters
with cameras and had great fun filming canoeists on the
Duzi and runners doing the Comrades,” he laughs. Helicam
was created in 2009, and now Martens and his team service
clients with virtual tours, photography and videos.

Helicam is also responsible for Phase 2 of the 360-degree
tour, which includes some of Waterfall’s retail offerings.
“The Mall of Africa was one of the first shopping centres
we filmed, and is a massive tour,” explains Martens. “We
started with an aerial drone view at twilight and then moved
in lower and closer to the centre. There are several views
placed around the Mall that you can choose from. You can
navigate each floor level and literally walk around the whole
place. The mirrored site map from inside the Mall shows you
where you are standing in the centre at any given time.”

When we chatted to Martens, he was busy shooting
Waterfall Corner and Polofields Crossing – waiting for a
gap in the rain to get outside and shoot against blue skies.
“Over and above the retail spaces of Waterfall, visitors
to the Waterfall website who use the 360-degree virtual
tour function will also enjoy aerial tours of the residential
and educational properties on the development.”
it provides a 360-degree bubble for you to move
around in and interactively explore the space.” Attacq and Waterfall Management Company are
excited to launch this project – a fully comprehensive
The tour is highly interactive and easy to navigate using 360-degree virtual tour of Waterfall in its entirety. When
certain tools on the screen. “We decided to shoot the accessing the 360-degree function on the website, the
commercial hub from above so you can get a real feel buttons on the left will be your primary navigation
of how big it is. We like to start from above and move in. tools – they will lead you to the places you want to visit
One click takes you to another aerial view or onto the – commercial, education, energy etc. The sidebar helps
ground, and from there, you can continue to discover.” you navigate, and if you prefer to sit back and watch,
the screen will gently pan around without navigation.
Helicam use drones and helicopters when they need
aerial shots. They are licensed drone operators, operating
under an ROC (Remote Operator Certificate) and require Visit www.waterfall.co.za, click on the
clearance approval, have to lodge flight plans and liaise
with the nearest airport, in this case Grand Central Airport 360˚ button in the top right corner of
in Midrand, before carrying out any drone operations. the home page and start exploring.
Weather conditions have to be ideal on the ground, and

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