Back2Back Productions, Murder in Mind for ITVX
Capturing Cinematic Drone Footage for a National True Crime Documentary
At Beaumont Studio, we understand that every television production has its own unique challenges. Whether we're filming for broadcasters, production companies or commercial organisations, our role is to deliver exceptional aerial cinematography that enhances the story while working seamlessly alongside the wider production team.
Our Recent Work page showcases a selection of projects that demonstrate the quality, professionalism and reliability our clients can expect. From large-scale commercial developments to television documentaries, every assignment receives the same level of planning, attention to detail and commitment to delivering outstanding results.
One recent project saw Beaumont Studio working with Back2Back Productions, an award-winning television production company, to capture cinematic drone footage for the ITVX documentary series Murder in Mind.
The Opportunity
Television productions often require specialist aerial filming that not only looks cinematic but also serves a very specific editorial purpose.
Back2Back Productions contacted Beaumont Studio after searching for an experienced drone operator capable of filming both daytime and nighttime aerial sequences in Bournemouth.
The footage was required for Episode 10 of Murder in Mind, a compelling true crime documentary series exploring the psychological factors that contribute to violent crime.
Unlike many documentary productions that rely solely on archive material, this programme required contemporary aerial footage to establish the locations where the events unfolded and provide viewers with a genuine sense of place.
The brief was clear.
Capture a collection of cinematic drone footage that established Bournemouth's coastline, Durley Chine Beach and the surrounding areas while complementing the programme's interviews and narrative.
The footage needed to meet broadcast standards, be delivered quickly and integrate seamlessly into a major television production.
Exactly the kind of assignment Beaumont Studio specialises in.
About Back2Back Productions
Back2Back Productions is a wholly independent, award-winning television production company based in Brighton.
Specialising in factual entertainment and unscripted television, the company develops and produces high-quality programmes for UK and international broadcasters, combining innovative storytelling with experienced production teams.
Working alongside international partners including FilmRise, which holds exclusive North American rights, and Blue Ant International, Back2Back Productions continues to produce compelling factual programming for audiences around the world.
Murder in Mind follows the success of the acclaimed true crime series Killers: Caught on Camera, but instead shifts the focus towards understanding the psychology of those who commit violent crimes.
Each episode follows a single case, exploring how life experiences, personal circumstances and psychological factors may have contributed to the decisions that ultimately resulted in murder. The programme makes one important distinction throughout. It is a journey of explanation, never excuse.
The Programme
Episode 10 focuses on one of the most shocking crimes to take place on the south coast in recent years.
On the evening of 24 May 2024, two women relaxing on Durley Chine Beach in Bournemouth were subjected to a completely unprovoked knife attack. Amie Gray, aged 34, tragically lost her life following the attack.
Leanne Miles, aged 38, survived despite sustaining twenty knife wounds.
The attacker, Nasen Saadi, a 21-year-old criminology student from the University of Greenwich, was arrested following an extensive police investigation involving CCTV footage and digital evidence. Following a trial at Winchester Crown Court, Saadi was convicted of murder and attempted murder before receiving a life sentence with a minimum term of 39 years.
The documentary examines not only the investigation but also the psychological factors that investigators believe contributed to the crime. Because the programme is built around real events, authenticity and sensitivity were essential throughout the production.
Understanding the Brief
Unlike commercial promotional films, documentary productions demand accuracy above everything else.
Every aerial shot needed to support the narrative without becoming distracting.
The producer supplied Beaumont Studio with a detailed shot list identifying specific locations that would establish the geography of Bournemouth Beach and provide viewers with context throughout the programme.
The objectives included:
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Establishing Bournemouth's coastline.
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Capturing Durley Chine Beach.
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Providing context for contributor interview locations.
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Showing the surrounding landscape and seafront.
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Capturing both daytime and nighttime aerial sequences.
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Delivering broadcast-quality footage suitable for national television.
Careful Planning Comes First
Professional drone operations begin long before arriving on location.
Before filming commenced, Beaumont Studio carried out extensive planning to ensure the production could proceed safely and legally.
This included:
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Civil Aviation Authority airspace checks.
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Flight planning.
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Risk assessments.
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Weather monitoring.
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Location surveys.
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Safe operating procedures for both day and night flights.
Night operations require additional preparation and greater attention to safety than standard daytime filming.
Every flight must comply with Civil Aviation Authority regulations while also meeting the practical demands of television production.
By completing this planning in advance, filming was able to proceed efficiently without unnecessary delays.
Going Beyond the Brief
At Beaumont Studio, we believe every project deserves more than simply completing a shot list.
Whenever conditions allow, we always look for additional opportunities to enhance a production.
This project was no exception.
After completing every requested drone shot, we continued filming additional sequences that we felt could strengthen the programme.
These included extra aerial angles together with handheld cinematic footage captured beneath and around Bournemouth Pier.
We also recorded slow-motion sequences that created additional atmosphere and visual interest.
These weren't specifically requested.They were simply opportunities we recognised while on location.Several of these additional shots ultimately appeared in the final broadcast.
It's a good example of how Beaumont Studio consistently aims to deliver more value than clients expect.
Delivering Broadcast Quality
Back at the studio, the captured footage was carefully reviewed and prepared for delivery. Broadcast productions demand exceptionally high technical standards. Every clip was checked for stability, exposure, colour consistency and overall quality before being supplied to the production team.
Organised file structures, efficient delivery and clear communication ensured Back2Back Productions could immediately begin integrating the material into the documentary edit. By supplying professionally prepared footage, the production team could focus on storytelling rather than spending valuable time correcting technical issues.
Collaboration Throughout the Production
One of the reasons television producers enjoy working with Beaumont Studio is our collaborative approach. We understand that we're one part of a much larger production. Communication throughout the project remained clear and efficient from the initial briefing through to final delivery.
The required footage was captured exactly as requested while the additional material provided even greater flexibility during the edit. Most importantly, everything was delivered on time and within the agreed budget.
Professional television production depends upon reliability. It's something we pride ourselves on delivering every time.
Why Detail Matters
Many viewers will never consciously notice an establishing drone shot. That's exactly how it should be.
Its purpose is to quietly establish location, atmosphere and scale before allowing the story to unfold naturally.
In Murder in Mind, our footage helped transport viewers to Bournemouth Beach, providing geographical context that supported interviews, archive footage and investigative storytelling throughout the episode.
The best drone cinematography doesn't distract from the story. It strengthens it.
Working with Television Production Companies
Projects like Murder in Mind demonstrate Beaumont Studio's ability to work within fast-paced television environments where deadlines, editorial requirements and technical standards leave no room for compromise.
We regularly support production companies with:
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Broadcast-quality drone cinematography.
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Documentary filming.
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Television establishing shots.
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Commercial productions.
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News gathering.
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Feature programming.
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Additional aerial photography.
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Location scouting support.
Whether we're working alongside a full television crew or supporting a producer remotely, our objective remains the same.
Deliver exceptional footage with minimum disruption and maximum professionalism.
Why Clients Choose Beaumont Studio
Television producers need confidence that aerial filming will be completed safely, legally and efficiently.
When production schedules are tight, reliability becomes just as important as creativity.
Clients choose Beaumont Studio because we provide:
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Professional CAA-compliant drone operations.
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Extensive planning before every flight.
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High-end cinematic aerial footage.
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Flexible working alongside production teams.
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Efficient communication throughout every project.
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Fast turnaround times.
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Reliable delivery on schedule and within budget.
It's this combination of technical expertise, creative filmmaking and dependable project delivery that has enabled Beaumont Studio to work on productions for broadcasters, commercial organisations and businesses across the UK.
Watch the Finished Programme
The completed episode demonstrates how carefully planned aerial cinematography can add atmosphere, establish location and strengthen visual storytelling in broadcast television.
From sweeping views of Bournemouth's coastline to carefully composed night sequences, the footage integrates naturally into the documentary, helping viewers understand both the geography of the location and the events that unfolded there.
You can watch Episode 10, The Incel, of Murder in Mind on ITVX, where Beaumont Studio's aerial cinematography features throughout the programme.
Watch the episode - https://www.itv.com/watch/murder-in-mind/10a7365/10a7365a0010
Beaumont Studio are incredibly talented and professional, their drone footage is absolutely breath-taking. They captured every detail perfectly, and the final product exceeded all expectations. Communication was smooth, scheduling was easy, and the turnaround time was super quick. Highly recommend Beaumont Studio for anyone looking for top-quality drone work! Thanks from all of us at back2back!
Josh Sallon - Back2Back Productions
