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Motion Picture and 

Television Operations

Manual

Octofilms, LLC

Attn: Shane Latham

2021 Grismer Ave. #30

Burbank, CA 91504

http:// http://octofilms.com/
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Table of Contents

§ 1 Introduction 4

§ 1.1. Purpose 4

§ 1.2. Description of production activities 4

§ 2 Operator organization 4

§ 2.1. Chief Pilot 5

§ 2.2. Pilot personnel minimum requirements 5

§ 3 Persons authorized 6

§ 4 Area of operations 6

§ 5 sUAS flight operations and limitations 6

§ 6 Pilot in Command duties and responsibilities 8

§ 7 Plan of activities to be filed with FAA FSDO 9

§ 8 Permission to Operate 9

§ 9 Security 10

§ 10 Barriers and other perimeter confinement 10

§ 11 Briefing of pilot/production personnel 11

§ 12 Communications 11

§ 13 Accident/incident notification 11

§ 14 Insurance 12

Appendix A .1 – List of approved pilots 12

Appendix A .2 – List of approved UA 12

Appendix A .3 – Permission form 13

Appendix A.4 – Personnel overflight permission 14
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§ 1 Introduction

This manual (the “MPTOM”) governs all closed-set motion picture, television, and 

advertising activities conducted by Octofilms, LLC (hereinafter “Octofilms” or “the 

operator”].

§ 1.1.Purpose

This manual was developed by Octofilms, LLC, a California limited liability company 

(CA Secretary of State entity no. 201514210029), hereafter referred to as "Octofilms," in 

conjunction with its Petition for a section 333 exemption from certain Federal Aviation 

Rules (“FARs”), as set forth in the Petition, for the purpose of closed-set motion picture,

television, and advertising production. Octofilms’s UAS operators and other company 

personnel must comply with the policies, procedures, and limitations of this manual, 

whenever motion picture, television, or advertising sUAS operations are performed that 

require a section 333 exemption.

§ 1.2.Description of production activities

Octofilms will fly one or more sUAS to support motion picture, television, and 

advertising production.

§ 2 Operator organization

Octofilms is located at:

Octofilms, LLC

Attn: Shane Latham

2021 Grismer Ave. #30

Burbank, CA 91504

Octofilms is owned and managed by its organizer, Shane Latham. Octofilms, LLC, is a 

California limited liability company (CA Secretary of State entity no. 201514210029). It 

provides a variety of photographic, video, gimbal, and recording systems to collect digital 

imagery. Octofilms uses the latest in brushless gimbal technology to ensure imagery that 

is the most stable, and highest quality possible. Based in the Los Angeles area, Octofilms

and its proprietor, Shane Latham, have worked with more than 600 companies, including

NBC, National Geographic, Nike, GMC, Chevy, Corvette, BMW, Sheraton Hotels &

Resorts, Coldwell Banker, Encore, DefJam Recordings, and Red Bull.

Octofilms has been operating for 3 1/2 years and has been a leader in its industry in 

helping pave the way for safe operation of drones. Octofilms is sponsored by both DJI 

and 3DR and has been called upon these companies to test and give feedback on their 

drones before they hit the market.
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Shane Latham, the proprietor of Octofilms, has been flying RC helicopters and drones, 

including many multicopters, for over 14 years. He has over 14,000 flights with no crashes 

or injuries. 

Octofilms and Latham have been asked to speak at several panels in the drone industry to 

discuss working in the TV/Film industry and safety and holds classes on how to operate 

drones safely.

§ 2.1.Chief Pilot

Esteban Jimenez

Duties and Responsibilities:

 Exercise final authority in the formulation of policy and procedures 

concerning this manual.

 Act as liaison between Octofilms and the FAA on matters concerning this 

manual.

 Assure that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtain 

a signed statement from each that he or she has read and understands its contents

 Maintain a current copy of this manual at Octofilms’s main base of 

operations.

 Ensure that all revisions to this manual are distributed and processed 

properly.

 Approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by 

Octofilms under the provisions of this manual.

 Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such.

 Delegate functions to other personnel, while retaining responsibility.

§ 2.2.Pilot personnel minimum requirements

All PICs must hold an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot 

certificate. Each PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid 

U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a 

possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight review 

requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or 

her pilot certificate.

Octofilms will not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability 

safely to operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS must be operated 

under this Manual, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining 

appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification 

flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51(b). 

Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs (training, proficiency, 

and experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability safely to operate the UAS will 
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be conducted in a manner consistent with how the UAS must be operated under this 

Manual and under the terms of the requested exemption. Training operations must be 

conducted only during dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency, and 

experience-building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considered 

nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UAS with appropriate distance from 

nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119 or under permissions granted 

pursuant to this Manual.

§ 3 Persons authorized

The exemption and its associated COA apply only to those persons, vehicles and 

structures directly involved in the actual production. Octofilms will ensure that no 

persons are allowed within 500 feet of the flight area except those consenting to be 

involved and necessary for the production. This provision may be reduced to no less than 

200 feet if an equivalent level of safety can be achieved. For example, an equivalent level 

of safety may be determined by a PIC's evaluation of the production area to note terrain 

features, obstructions, and buildings. Such barriers may protect nonparticipating persons 

(e.g., observers, the public, and news media) from debris in the event of an accident.

§ 4 Area of operations

Octofilms’s approved area of operations are the United States, including Alaska and 

Hawaii.

§ 5 sUAS flight operations and limitations

Octofilms will operate its vehicles only under the following circumstances:

1. The UA will not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). In 

no case will the UA be operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA 

operating airspeed recommended by the aircraft manufacturer.

2. The UA will be operated at an altitude of no more than 200 feet above ground level 

(AGL). Altitude will be reported in feet AGL.

3. The UA will be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. 

The PIC will use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, 

as specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate or U.S. driver’s 

license.

4. All operations will utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA will be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used 

to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS 

capability. The VO and PIC will be able to communicate orally at all times; 

electronic messaging or texting will not occur during flight operations. The PIC 
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will be designated before the flight and will not transfer his or her designation for 

the duration of the flight. The PIC will ensure that the VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.

5. This Manual, the requested exemption and all documents needed to operate the 

UAS and conduct its operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations 

of the requested grant of exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating 

documents. The operating documents will be accessible during UAS operations 

and will be made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy 

exists between the conditions and limitations in this Manual, the exemption and 

the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the most restrictive 

conditions and limitations will take precedence and be followed. Otherwise, 

Octofilms will follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The 

operator may update or revise its operating documents, and track such revisions 

and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator or any law 

enforcement official upon request. 

6. If Octofilms determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon 

which the FAA granted the requested exemption, it will petition for an 

amendment to its grant of exemption. 

7. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS 

operation or flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, 

will undergo a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under 

the requested exemption. Functional test flights will only be conducted by a PIC 

with a VO and will remain at least 500 feet from other people. The functional test 

flight will be conducted in such a manner so as not to pose an undue hazard to 

persons and property.

8. Octofilms will maintain and inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for 

safe operation.

9. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the 

inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft 

must not be operated until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the 

UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight.

10. Radio communication, oral, visual or a combination must be utilized to keep the 

participants continuously apprised of the current status of operation.

11. Octofilms will follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and aircraft 

components.

12. Each UAS operated under the requested exemption will comply with all 

manufacturer safety bulletins.

13. Some sUAS flights will take place after sunset. To ensure the safety of the flight, 

the event will have sufficient lighting and all of the UA will fly at heights above
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the ground that make them easily visible by the PIC, the VO, participants, and 

other aircraft.

14. The UA will not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) 

as denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to Octofilms. 

The letter of agreement with the airport management will be made available to the 

Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

15. The UA will not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the 

PIC.

16. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the PIC must cause the 

UA to return to a predetermined location within the private or controlled-access 

property.

17. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

18. The PIC must not begin a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather 

conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended 

operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

19. All operations must be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA, 

including the COA accompanying approval of Octofilm’s section 333 exemption. 

Octofilms will apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the COA attached to the 

requested exemption.

20. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption will be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47 or 14 CFR Part 48, and have 

identification (N-Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C, 

or 14 CFR Part 48. Markings will be as large as practicable.

21. Documents used by Octofilms to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS 

and any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 will be available to 

the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating.

22. These documents will be made available to the Administrator or any law 

enforcement official upon request.

23. The UA will remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times.

24. The UAS will not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

§ 6 Pilot in Command duties and responsibilities
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 Assure that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and that all 

inspections and required maintenance have been performed according to 

applicable FAR's.

 Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual.

 Master the contents of this Manual and abide by the procedures, policies 

and conditions contained herein.

 Coordinate with movie and television personnel to formulate plans, routes, 

locations, and procedures with safety of all persons involved in the primary 

concern.

 Maintain his or her copy of this Manual in current condition and have it on 

site at any job or operation requiring the waiver.

 The PIC may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains 

responsibility.

§ 7 Plan of activities to be filed with FAA FSDO

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled flight operations, Octofilms will submit a 

written plan of activities to the FAA’s FSDO with jurisdiction over the area where the 

operations will occur, unless the FSDO waives the 3-day notice period. The plan of 

activities will include at least the following:

1. Dates and times for all flights;

2. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial data collection

conducted under this Manual and the grant of exemption;

3. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene 

operation of the UAS;

4. Make, model, and serial or N-number of UAS to be used;

5. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

6. A statement that Octofilms has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those who 

gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

7. Signature of Octofilms representative; and

8. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, 

city, town, county, and/or state over which flight operations will be conducted and 

the altitudes essential to accomplish the operation.. 

If Octofilms seeks waiver of the 3-day notification requirement, it will contact the FSDO 

and explain in detail why the three (3) day notification is not practicable.

§ 8 Permission to Operate
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Before any flight operations are conducted at less than 500 feet AGL under the provisions 

of the exemption and COA, Octofilms will obtain permission to conduct these operations 

from property owners and local officials as necessary or appropriate. Persons or entities 

from which permission may be required are listed below:

(1) Property owners

(2) Law enforcement officials

(3) Fire department officials

(4) Local, State and Federal government

(5) Air traffic control

Octofilms personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever 

practicable, but oral permission is acceptable when necessary. The permission form 

provided in Appendix A.3 will may be used when obtaining written permission. 

Octofilms personnel will ensure that a sufficient number of those forms are available at 

the job site. Written permission forms will be maintained at the job site until flight 

operations are completed, and then maintained by Octofilms for a minimum of six

months. These forms will be made available for inspection by the FAA or other official 

personnel upon request.

§ 9 Security

Prior to any flight operation, Octofilms will coordinate with appropriate production 

personnel to devise a plan of securing the area(s) of operation from all unauthorized 

persons and vehicles. Octofilms will discontinue operations immediately if the area

becomes unsecured or for any other reason safety is likely to be compromised.

§ 10 Barriers and other perimeter confinement

All Flight operations will be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons, 

vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

 Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating 

persons from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. Octofilms

will ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a 

situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and 

are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a 

manner ensuring the safety of nonparticipating persons’ and

 The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted 

permission for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a 

safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and 

determined that it does not present an undue hazard.
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The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons to the production, such as actors, 

cinematographers, sound and lighting professionals directors, producers, and their 

assistants are not considered nonparticipating persons.

§ 11 Briefing of pilot/production personnel

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the PIC must

conduct a briefing of participating personnel on all procedures, the risks involved, 

emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the production event. 

Personnel must also be briefed on additional provisions that may be issued by the FSDO 

that has geographic responsibility for the operational area, including the location of 

boundaries or time limits. The briefing shall cover:

 Terms of the section 333 exemption and attached COA

 This MPTOM

 Plan of activities

 Aircraft parking and starting

 Pre-launch procedures

 Radio communications

 Takeoff procedures

 Aviation activities to be conducted during the production event

 Approach and landing procedures

 Recall procedures

 Emergency procedures

 Risks to participating personnel

 How to control nonparticipating persons

§ 12 Communications

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the pilot in command must

formulate a plan to provide communications capability to all participants during the 

actual operation and aerial data collection. Oral, visual or radio communications may be 

used as long as they are effective and are capable of keeping the participants continuously 

apprised of the current status of the operation.

§ 13 Accident/incident notification

Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) 

according to instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov or terms of the 

section 333 exemption, whichever is most restrictive.
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Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA will be reported to 

the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) within 24 hours. 

§ 14 Insurance

Octofilms has obtained and will maintain in force $5 million of liability insurance 

coverage to protect participants and the public.

Appendix A .1 – List of approved pilots

List of Approved Pilots

Chief Pilot

Name: Esteban Jiminez

Certificate Number: 3148945

Level of rating: Commercial

Medical Class/Date: Second; 19 June 2014

Contact Number: (323) 500-8336

Pilots

Name Cert. No. Rating

Medical class/

Date Contact no.

Appendix A .2 – List of approved UA

Make and Model Registration Number
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Appendix A .3 – Permission form

Octofilms, LLC

Permission Form

In signing this form, I am giving Octofilms, LLC, permission to operate its small 

Unmanned Aircraft systems at less than 500 feet from property as to which I have rights 

to control access, for the purpose of motion picture, television or advertising production.

Grantor of permission

Signature: __________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________

Title:_______________________________________________

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission:

____________________________________________________

Location:____________________________________________

Date signed:_________________________________________

Date of Operation:____________________________________

Octofilms representative receiving permission

Signature:___________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________

Title:________________________________________________

Date:________________________________________________
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Appendix A.4 – Personnel overflight permission

In signing this form, I am giving Octofilms, LLC, permission to operate its small 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems at less than 500 feet from me for the purpose of motion 

picture, television or advertising production.

I have been briefed on the risks of such sUAS activities and hereby accept the risks.

Grantor:

Signature:____________________________________________

Name:_______________________________________________

Title:________________________________________________

Location:_____________________________________________

Date signed:___________________________________________

Date of Operation:_____________________________________

Octofilms representative receiving permission: 

Signature_____________________________________________

Name:________________________________________________

Title:__________________________________________________

Date received:__________________________________________