SCENE 01 / THERMAL IMAGING
Thermal Imaging
Heat visualization for your Icelandic production.
Here is how this works in practice. Thermal imaging cameras detect infrared radiation to visualize heat signatures invisible to standard cameras. Iceland is one of the world's most spectacular thermal subjects—active volcanoes and lava flows on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the geothermal fields around Geysir and the Blue Lagoon, glacier-volcano interactions at Vatnajokull, and elusive Arctic wildlife including Atlantic puffins on the Westman Islands, Arctic foxes in the Westfjords, and humpback whales in Husavik Bay.
Here is the short of it. We source pro FLIR thermal systems and infrared cinematographers across Iceland, working with Film in Iceland, the Icelandic Film Centre, and the Reykjavik Film Office. Our team sets up gear customs, secures permits at Vatnajokull and Thingvellir national parks, manages volcanic safety zones with the Icelandic Met Office, and makes sure your thermal footage qualifies for Iceland's 25% production cost reimbursement.
Capabilities
Thermal Services
Professional thermal imaging for documentary, scientific, and creative applications.
01
Thermal Cameras
- FLIR professional
- High-resolution sensors
- Real-time display
- Recording capability
- Multiple palettes
Heat Visualization
02
Production
- Narrative integration
- Documentary filming
- Scientific capture
- Wildlife tracking
- Technical imaging
Diverse Applications
03
Analysis
- Temperature data
- Heat patterns
- Thermal anomalies
- Comparative imaging
- Data export
Scientific Data
04
Creative
- Color palettes
- Aesthetic looks
- Compositing
- Special effects
- Post-processing
Visual Style
See the Heat
Capabilities
Our Process
Requirements Review
Knowing what you need to visualize and the thermal traits of your subjects.
Equipment Selection
Choosing the right thermal camera system based on resolution, sensitivity, and aesthetic needs.
Production
Capturing thermal footage with proper setup for accurate and visually compelling results.
Post-Production
Processing thermal data and integrating footage with your production.
On Location
Our thermal imaging crews capture heat-signature footage across Iceland — the geothermal fields at the Geysir area and Mývatn, volcanic activity at Fagradalsfjall, and wildlife in darkness.
Here is how this works in practice. We supply thermal imaging cameras and the operators who run them, capturing heat-signature footage for shoots, documentary work and scientific or tracking projects. Iceland is unusually rich subject matter for thermal cinematography: a country built on geothermal and volcanic activity, where the heat is a defining feature of the landscape itself. Our crews film the thermal patterns of geothermal fields at the Geysir area.
Here is the short of it. The Mývatn region, the heat of active and recent eruption zones such as Fagradalsfjall and Reykjanes, and the contrast of warm water against cold ground at hot springs. Thermal cameras also reveal wildlife in complete darkness, which suits the country's long midwinter nights. Filming near active volcanic or geothermal zones is a safety-led operation. Our crews plan it with fitting distance, tracking and planning with authorities. Cold-weather discipline applies to the camera kits and power. We staff from the skilled Reykjavík crew base and bring in extra thermal imaging systems and pros from the UK and mainland Europe under ATA carnet for larger shoots.
Here is the breakdown. Iceland is a natural home for thermal imaging. A subarctic island on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian plates pull apart, it sits on intense geothermal and volcanic activity — the Geysir geothermal area, the lava-and-geothermal landscape around Mývatn with Grjótagjá cave, and active eruption sites at Fagradalsfjall and Reykjanes from the 2021 to 2023 eruptions. The country's geothermal energy heats homes and powers much of the grid, making thermal contrast visible across the landscape. The fast-changing subarctic weather and cold are real production factors.
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Filming in covered areas and near active volcanic zones is set up with the Environment Agency of the country and relevant authorities, with safety paramount. Eligible crew and gear spend can count toward the country's production reimbursement of 25 per cent, rising to 35 per cent for qualifying projects, administered by Film in the country.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What can thermal cameras visualize?
Thermal cameras detect heat radiation, visualizing temperature differences. They can show body heat, engine heat, electrical hotspots, heat loss from buildings, and even recent contact traces on surfaces.
What resolution is available?
Pro thermal cameras range from 320x240 to 640x480 and higher. While lower than visible light cameras, modern thermal sensors give detailed visuals suitable for HD and 4K production.
What are the color palette options?
Thermal cameras give many palettes—white-hot, black-hot, ironbow (rainbow), and many others. Each gives different aesthetic looks and can be selected based on creative needs.
Can thermal be used for wildlife?
Here is the breakdown. Yes, thermal imaging is great for Icelandic wildlife—detecting Arctic foxes hunting across snow-covered Westfjords terrain, locating Atlantic puffins nesting in cliff burrows, tracking humpback whales surfacing in cold Husavik waters, and finding Icelandic horses across remote highland farms in winter darkness.
Is thermal footage useful for documentaries?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Thermal is uniquely powerful for Icelandic documentaries—visualizing molten lava flows on Reykjanes, capturing the heat differentials of geothermal fields and the Blue Lagoon, revealing ice melt patterns at Vatnajokull glacier, and logging Iceland's renewable geothermal power infrastructure.
Can thermal footage be composited?
Yes, thermal footage can be composited with visible light footage or used as creative elements. Post-prod can boost thermal visuals for specific visual effects or scientific presentations.
Related Services
Productions in Iceland that need this often pair it with Night Vision Filming, Helicopter Filming, and Car Filming for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Lighting & Grip and Steadicam & Gimbal Operators.
On Set
Need Thermal Imaging?
Tell us about your thermal visualization needs and we'll reveal the invisible.