The current regs, based on if pilot is remunerated, do little to address the underlying causes of aerial filming prangs in GA.
The current regs
do encourage the use of commercial, public transport aircraft maintained to a higher level than private. This is a good thing, given the amount of low and slow flying that occurs. Also good as there is more likelyhood the pilot is overseen by others who have skin in the game.
John Driftmier, a director-cameraman who was killed shooting air to ground scenic shots for the series "Dangerous Flights". John went up in gusty weather in a Aeroprakt A22 piloted by the manager of a game reserve in Africa.
Numerous more appropriate and capable aircraft, including helicopters, were available at the airfield.
Here is good background reading about film and TV H&S written by the John's brother.
http://www.thestoryboard.ca/one-year...-speak-safety/
If you read the article you'll realise the issues of pilots becoming part of a TV production. In the survey, crews acknowledge that dangerous situations are allowed to arise, although there are very few crew killed on set whilst on the ground. Worldwide only a few were reported in the last decade and this includes road accidents driving to and from location after long days.
But over 50 crew killed in the air, along with around 40 pilots since 2000.
The nature of filming sometimes takes us to the edge, where self preservation kicks in. A crew watch each other's backs.
Cameramen, who may well be complicit in creating the hazards and gotchas, relinquish the option to duck or dodge the bullet when airborn.
Mickjoebill