The incredible stunt of Tom Cruise driving off a cliff stands as a significant moment in cinematic history, realised through the collaborative efforts of Melbourne-based company XM2. This ambitious feat required extensive preparation and a dedicated team to execute, as highlighted by CEO Stephen Oh. "We make the impossible possible," he remarked from the company’s eastern suburbs headquarters.
The dramatic scene, captured from a drone flown by co-founder Aidan Kelly, involved a challenging filming environment and immense financial stakes. Oh noted that the production cost was in the millions for a mere 20-second clip, a risk heightened by the pressure to achieve it successfully—ultimately, they filmed it six times to ensure perfection.
Kelly recalled the meticulous rehearsals that preceded shooting, including a stint training with Cruise in the UK. As they grew more familiar with one another’s working styles, the team refined the specific angles and speeds required for the aerial shot, culminating in what is now regarded as one of film history’s most significant stunts.
Additionally, XM2’s impressive resume expanded with contributions to major films such as Jurassic World, John Wick, and The Fall Guys, during which they showcased their prowess by filming on Sydney Harbour Bridge. Kelly described the exhilarating experience of piloting a drone through traffic at high speeds, a highlight of his career.
Founded in 2011 by Oh, Kelly, and Luke Annells, XM2 emerged from their shared passion for flying helicopters to creating high-capacity drones capable of carrying heavy cameras. Their initial projects included work with renowned natural historian David Attenborough and the film The Dressmaker. However, the company’s true breakthrough came when the director of Pirates of the Caribbean 5 approached them with ambitious demands that led them to quickly develop the world’s first 40-kilogram drone.
Over the years, XM2 has expanded its operations to Los Angeles and London, designing innovative stability rigs for various vehicles, even in the film Ride Like a Girl. Their advanced technology garnered attention from industry giants like Ridley Scott and support from governmental figures such as Colin Brooks, who praised their agility and innovation.
Looking ahead, XM2 is embarking on ambitious projects beyond the film industry, including developing tethered drones capable of providing network signals in disaster-affected areas and a prototype designed to assist native wildlife in crisis situations. Oh is optimistic about the potential impact of this "Melbourne technology," asserting it holds the promise to save lives globally.