Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Flying 'people' take to the skies over New York City

A bizarre stunt that fooled hundreds of New Yorkers into thinking people were flying over their city has become an online hit.
Three figures have been seen apparently flying over the city's landmarks in recent weeks.
Today, it was revealed as a viral campaign for the 20th Century Fox film Chronicle.
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Flying high: A human-shaped RC plane flies above the Statue of Liberty for a spectacular illusion as part of a new movie campaign

Up and away: The human-shaped plane soars over 100ft above the East River, between Manhattan and Brooklyn

Thinkmodo, the ad firm behind the stunt, today confessed, posting a video online showing how it was done.

 

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Michael Krivicka from Thinkmodo, said: 'Since the three main characters of the movie have the ability to fly, we came up with the idea of staging a few "flying people" sightings around NYC.

Soaring: The three mysterious figures hover over New York City's Brooklyn Bridge

Fly by: Drivers no doubt did double takes as the human-shaped planes zoomed past

Stunt: Thinkmodo, the ad firm behind the stunt, today confessed, posting a video online showing how it was done

Life imitating art: A spokesman from the ad firm said the object was to recreate the three main characters in the movie Chronicle -who share the ability to fly - with the soaring props

'We achieved that illusion by having three custom-made aircraft (which were shaped like human beings) fly above designated areas in NYC and NJ.'
The video shows staff launching the craft, which close up resemble bizarre kites rather than people, before flying them around landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.

Up close: The video shows staff launching the craft, which resemble bizarre kites rather than people upon closer inspection

Winged: Another view shows the 'human' with outstretched arms prepared to take flight

Flight crew: Men behind the gimmick prepare to stage the 'flying people; sightings around New York City