The unmatched maneuverability of our remote-controlled aerial drones enable our pilot to fly the helicopter above, through and around natural formations or buildings at varying speeds and altitudes to provide that stirring, first-person perspective from every angle.

Scenic flights can give you some great, memorable images. In many ways, aerial video and photography is both more and less complex than other types of shooting. However, the skill and techniques needed to obtain good results are easily learned through careful observation, sound creative judgment and experience.

We go where full-sized helicopters and aircraft cannot to achieve those “how-did-they-do that” video moments. We also shoot traditional video on the ground to provide the full perspective. And we always work closely with you, the client, to ensure that your vision becomes reality.

Our photography and video are also taken from traditional aircraft and helicopters. We have produced with them all and continue to shoot with all options.

The remote helicopter is relatively small under ten pounds and three feet in diameter. The drone must always stay within line of sight of the pilot and stay clear of obstacles such as power lines, trees, buildings, radio or high frequency broadcast sites and any other hazards to flight. Typically shots are best accomplished with the pilot standing at a point behind the aircraft with the camera facing the same direction for normal orientation, although any orientation is possible.

The aircraft is battery operated and has a 5-10 minute flight time before landing is needed to change batteries and fly again as needed. A clear take off area is required for safety. Live video monitors provide live views for still photos or video while in flight. All media is recorded on board. We don’t fly in bad weather conditions or winds stronger than ten miles per hour. We can operate day or night. We can creatively perform any aerial related task with proper mission planning.

The Benefits of Drone Aerial Video Production for Filmmakers & Content Creators.

Drones have revolutionized the way filmmakers and content creators create videos and capture footage. The process of capturing video with a drone, or aerial videography or cinematography, offers a unique perspective to filmmakers and content creators. Drone video production allows filmmakers and content creators to capture stunning angles, offering an alternative viewpoint that captures the attention of viewers with its sweeping visuals, giving videos a much more emotive quality.

From improved safety to cost savings and flexibility of movement, drones offer multiple advantages for filmmakers and content creators. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the main benefits of drone aerial video production.

What is Drone Aerial Video Production?

Drone aerial video production is a type of filmmaking and content creation that uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to capture footage from the sky. Drone operators use specially equipped 4K cameras to capture stunning images and videos from the air that have otherwise been impossible to get in the past. This form of video production offers filmmakers access to remote locations, dynamic views, and greater flexibility of filming techniques.

Companies that offer drone aerial video production services use highly trained pilots who are knowledgeable in all aspects of Aviation requirements, Workplace Health and Safety, as well as best operational practices for UAVs and their filming capabilities. These pilots can also provide choreographed movement shots with smooth transitions, which can add cinematic touches to your videos like sweeping panoramas, tracking shots over water or parks, point-of-view perspectives from up high in the sky, and more.

When using drones for filming projects like documentaries or television series, there are several benefits worth considering. First off, drones can facilitate much wider shots than would be possible on land or at sea without having to reposition any equipment — allowing helicopter-like views without needing a helicopter pilot. Drones can penetrate places traditional camera crews cannot safely enter due to safety requirements or environmental restrictions (like national parks). They are affordable substitutes compared to renting a helicopter for a day’s shoot — potentially saving time and money by removing unnecessary costs in the project’s budget. Furthermore, they can provide stability while still giving filmmakers complete control over their angles — something helicopters cannot guarantee you when airborne due to factors like weather conditions or turbulence. Last but not least: no helicopter equals no loud noise disruptions nearby populations while the camera is rolling!

Benefits of Drone Aerial Video Production

Using aerial footage captured by drones has become increasingly popular in the filmmaking and content creation industry. Video content that integrates shots taken from the sky can have greater impact than standard ground footage, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience.

Drone aerial video production gives filmmakers and content creators a unique opportunity to capture shots and perspectives that would otherwise be inaccessible to traditional shooting methods. It can be used to capture stunning overhead views from incredible distances as well as close up shots of small objects positioned in difficult-to-reach areas.

Drone video production is also a cost-effective solution, providing visuals more quickly than costly helicopters and enabling a more flexible shooting schedule. In addition, drones can safely fly indoors, providing interesting angles for filmmakers looking to create detailed yet dynamic scene composition without having to risk human lives during filming. The flexibility of drones also allows them to traverse landscapes with ease, creating engaging sequences that would otherwise be impossible with ground cameras. Finally, drones make it easier for content creators to travel light – minimizing equipment costs while still achieving high quality results.

Cost-Effectiveness of Drone Aerial Video Production

When it comes to cost-effectiveness, drone aerial video production has a lot to offer. Drones are easy to use and allow for more creative freedom than traditional cameras when filming in aerial settings. Furthermore, the cost of drones is much less than buying a single professional film crew and camera setup. With drones, filmmakers have access to an array of high-quality lenses and options at an affordable price. Additionally, drones are relatively easy to transport and can be set up and made ready for filming quickly. This reduces the expensive cost of additional crew members that would otherwise need to be brought in for longer productions.

Using drones for aerial video production also eliminates some post-production costs associated with traditional cameras such as renting large rigs or cranes. Many drones come with their own editing software included so filmmakers can easily touch up and enhance their footage before publishing it online or using it in a project. Another great benefit is the ability to adjust shooting angles during post-production without having to move equipment around or have crew members re-positioning themselves multiple times throughout the day – a time consuming process that can also be costly when hiring additional crew members for larger projects. All these factors make drone aerial video production one of the most cost-effective ways of achieving high quality, dynamic images at an affordable price.

How to Choose the Right Drone for Your Video Production

Selecting the right drone for aerial video production comes down to a variety of different factors. With drones becoming ever-more sophisticated and feature-laden, there are now models available in a wide range of sizes, capabilities, and price points. In determining which type of drone is right for you and your project, it’s important to account for your budget as well as the desired level of quality and control needed for successful flights and capturing great footage.

Depending on the complexity of your project, a drone with different settings can be chosen but generally, there are two main categories in terms of what type of drone would suit you best. There are creative drones designed for beginner pilots; these are typically smaller drones with simpler controls that are both intuitive on the ground and in flight. These drones may have fewer features than professional models but still provide great image quality from ultra-small sensor sizes to 4K camera capabilities. The other category is professional grade drones that offer intricate precision control featuring large sensors capable of shooting smooth cinematic footage from incredibly high resolutions.

Ultimately the decision around what kind of drone will work best should come down to examining both practicality at the root level as well as your overall requirements when compared against your video production budget. If cost is an issue then you may need to tailor shooting requirements prior to taking off (for example if you need stabilized imagery then getting a stabilizing gimbal could be worth considering). If accuracy is required such as complicated color grades or difficult shot compositions then investing money into higher end camera systems can serve up much higher performance overall.

Tips for Successful Drone Aerial Video Production

Drone aerial video production is a great way to bring a unique, cinematic scope to any film project. To help ensure a successful shoot, it’s important to understand the challenges and techniques of using a drone for video production. Here are some tips that can help get you started and ensure your next drone shoot is a success:

1. Understand the Law: Before shooting with drones, it’s important to understand the local laws and regulations put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Familiarize yourself with these laws before embarking on any filming project so that you avoid any legal issues. Additionally, know the type of airspace you will be traveling in as some areas are restricted and heavily monitored by air traffic control.

2. Be Prepared: Make sure all necessary equipment, batteries, etc., are fully charged and ready to be used when it’s time for filming; there is nothing worse than having everything ready but only half charged batteries! Also keep backups of any cables or connectors just in case they become loose or damaged mid flight.

3. Quality Matters: When working with drones never skimp on quality when it comes to cameras and lenses as this will be reflected in your footage if you don’t invest in top-of-the-line gear! Working with an experienced camera operator is also recommended as this ensures optimal angles and shots during production which would otherwise reduce outtake footage during post-production.

4. Know Your Location: It is essential that you scout your intended shooting location prior to filming day in order to identify any hazards or obstacles that may come into play ahead of time. Additionally double check your takeoff & landing points as well related safety protocols based on current weather conditions such wind speed & direction etc.,

5 Practice Safety Protocols: Regardless of location or experience level always follow strict safety protocols including but not limited to checking all cables & connections before each flight ,having line of sight visibility at all times when flying manually ,utilizing fail safe features like return home if necessary & calmly prioritizing safety procedures over cinematography when needed while filming .

Legal Considerations for Drone Aerial Video Production

Though drone aerial video production can offer some amazing visual opportunities and expand the parameters of storytelling, there are legal concerns that must be addressed before you put your aerial video ideas into motion.

In the United States, anyone wishing to use a drone for commercial purposes must hold a special licence issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). To obtain this license, known as a remote pilot certificate or part 107 license, applicants are required to pass an aeronautical knowledge test.

The exact regulations governing drone aerial video production vary from country to country and even region to region. For example, the commercial use of drones is preferred over recreational use in many places, while some countries have introduced no-fly zones, in which flying drones is forbidden due to safety or privacy reasons. It’s important that producers understand these regulations prior to engaging in any type of drone flown work. Any producer/drone operator circumventing such rules could face substantial fines or even imprisonment in some cases.

It’s also crucial for producers to remember that drones may not be used over populated areas without permission from those who would be affected by the flight path of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS). A thorough survey of any area prior to operation is essential and abiding by local laws ensures smooth operations onsite later on.

Conclusion

Drone technology has enabled new processes and opportunities in aerial production and filmmaking. Whether using drones to capture landscapes, document events, or compose complex shots, there are many benefits to the introduction of this technology.

While the use of drones can present a variety of challenges and potential liabilities, the rewards associated with their application far outweigh these risks. As more digital tools become available for content creators and producers, it’s important to make informed decisions about how to best leverage the power of drone-assisted aerial video production for the highest quality end product.

The use of drones allows more creative freedom and can result in unique shots which cannot be achieved any other way. Above all else, they continue to be an invaluable asset in cinematography production and storytelling that helps drive future innovation across multiple media platforms.

314-892-1233
Rob Haller, St Louis Video Producer
St Louis Video Producer
robh@hallerconcepts.com