The vision that is revolutionizing movies and TV comes directly from drones. The aerial shot is now easier to get with these devices. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires users to register their drones. Anyone who wants to be a drone pilot needs flight plans, licenses, and insurance to film. Drones give producers the chance to follow the action of subjects in any direction that they want. Videos can be captured anywhere that is legally permitted.

Importance

Drones allow for shots to be made without having to use a helicopter. This allows for a more efficient way of getting the aerial shot while also saving money and being safe. The prices of drones can be a couple of hundred dollars to a few grand. For example, an Autel Robotics – EVO II Portable 8k Drone sold at Best Buy is on the market for $1,499.99. The price may seem expensive, but a lot is saved by using a drone instead of a crew filming from a helicopter. Different shot choices allow for different perspectives for the audience.

How to use them

To begin, you are going to want to practice and become familiar with the drone. There are settings to be learned along with the basics of the device. Planning when you are going to film is important because of the weather, what you want to capture, what is going on in the location, etc. Depending on where you plan on filming, you will want to make sure that filming is allowed at the location. Practice by looking at the drone when flying it and the screen to see the footage you pick up. Once you are comfortable with flying the drone, practice doing circles and going at every possible angle. Doing this will allow you to become comfortable with the drone which will get you the best possible footage.

Types of shots

           With a drone, you can get shots that you would not be able to get while standing on land. The drone allows for an aerial shot of looking down on something and/or someone. Aerial cinematography is used for filming to get establishing shots along with sequences. A tracking shot can be used to follow a subject. This can be used to show someone walking with the camera behind the subject, or it can show someone walking and coming towards the camera. A 360ᵒ angled shot can be used to get the viewers to feel as if they are there. Looking at this motion shot allows the audience to see the full surroundings of the drone. A pull-away shot is used when the drone is in front of the subject and then by slowly pushing on the left stick and pulling back on the right stick. There is a Tripod Mode which allows for smooth and slow footage. When it comes to filming, many different types of shots and angles can be filmed.

In Art

While the above discussion was directly deliberating the power of drones in the video shoot.  We would be remiss not to mention the amazing way drones are also included in various forms of art.  The most recent including the 2020/21 Summer Olympic Opening Ceremony showed the power of advanced technology with 1,824 drones. These drones were used to display a revolving globe above the stadium to show that all of the athletes are united.  For more information about using drone displays click here. Or for more information about the Olympic display click here.