Picture Perfect is no stranger to using drones during production. Over the past several years we have utilized drones for aerial shots to capture the sweeping scenic views or establish a setting of an epic story, but recently drones have become a part of production in a few new useful ways.

Film makers have been using drones for aerial shots for years, but now the uses have been extended as technology has developed. As new products have entered the market, drones have transformed from little trick flying machines with options to insert a go pro camera or your mobile device, but today drones are fitted with high end cinematic cameras designed to tell a story with the highest quality film possible. So let’s break down some of our favorite uses for a drone.

What are the benefits to using a drone in production

Perfect use for aerial shots and creating a “wow factor” within your project
Reducing the cost of aerial footage compared to helicopters. (consider fuel)
Filming in a small or cramped space where using a helicopter is impossible.
Creating a new perspective of the scene as opposed to only capturing visuals from the ground.
Establishing a scene or action sequence without changing angles for the shot, and creating a more theatrical perspective.

What you need to know

What kind of movements will you need to make with your drone?
Do you need a pilot's license?
How to get a permit to fly or film with a drone?
No fly zones
Local, state, and federal rules and regulations for drone usage.

The Aerial Shot

You know that gorgeous sweeping view that seems to be shot from a plane? It’s likely a drone. Once upon a time, it was a helicopter making those moves, but drones are quieter and can be maneuvered in much more specific movements. Aerial shots can be anything from a grand overhead view of a landscape, a larger than life perspective of a scene or action sequence, to a follow shot through a scene. Drones of course are an excellent method to capture aerials.

Pre-Production

Aerial shots can provide an invaluable perspective in conveying a narrative, and being able to capture that voice in the early stages of a project provides stability in a production through a cohesive point of view. Through location scouting, storyboarding, and thorough planning, drones provide an elevated understanding of the project at hand.

Location Scouting

Imagine finding an amazing natural featured location for an epic action adventure feature film. Your locations team will need to map out the area and plan the arrangement of each part of production. Unfortunately it's just too tight for a helicopter… Suddenly a drone becomes crucial to understand the layout of the land. Now you have to share the footage with the rest of production and that high end camera was able to capture detailed information about what to expect on location, and how to provide a safe environment to make your film.

Storyboarding

We don't all have the ability to describe our vision with words, using drone footage to describe your project allows the rest of production to be on the same page. Stills can be taken from drone footage to create an aesthetic worthy of your next project. Need to survey the land, or test a route or plan ahead of time? Drones provide a more cost effective way to walk through actions on a grand scale.

Programmability

We will be the first to tell you, nothing beats the fantastic eye and imagination of a good camera operator. Understanding the kind of moves it takes for a good transition or to convey emotion and action through visuals is a crucial part of film making. There is a time and a place for the perfectly programmed shot. When there are many moving parts and the scene is set, you need to rely on the timing of your shot. Fortunately, drones used in film making have developed dramatically and this new technology will only become more widespread. There are even drones online under the $200 mark that have these capabilities. You should know, drones are not always allowed in most parks, especially without permission. As the uses for drones has expanded, so too has the regulatory restrictions to which we must abide.

Adding Drones to your Production

Drones aren't as easy to fly as your remote control car you had as a kid. These days you need a pilot’s license to fly drones of a certain class, and believe it or not the size and quality of the camera have an effect on the class of your drone.

As the programmability and the quality of drones has expanded exponentially over the past few years, so too has the creativity of the filmmakers utilizing these powerful machines. Since 2014, when The Federal Aviation Authority in the United states first approved the use of drones in filmmaking, drones have become a staple of most hollywood films.

Drones can be an amazing tool for your next project, but it is important to understand the laws regarding drone usage in your area.

Typically, airports and government buildings are no fly zones, and it's commonplace to need a permit to fly a drone for production. Before you go out an invest in a drone, get familiar with the laws in your area, and the regulations towards getting a drone pilots license. Having a license is not always necessary, but when you reach that class of drone, you will need licensing.

Check out the link below for USA’s current rules and regulations on drone usage.

https://www.thedroneu.com/blog/usa-drone-laws-regulations-by-state/

Picture Perfect is proud to be an innovative production company, stepping into the future every single day. We strive to grow and explore new modes of conveying our vision for every project we have the pleasure to be a part of.

Questions regarding Picture Perfects productions? Reach out today!