Use of drones for Film and Video

Drones offer filmmakers a range of versatile benefits that can enhance any production beyond simply using traditional methods. Using a drone makes it possible to capture shots that are impossible with regular hand-held cameras efficiently and with minimal expense.

The primary advantages of incorporating drones into film production is the cost-effectiveness compared to traditional aerial cinematography methods. Hiring helicopters or cranes can be excessively expensive, thereby restricting their use to extremely high budget productions. Drones have modernised the process of catching aerial footage, reducing setup times and making these kinds of shots available to a much wider array of crews. 

Whether flying low to the ground, soaring high above landscapes or capturing impressive or unique views of scenes that would otherwise be unobtainable, drones offer a diverse range of aerial shots that enhance cinematic storytelling.

UK airspace laws on drones

All drone operators in the UK must follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which is available to read on the CAA’s website. Some highlights are:

• All Drone operators must be at least 12 years old to fly independently.
• Drones cannot be allowed to fly higher than 400 feet (120 meters).
• Every drone operator must continuously keep a line of sight with their drone at all times.
• Drone operators must not fly in restricted airspace without prior permission from the airspace owner.
• Drones are not allowed to be flown within the Flight Restriction Zone of airports and airfields without express permission.
• A 50 meters minimum distance needs to be preserved from uninvolved people.
• Drones that are below 250 grams are authorised to fly closer and over people.
• Any drone that weighs over 250 grams will need to be controlled at least 150 meters away from parks, industrial areas, residential zones, and other built-up locations.
• For drones that are equipped with a camera, the operator needs to register for an Operator ID with the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority).
• Commercial drone use must have required insurance.

Drones Beyond Video Production

While drones are certainly useful for video production, they are used in other industries too. For example, there are trials currently being undertaken to use drones within NHS trusts for delivering samples, urgent medication and organ transplants between buildings.  Similar schemes have been run in Rwanda by a company called Zipline to deliver vaccines, blood and other supplies quickly to areas which need them, reducing the effect of ‘pharmacy deserts’ in underdeveloped areas. 

Drones have also been used by police services to assist in the assessment of crime scenes, and in firefighting where drones equipped with thermal cameras and other gear serve as a useful resource in tackling incidents.

Drones have seen increased use in the agricultural sector for surveying and monitoring crops, spreading fertilizer or pesticides and even for pest control. Some of these have been used in the UK, however the CAA’s drone airspace laws have prevented widespread usage in this country for anything beyond simple monitoring and mapping services.

Drones are of course also used in warfare, most recently and famously in Ukraine where soldiers have used commercially available drones in a variety of roles, such as intelligence gathering, directing artillery and airstrikes and even to directly attack fortified positions by dropping explosives.

Recently Amazon has been running trials with a view to using drones to deliver packages to its customers. While this has been proven to absolutely be possible with current technology, the CAA’s airspace laws and safety concerns about drones operating in dense areas beyond visual line of sight have so far made it impossible for Amazon to progress this beyond the trial stage. Maybe with future developments, your Amazon Prime membership could come with ‘same-day drone delivery’ included!