An Introduction to Drones:
Drones have been on our minds at Tongal HQ because, let’s face it, they’re pretty freakin’ cool! The world of drones is vast…but not to worry – we’ve got your back with this overview of the basics.
- The definition of a drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is usually operated by an onboard computer system or by a human operator on the ground using a remote control.
- Drones can fly extremely high, and since they are small and agile they can also fly between small or unusual spaces. This makes them useful for shooting stunning panoramic shots and angles you could not achieve when using a steadicam or dolly.
- Just like cameras, there are many different varieties of drones. There are some drones that have built-in cameras and others that you must attach your own camera to.
- As a filmmaker, it’s helpful to rent a drone that suits your budget. It’s also good to hire a small crew that works specifically with drones for your shoot – that way you have extremely knowledgeable people working with you as you learn. Businesses such as Drone Dudes offer you both services combined.
Want to boost your drone knowledge further? Check out these cool resources:
AND if you still want to dive a little deeper check out the tips below from Cascadium Pictures and The Jean-Michel Studio on the pros and cons of working with drones…
Advantages of Drones:
They are unique and help your work standout
- “I like being ahead of the curve, so I decided to apply them to the fashion space in a unique way that would expand my aesthetic, so I decided to use only drones for the John Frieda spot.” - John-Michael Triana
- “They go higher than any ladder! Really, they can so often be the best option when you need an establishing shot of a location that has a scope that can’t be captured from the ground.” – Cascadium Pictures
They can shoot extremely high quality, sexy shots
- “Using drones helps me to expand my vision and create better spots.” – JMT
- “It adds production value, certainly, always pleases clients, but it can be also be an incredibly valuable narrative tool when you need to create space or distance.” – CP
They are so fun!
- “It’s a bit like flying RC copters or cars as a kid. They are too much fun, and you can get wrapped up working with one.” – CP
- “I love using drones! They are another addition to my arsenal. They are like new toys for us directors, everyone likes using them.” – JMT
Disadvantages of Drones:
You have to have to make room in your budget
- “Drones can get costly. If it’s a low buy on Tongal it probably won’t work, but if it’s integral to your vision then I think you have to cut other parts of the budget to make room” – JMT
- “There are dedicated businesses that maintain the equipment, and they are a great option when you’d like to fly something heavier like a RED or Alexa. These can cost upwards of $2000 for a half-day.” - CP
You have to be mindful of the weather and environment
- “Weather can really make stability and control an issue. I have learned to fear the trees when a tall oak unintentionally ate the rotors of a drone” – CP
Tips for using them:
There are different models available to suit your style and budget
- “It’s a good idea to hire someone to operate the drones. Smaller local operators can be sourced that work at much lower rates from $150-$1000 for a few hours. They’re good when working with DSLRs or Blackmagics. However, the Sony A7s is my personal favorite drone.
- “ You can also use stock aerial footage sometimes. Axiom Images is great for buying raw aerial footage of places all over the world if you’re working with a very small budget and a quick turnaround, but have the luxury of shooting in an iconic location.” - CP
Plan your shoot meticulously
- “First I figure out if I want to use drones, then I look at the budget, then I scout and figure out the angles the drones would work for, then I select a DP” – JMT
- “I like to plan and storyboard to a fairly thorough degree. I rarely plan on more than two or three drones per shoot. Drone shoots tend to be equivalent to shooting b-roll days. They’re fairly dedicated due to the trial and error nature of operating the equipment and varying weather conditions.” – CP
Hire a skillful crew to operate your drones
- “I use a couple of different aerial DP’s that own their own equipment.” – JMT
- “I usually hire out to people with dedicated equipment and skills. I prefer to source local owner/operators in order to fly heavier A cams (as in your bigger, main camera).” – CP
If you’re flying them yourself – practice makes perfect!
- I usually take the drone to an open field with few trees. The hardest part is getting dynamic, stable shots with good composition. I spend most of the time practicing this when I fly, honing my hand-eye co-ordination.” - CP
Remember, safety first!
- "Safety is a concern. What happens if you if your rotors go out and that thing drops? During a shot break [on John Frieda] one of the drone operators was getting b-roll and was flying too low over the ocean and the precipitation coming off the water shocked the electronics on-board and that baby just dropped into the swirling Malibu ocean!” – JMT
