FLYING FOR A LIVING

A professional UAS operator on what it takes to be successful

- Bobby Watts

Within the past few years, drones have become just another tool in the toolbox for movie creators, both big and small. The next time you finish watching your favorite feature film or TV show, pay attention to the credits at the end. More than likely, you will see the names of a drone pilot and gimbal operator in the list. Drones are becoming more popular on set, and they have secured their position as a supplement to conventional filming tools. The best usage of a drone falls somewhere between that of a Steadicam, a crane, and a helicopter, so they have become indispensable.

How do drones work on set, and how do drone operators pull off the stunning shots you see on the big screen? I’ve had the pleasure of working in the film industry for more than a decade flying camera drones, and in this article, I’ll shed some light on the subject. Since 2007, I have been flying for XCam Aerials, a Central Florida aerial company owned by Jordy Klein. We have had the pleasure of shooting for companies such as HBO, Netflix, Disney, Publix, Ford, and Dodge as well as for feature films, which includes the Tupac Shakur biopic “All Eyez on Me.” Jordy and I have been on more than a hundred sets together, and every day provides us with a new shot to capture and a new set of obstacles to overcome.

PREPARATION IS KEY