If you need an aerial shot to close out your corporate video, fundraiser or real estate listing, you're in luck. Advances in drone and camera technology mean you no longer need Hollywood connections to get those dramatic sky shots in full 4K video.
You still need some local connections, however. While it may be tempting to attach a camera to that toy drone and send it up, that can be unsafe and/or get you in a lot of trouble. Your best bet is to work with a professional drone video and photography company (like Informatics) that knows the Federal Aviation Administration rules, and can get the shots you need safely, efficiently and legally.
So, knowing you need help to nail that closing shot, what should you look for in a drone video provider?
The Right Paperwork
The FAA requires a drone operator to register vehicles over 0.55 pounds and have the equivalent of a pilot's license if they receive any compensation for the flight. If you're still planning on flying your own drone, know that you could face fines of up to $32,666 per incidence of illegal flight.
Your drone video provider should also be familiar with local airspace regulations and be bonded and insured. If something goes wrong, you don't want to find yourself liable for damage or injuries caused by a runaway drone.
The Right Gear
Not just any equipment will do when it comes to capturing the best drone video or photography. Make sure your vendor has a professional-grade drone with a 4K camera, with plenty of memory to store the high-definition footage.
4K video is four times the resolution of HD video, giving you that cinematic effect, but it also takes up a lot of space.
If you're also relying on your vendor to provide polished footage, you'll also want to make sure they have the right video processing tools. DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere are two of the most popular video production programs in use today, and can produce high-quality footage for use across platforms.
The Right Knowledge
Getting great drone video is about more than just having the tools—you also need to know how to use them efficiently. Ask your drone video team about their planning and work processes. They should lay out a clear plan for the shoot, scout the location in advance and secure all the necessary permits.
Communication is key here, so don't settle for a vendor who doesn't.
You should also ask to see a drone photographer's portfolio of past work. Can they execute your vision? Do they have experience with different sites, lighting conditions and subjects?
By asking a few questions in advance, you can find a drone video or photography company to get that perfect shot and nail your project. If you need drone footage for your next project, or just have more questions, give the media experts at Informatics a call—we can help take your video to the next level.
