Flying through the air - with Yin

About me

How long have you been using drones? 

I’ve been using drones since 2015, when the DJI Phantom 3 was released. My first experience flying a drone was quite nerve-wracking. Compared to today’s models, older drones were much less stable, which made it challenging to keep the drone steady and avoid crashing into obstacles like trees. However, once I started experimenting with camera movements and gaining more control, my confidence grew, and the initial fears faded.

Favourite place you have used a drone? 

One of my favourite places that I got to fly a drone has definitely been Eriskay in Scotland. The views are truly breathtaking, making it an exceptional location for drone photography. Despite the weather and wind conditions presenting quite a challenge, the experience, and footage captured was incredibly rewarding.

Technical 

What drones do we have at JMP?

We have a total of three drones at JMP.

• DJI Mavic 2
• DJI Mavic 3, and 
• DJI Avatar (FPV drone) 

What are the benefits of using a drone and what value does it add? 

Drones can be utilised in a wide range of productions, ultimately to enhance visual storytelling and give angles and perspectives that were previously hard to capture. They are especially effective when you need to showcase a location and providing an alternate view as drones provide aerial views that are often challenging to achieve with traditional equipment. This capability allows for stunning and distinctive visuals that can elevate the overall quality of a project. Often referred to as the “money shot,” which will make the content stand out and feel more cinematic. 

What do FPV drones add? 

In contrast, smaller and faster FPV (First-Person View) drones are ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects and dynamic scenes. Their agility allows them to follow rapid movements and navigate tight spaces, which can be challenging to achieve with conventional camera setups. This makes FPV drones particularly useful for action shots and racing scenes. Precise manoeuvring is required and we have used this for multiple clients showcasing the size and scale of venues as well as when speed is required to keep up with horses, vehicles, and even athletes. 

Are drones hard to operate?

Operating a drone is much easier today due to the rapid advancements in the tech. Modern drones are equipped with sensors that help avoid obstacles and prevent collisions. Additionally, with precise GPS systems, drones remain stable in the sky, making them user-friendly and simplifying the flying experience.

Watch-outs

Can you walk us through the setup process before a flight?

Before a drone flight, start by ensuring that all the propellers are correctly and securely installed. Each propeller should be matched to its designated motor, which is often colour-coded for ease. Next, check the battery to make sure it’s fully charged and properly inserted into the drone, and that it has enough power to last for your planned flight duration. A key one – and one you normally only do once – but, don’t forget to insert a properly formatted memory card into the drone. 

Finally, conduct a quick pre-flight check to make sure everything is secure and ready for takeoff.

Technical and safety requirements – what do we need to consider pre-shoot?

Before a drone shoot, it’s essential to have an observer or spotter to assist the pilot and ensure safety. Planning flight paths in advance is crucial for avoiding obstacles and capturing all necessary shots. Additionally, always check the weather conditions to ensure safe and stable flying.

Weather can significantly impact drone flying. You should avoid flying in strong winds, as they can make the drone unstable and difficult to control. Rain can also affect the drone’s performance and potentially damage it.

What happens if you lose contact with the drone? 

If you lose contact with the drone, most modern drones are equipped with a “return-to-home” function to fly back to the takeoff point.

Industry – The challenges and the future

Why are drones now widely used within our industry? 

Drones are now widely used in our industry because they have become more affordable and user-friendly due to advancements in technology. The high-quality and unique shots that drones can capture add significant value to productions, enhancing both the visual appeal and overall impact of the content.

What are some common challenges you face when using drones? 

One common challenge when using drones is dealing with weather conditions, which can affect stability and performance. While technology has advanced to make drones more reliable, there are still concerns about privacy and safety as drones become more accessible and widespread. It’s essential to be mindful of privacy issues and to stay informed about drone regulations and laws to ensure responsible use.

How do you see the role of drones evolving in your industry over the next few years?

Drones have consistently provided unique camera angles that improve production quality. Looking ahead, with advancements in AI and automatic pilot technology, drones are expected to become even more user-friendly. Future drones will likely feature improved autonomous functions, such as the ability to follow subjects and capture shots with minimal manual input. These advancements will make it easier to achieve complex shots and streamline the production process.