Internal Shoots Using A Drone

By 4th December 2017News

Internal Shoots Using A Drone. I have been asked on a few occasions now to provide internal filming using a drone. Because we are told by the manufacturers that some drones can operate indoors, without the use of  gps to hold position using instead the optical and ultrasonic sensors. Great you think this should be easy. I’m afraid its not as easy as I wish it was. Despite all the claims from manufactures the optical system is not fail safe and does not always locate the drone in a stable manner. Compass error occurs on a regular basis as the drone comes up with some way to account for its loss of position. First invest in some prop guards and if you going to film with a drone select the drone most suitable. I use the Mavic, the Inspire is just to hard to film and fly with one operator and it will do serious damage if it collides.

So how do you film internal shoots. (in no particular order)

  1. Well its practice, practice and more practice.
  2. Be prepared to hand fly the drone when it hands over control as the optical sensors lose their position as the floor changes from light coloured surface to a dark colour.
  3. Watch put for those wind currents which will move the drone off position, and look out for light objects such as paper or cloth been drawn into the props.
  4. Use the tripod mode to gain maximum control.
  5. If you have a spotter use them to help you keep an eye on the drone and objects.
  6. Clear the room of anyone not required.
  7. Have a strong pair of gloves ready to grab that drone should things go out of control.
  8. Small areas with low ceilings avoid.
  9. Focus the camera beforehand.
  10. Carry out a thorough site brief and risk assessment.
  11. If it cannot be done, say so.
  12. If your not happy don’t fly.
  13. Call in an internal film maker instead.
  14. Keep the drone in view at all times.
  15. Have a shot list.
  16. Slow movements.
  17. Be prepared to edit a lot of the shoot out.
  18. Long and short its best to use a hand held gimbal system and camera person who has expert knowledge in this field.

 

http://englishlakes.co.uk/low-wood-bay/dining-bars/

https://www.skylark-aerialphotography.co.uk/

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Simon Handley

Author Simon Handley

Skylark Aerial Photography is a well established and innovative drone business located in South Cumbria, established in 2015. Simon Handley has been operating drones or unmanned aerial vehicles for over 12 years. A fully qualified Private Pilot with 700 hrs logged. Simon has extensively travelled the world during his past role as an engineer. These attributes help the operation of drones and site surveys where knowledge of operating on large industrial sites is required. Filming experience, aerial stills and edits are drawn upon Simon's family background. His mother was a photographer and head of dept for photography & art at a UK University.

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