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Does Your Video Need Drone Footage?

If you own a drone, then the answer is always yes; aerial video is needed. But does it actually, or do you just like using your flying camera? When used tastefully and appropriately, aerial, drone, or UAV footage can benefit your video. 

A Different Viewpoint

Drones offer a different perspective, allowing us to see things from a bird’s eye view. This unique angle can add interest and variation to what would otherwise be a familiar scene. 

Although commonly thought of as being used for high overhead shots, drones are great for low-level work, as well. They allow you to get a camera into places that would otherwise be very difficult or potentially dangerous with regular video gear. Consider the difficulty in filming on a small balcony in a high-rise apartment. With a drone, you can easily place the camera off the balcony, hovering in midair, to capture the scene. 

Drones as Alternatives to Bulky Gear

Advances in imaging technology have led to improved camera quality for built-in drones. High definition 4k sensors are now standard on relatively low-cost drones, such as those offered by DJI. And Sony is reportedly working on a drone made for their mirrorless line of cameras. 

For marketing agencies that offer video services (as opposed to full-fledged video production outfits), drones open up a world of creative possibilities that would, previously, have required a lot of specialized equipment. 

Say, for instance, you want to start low, then raise the camera up to expose a larger scene. Traditionally, this would require a crane or jib. Now, a drone captures the same shot. The caveat here is that drone use requires a permit or special permission in some areas. 

Drones have built-in stabilization systems, or gyroscopes, to steady the camera. This makes them a great alternative to using a dolly or Steadicam in exterior locations. And, because they aren’t bound to the earth the way a traditional camera system is, they can go over rough spots or features that wouldn’t be possible with dolly tracks. 

The Establishing Shot

The establishing shot is what sets the scene. It’s your viewer’s introduction to the setting and can help to determine the mood. It’s also great for providing a wow factor, especially in awe-inspiring places. Let’s say, for instance, that your client is a winery. A drone shot showing the vineyard and winery building creates a sense of scale that’s simply not possible from the ground. 

For interview-based videos, where voiceover delivers much of the information (with accompanying captions or graphics, of course), inserting b-roll drone footage can help maintain audience attention. 

Location Scouting

Bringing a drone along while location scouting can save time by quickly answering questions like “what’s over that hill?” They can be a great way to augment the information gathered from maps and ground tours of a location. This additional perspective can help off-site team members get a better feel for the location and aid in creative decision-making. 

Live Event Cameras

At live events, such as races, or anywhere the action is too far away for a crowd to see clearly, a drone equipped with live view broadcasting capability – which is quickly becoming a  standard feature – can transmit live video footage to a screen. In addition to helping on-site audiences get a better view of the action, live video from a drone is a great way to engage online audiences, as well. 

For all your video needs, including drone footage, contact Dream It Reel. 

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