Drone videography: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What drone videography is

A licensed drone pilot films moving aerial footage for property, events, construction or promotion, following airspace and safety rules. Aerial footage shows the scale and layout of a site from above, and the pilot must plan each flight around the location and the rules that apply there.

Signs you need it

  • You want to show the full size and layout of a property, a site or a development from above.
  • You are running an event, such as a race or a festival, and need aerial coverage of the crowd and the route.
  • You need progress footage of a construction project over time.
  • You want an aerial shot for a promotional video that a ground camera cannot get.
  • You have a site that is hard to reach on foot and you need to see its shape or condition.
  • You want a short aerial clip for a listing, a venue or a brand video.

What the pro does

  • Checks the site, the airspace, the flight restrictions and the permissions needed before any flight is planned.
  • Plans the flight route, the altitude and the timing, with the people on the ground who need to be kept clear of the flight path.
  • Flies the drone within the rules and the agreed area, watching weather and wind before and during the flight.
  • Captures the shots you agreed, such as wide views, slow reveals and angles that match the ground footage.
  • Edits the aerial clips into the video and delivers the footage in the formats you need.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Type of site and how complex the airspace is around it.
  • Permissions and any extra checks required for the location or the event.
  • Number of flights and the amount of footage needed.
  • Flight time, including setup and any repeat visits for progress footage.
  • Editing, if the footage is combined with ground video or graphics.
  • Travel time and the weather window for the shoot.

What a written quote should spell out

  • The site or event covered and the number of flights.
  • The checks and permissions the pilot will handle, and which the client must arrange.
  • The footage delivered, including resolution and file format.
  • Who owns the aerial footage and whether the client may reuse it.
  • What happens if weather or airspace rules stop a planned flight.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are you a licensed commercial drone pilot, and can you show your certificate?
  • What airspace checks and permissions does this location need?
  • Do you carry insurance for drone work, and can you show a certificate of it?
  • How will you keep people on the ground safe during the flight?
  • What happens if weather or the rules stop the flight on the day?
  • Can you show aerial footage from a site like mine?

Red flags

  • Cannot show a pilot certificate or will not say which rules it covers.
  • Offers to fly over people or a crowd without a plan for their safety.
  • Flies without checking the airspace or the permissions the site needs.
  • Promises a shot that the weather or the rules may not allow, without saying so.
  • Asks for full payment before the flight plan and permissions are discussed.

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can take a quick photo or short clip of their own property from the ground, which may be enough for a personal record. Do not fly a drone for a property, an event or a construction shoot yourself unless you hold the certificate the national aviation authority requires for commercial flights and have checked the airspace. Hire a licensed pilot for any paid or promotional shoot, since the risks to people and property are real.

Licenses and permits

Commercial drone flying often requires a remote pilot certificate or similar approval from the aviation authority where the flight happens. Check the current rules for your country and location, and ask the pilot to show the certificate and any permission for the site before booking.

Drone videography questions

Do drone pilots need a license?

For commercial work, many countries require a certificate or approval from the aviation authority. Ask the pilot for their certificate and check the current rules for your location.

Can a drone fly anywhere?

No. Airspace near airports, some restricted areas, and private property need checks and permission, and there are rules about flying over people. A pilot should check the location before planning any flight.

Is drone footage always allowed for property use?

Not always. The location, the owner's permission and the local rules all matter. Confirm the permissions with the pilot before the shoot, and get the property owner's agreement in writing.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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