How can FPV drone videography benefit your business?
Our last article introduced the exciting world of FPV videography, explained what it’s great for and spotlighted the brand name companies that first started using FPV. If you skipped our first article, please check it out here.
The number one reason why our clients love FPV drones is that it has a unique and jaw-dropping experience that captures the audience’s attention within the first few seconds - perfect for a lowering CPM/CPV.
Our latest video with the New York Public Library used FPV to “thread the needle” in the Treasures Exhibit. Tara Fidoriw-Morris, Digital Production Manager of the library added “It’s a great way to get into spaces as we never thought we could have before...I like to think whoever has my job in 50 years will still be using that footage to Showcase what the library looks like in 2021”
Another added benefit of FPV Drones is that they can showcase your space without numerous cuts, which allows the viewer to tour the space with more context and experience a one-of-a-kind smooth, fluid feeling. Compared to a ground camera or a traditional drone, FPV videography may decrease shoot times, editing times and the overall length of your final video.
One of the unique characteristics of FPV drones is its ability to shatter conventional rules of videography. FPV videography is renowned for flying through where no camera has gone before - flying through windows, gaps and other openings. This is known as “threading the needle” - something very difficult to do with traditional cameras. Even at a relatively fast speed, FPV drones can safely perform immersive banked turns, multi-story dives, or thread the needle between the legs of a performer all while giving you smooth footage - something unheard of, even with traditional drones.
However, the pilot needs to be very experienced and take safety precautions, such as equipping the drone with prop guards. It takes about a year of rigorous practice to master these skills - first in simulations, then hundreds of hours of honing and getting used to the drone’s unique flight characteristics, physics, hand eye coordination and reflexes. It also takes dexterity and technical knowledge to repair drones after the drone crashes (which happens quite often) so not anyone can just buy an FPV drone and get started. This is why we emphasize safety at Sky Tech One.
Making sure its safe:
FPV is relatively very safe but you should make sure your pilot and the crew have a checklist for safety and avoid accidents. We use the FAA PAVE checklist:
Pilot - Is the pilot safe? Is he free from stress, illness, alcohol, fatigue and negative emotions?
Aircraft - Is the equipment working and tested? The pilot is responsible for checking all components in the FPV system.
enVironment - Have they surveyed the environment? This can occur during the scouting session, which we highly recommend - even if it costs a little extra. Obstacles should be noted, wireless transmission signals should be addressed and the route should already be planned?
External Pressures - what pressures are out of the pilot’s control? Time constraints can cause stress which may cause the pilot to make risky decisions. Are you asking the pilot to do a very difficult maneuver? This can also cause unwanted crashes or damage. It is best to leave timing and difficult maneuvers up to the crew to avoid pushing the pilot past their boundaries.
Which Industry is FPV for?
While FPV can capture building exteriors with energy and flair, they harness the most advantages indoors. Connecting rooms and spaces together is one of the things FPV excels at. It is no surprise that the FPV drones have been shaking up the real estate industry. You can tell a story by capturing a single shot, leading your audience from room to room and experiencing all the amenities - all with context and continuity.
Another big area where FPV drone use has become popular is outdoor action. Linking the athlete’s tricks and moves all in one shot while keeping up with the speed is something FPV drones are known for. Think skiing, hot air ballooning, auto racing, skateboarding, hip-hop dancing, dirt-biking, jet-skis, surfing and more. Since FPV drones can travel in excess of 90mph (The FAA’s speed limit is 100mph) - these bad boys can keep up with almost every outdoor sport.
One of the creative ways of using FPV drones is interacting with dance/choreography. FPV’s immersive perspective makes dancing is more dynamic. With its wide angle, it allows you to feel closer with the subject. Skilled FPV pilots can even thread the needle between a dancer’s legs or arms. The small size of the drone and propellers guards, along with practice help make this stunt much safer.
Finally, one of the biggest industries adopting FPV is the music industry. Justin Bieber & The Kid Laroi, Radiohead, and Juice WRLD, are among many artists, including indie artists who employ FPV videography in their music videos. In The Kid Laroi’s video featuring Justin Bieber, the FPV drone performs dizzying shots of Bieber singing his heart out atop a building.
Justin Bieber in his song “Stay” by The Kid Laroi (Video: https://youtu.be/kTJczUoc26U?t=62)
When not to use FPV?
FPV is versatile and can have many applications. However, there may be a few instances where it may not make sense to use FPV:
When you do not want to add drama. For establishing shots, you may want to use a standard drone to capture the proper proportions of a building. For example, if you are shooting an office building and want to retain the normal viewing angle (medium focal lengths) then you should use traditional drones. The angle for FPV after stabilization is typically 24mm or wider (wide to very wide).
When there is no path between the spaces. For example: the interior of trains or subway cars
When the space is simply too small. Properties under 1000 square feet might not lend well to FPV - the tour might simply be too short to emphasize the advantages of FPV. If there are no interesting paths the drone can take, we recommend a camera with a handheld gimbal on a Segway, something we also offer.
When should you use FPV?
Music Videos
Indoor and outdoor real estate
(Extreme) Sports
Museums, libraries, galleries
Marketing (new spaces, stores, shops, restaurants, malls, office buildings)
Outdoor structures (airplane hangers, stadiums, bridges)
Anywhere where you need to add drama, energy or a change of perspective
Conclusion:
FPV can be a great tool for your business. In addition to FPV videography being used in more mainstream applications, it can also lower business’s CPV & CPM. We are excited to be the leader in NYC for FPV, using comprehensive systems to better assist client’s experience with this new form of art. Be the first to know when our next article comes out by following us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sky-tech-one
Wondering if FPV drones are the right fit for you? Give us a call at 917-213-7123 or fill out the form below.