From Hobby to Hollywood: Why FPV Drone Cinematography Is Changing the Gam

At Yeah Drones, we’ve been flying FPV since before it was the shiny new toy on every director’s wishlist. Back when goggles were glitchy, frames were DIY, and crashing meant hours of soldering, we were hooked not just on the thrill, but on the potential.

Now? FPV is one of the most exciting tools in modern cinematography and it's no longer a fringe technique. It's a cinematic powerhouse, and it’s transforming how we tell stories on screen.

What Makes FPV Different

First-person view (FPV) drone cinematography isn’t about smooth, floaty shots from high above. It’s about raw, immersive motion, flying through the action instead of around it. With FPV goggles on, the pilot becomes the camera. That’s what gives the footage its energy, urgency, and edge.

Whether we’re racing down a cliffside during a concert, zipping between subjects in a single unbroken take for a commercial, or weaving through dense urban environments for a doc, FPV delivers something no other camera system can: the feeling of presence.

From Scrappy Builds to Cinema-Grade Shoots

When we first got into FPV, we were building our own rigs and strapping GoPros on top. It was guerilla-style and experimental but the results were unlike anything we’d ever seen.

Today, we’ve dialed things in. Our team still custom-builds our FPV drones, but we now fly cinema-quality payloads (like RED Komodo and Blackmagic cameras) with clean, color-gradeable footage that matches seamlessly into high-end productions. We’ve brought FPV into:

• National commercials for lifestyle and tech brands

• Documentary storytelling, where immersive motion amplifies emotional impact

• Live concert and festival coverage, with aerials that dance with the music

Why Clients Keep Coming Back for FPV

It’s not just about the cool factor (though, let’s be honest, it’s very cool). FPV unlocks shots you can’t get any other way. That low swoop through a car window, the whip-around a performer mid-set, the impossible dive into an industrial maze… it’s not just spectacle... it’s visceral, dynamic storytelling.

But what makes it work on set is experience. At Yeah Drones, we bring more than great flying. We bring:

• Creative coordination with DPs, directors, and editors

• Pre-vis and rehearsal tools to plan complex choreography

• On-site problem solving to adapt to real-world chaos

The Future Is FPV—and It’s Already Here

What used to be a niche is now a must-have. As drones get lighter, smarter, and more cinematic, FPV will keep pushing boundaries—and we’re here for all of it.

If you’re ready to bring adrenaline, elegance, and energy to your next project, let’s fly.

👉 Reach out to Yeah Drones and let’s talk FPV.
randy@yeahdrones.com

What Every Producer Should Know Before Hiring a Drone Team

Adding drones to your shoot can take your production to the next level-but there’s more to it than just getting a cool aerial shot. Whether you’re shooting a commercial, feature film, or live event, hiring the right drone team can save you time, money, and major headaches.

Here’s what every producer should know before bringing a drone crew on set.

1. Not All Drone Teams Are Created Equal

Anyone can buy a drone. Very few can fly one well under pressure, in tight windows, on union jobs, or in complex environments.

Look for a team with:

• A track record of high-profile work

• Experience shooting for film, TV, and commercials

• The ability to fly legally and safely in controlled airspace

• A deep understanding of storytelling, not just flying

At Yeah Drones, we've flown for projects like CNN’s live Fourth of July broadcast, Hulu series, Super Bowl spots, and more. We've worked everywhere from midtown Manhattan to international waters-and we know how to show up, solve problems, and get the shot.

2. Legal Requirements Matter (A Lot)

Drone laws aren’t just fine print. They're real, and breaking them can shut down your shoot or cost you big.

Before hiring a drone team, make sure they:

• Are FAA Part 107 Certified

• Carry proper liability and equipment insurance

• Know local airspace restrictions and permitting rules

• Understand set safety protocols, especially for union and SAG shoots

Our team handles all of this for you-permits, paperwork, and planning-so you don’t have to stress about compliance.

3. Pre-Production Is Where the Magic Happens

The earlier we’re brought into the process, the more value we can bring.

We can:

• Help scout from an aerial perspective

• Flag potential airspace or line-of-sight issues

• Recommend the right gear based on your creative

• Build out shot options that enhance story and efficiency

We love collaborating with DPs, directors, and producers from the jump. The more we understand the creative vision, the more strategic and cinematic the aerials can be.

4. Drones Are a Creative Tool, Not Just a Toy

A drone is more than just a camera in the sky. It's a storytelling device. The best shots aren’t always the biggest-they’re the ones that elevate the scene without calling attention to themselves.

We often:

• Replace cranes, dollies, or gimbals

• Track talent with ultra-precise FPV rigs

• Capture scenes safely and efficiently from challenging angles

• Work as a splinter unit to shoot inserts, transitions, or doubles

Bottom line: if you're only using drones for pretty wide shots, you're missing out.

5. Communication Is Everything

You don’t want a drone team that just shows up and flies. You want a team that understands the flow of set life, communicates clearly, adapts fast, and respects the work happening around them.

We show up ready, dialed in, and focused on getting you what you need without slowing you down. Whether we’re coordinating with production, flying with talent, or slotting into a tight schedule—we’re team players first, pilots second.

Final Word

Hiring a drone team isn’t about checking a box. It’s about finding partners who understand the creative, the logistics, and the stakes. At Yeah Drones, we’ve spent years mastering that balance—and we’re ready to help your next production take flight.

-Randy Scott Slavin

Owner, YEAH DRONES

Got a shoot coming up? Let’s talk.

The 3 Things Most Productions Get Wrong About Drone Cinematography (And How to Avoid Them)

Drone cinematography is everywhere now-commercials, music videos, live events, narrative film. But after years of flying for productions like CNN, Hulu, and Apple, we’ve noticed something. Drones are often treated as a last-minute add-on.

Here are three common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Bringing the Drone Team in Too Late

One of the biggest pitfalls is bringing us in after the creative is locked and the schedule is set. What usually happens is this: once the director and DP see what’s possible on set, the drone shot becomes more complex.

We love helping productions understand these possibilities earlier. With a bit of planning, we can shape the shot around location, airspace, light, and movement. You end up with more options, better coverage, and a smoother day.

2. Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Not all drones are built for the same purpose. There’s a huge difference between flying a compact FPV rig through a warehouse and lifting a cinema camera from a chase boat.

Whether we’re tracking fast-moving subjects, flying in tight interiors, or getting a sweeping establishing shot, each setup requires different gear and a different approach. We bring a range of platforms and the experience to match. The sooner we’re in the loop, the more we can guide you to the right tool and the right shot for your story.

3. Underutilizing Us as a Splinter Unit

Too often, drone teams are stuck waiting in the car while the main unit powers through the day. But we love being out there, shooting.

Give us a double or two and we can peel off to capture transitions, inserts, and story beats that elevate the entire edit. We move fast, adapt quickly, and know how to get what we need without slowing anyone else down.

Final Word

At Yeah Drones, we’re not just pilots- we’re filmmakers who know how to fly. We’ve worked on everything from live TV to narrative features and national campaigns. We’re fast, collaborative, and focused on getting the shot safely and creatively.

If you’re planning a production, let’s talk early. We’ll help make your aerials an essential part of the storytelling!

-Randy Scott Slavin

Owner, YEAH DRONES