Drones aren’t just for those snoops at the NSA anymore! They are everywhere and McElroy Films has been a pioneer of Drone Cinematography from the very beginning. The second drones became commercially available, we were equipping them with HD cameras to acquire stunning, dynamic views and making lots of “wooshy, wooshy” sounds as we swooped and soared through the air. But we also learned some hard lessons, like never fly over the pool of an old folks home and those NSA guys must have iron stomachs because some things can’t be unseen. Most importantly, however, drones can be a dangerous liability and if you don’t hire a company with an FAA Exemption to operate drones specifically for commercial drone videography, you are going to get in big trouble. Here’s why you need a company like McElroy Films who have such an FAA Exemption and only use licensed pilots to operate within the FAA guidelines.
Aerial Videography with Drones
- You Can Get Fined!
This may come as an absolute shock, but there’s a government agency that enjoys levying and collecting heavy fines. I know, right! But in all seriousness, drones are dangerous in careless/inexperienced hands and the FAA rightfully screens and grants exemptions as a measure of public safety. A quick google search for Drone Videography in Massachusetts will yield hundreds of results. But since the FAA only granted about 22 or so exemptions, well, someone is getting fined and it’s not just the illegal operator, it’s the person and or company that hired them. McElroy Films has the FAA exemption to fly drones and shoot video and you can see our exemption certification just contact info@mcelroyfilms.com It does not say explicitly in the document that our exemption to fly drones for video purposes also confers the power to make cool airplane noises with our mouths while but its heavily implied.
- You and Your Company Can Be Held Liable For Personal Injury and Damage
Look, there’s a reason the FAA has only granted a few exemptions to fly drones for aerial cinematography. Drone based cinematography is a wonderfully dynamic tool for creating superb looking content without the cost, hassle or red tape associated with hiring a chopper or plane. The demand for aerial shots is high and with the availability and affordability of drones, the demand has grown to immense proportions. But there is risk. McElroy Films is fully licensed and insured in addition to operating legally. For your protection, verify that the video production company you hire has these things in place so that you are not held liable in the event of an accident. Or save yourself an extra step and just hire us because McElroy Films does drone videography better and safer than anyone else.
- You Will Not Be Able to Use Your Footage
Ok, you did not heed my warning and went to Cletus & Billy-Jacks Drone Videography and got all this great aerial footage for a bargain. Cletus even threw in a barrel of his roadkill chili for free! Well, here’s hoping you don’t want anyone to ever watch your video because without the Exemption # or some proof that your craft was flown by a pilot and that the footage was taken legally, you may get fined and slapped with an order to not use the footage for commercial purposes.
- You Probably Didn’t Know Drone Videography was Restricted
Let’s face it, you have more important thigs to think about, like How do I make the world a better place? Are my children safe? or When did the Red Sox hire The Joker as their GM because they’ve been lighting giant stacks of money on fire to finish in last place 3 out of 4 years? Or Why Do I need to Lay Down, Close my Eyes and Pretends to Sleep before I fall asleep because really who am I fooling here myself? Brain just fall asleep already, why must we engage in this nightly charade?
In any event, McElroy Films can provide your company with HD Drone Videography that’s safe, legal and most of all visually stunning. Now you know how to protect yourself and your company.
File Under: Affordable Aerial Cinematography using Drones.