Drones Aloft in the Entertainment Industry
by Doug Bruce, Creative Safety Inc
Drones, or small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), have become a noticeable part of the entertainment industry. They are transforming how content is created, performances are delivered, and the safety of crew and audiences is ensured.
Gone are the days of niche groups of Remote Control (RC) enthusiasts as the only hobbyists taking miniature aircraft to the sky; drones have evolved into essential equipment for content creators, entertainment, and even public safety applications.
Trigger warning: the next two paragraphs discuss sensitive topics.
Perhaps even more noteworthy, we are living in the age of remote engagement on the battlefield, where drones are armed with deadly payloads and launched in the sea, sky, and land at targets in Ukraine and beyond. The legacy of UAVs may have been solidified in the Global War on Terror, evolving into affordable, disposable drones available to consumers everywhere. Drones have become a tool of targeted destruction, with some utilizing remote or even tether technology to hunt their target and detonate. Modern drones are smaller, faster, and more capable, and their use implications spread beyond war, industry, and ultimately into the entertainment industry. As the innovation continues, so does how we use drones around live events.
Drone danger is a hot topic among security experts, and essentially so. However, this article is not about drone defense; instead, it is about the capabilities of drones and their application to the live entertainment industry. With innovation comes responsibility, and the use of drones is governed by a web of laws and policies that users must navigate. Unauthorized or poorly operated drones can pose risks to people and property, while privacy, licensing, or intellectual property violations can occur when drones capture footage without consent.
The Progress
In this modern technological era, where automation, innovation, and aircraft have become commonplace, online retailers have been delivering packages with drones in Texas, and other innovators are developing products that could soon become standard delivery methods. By the end of 2024, many reports of drones in New Jersey and other locations made headlines (even though many were legally operating or merely aircraft mistaken as adversaries). One can order a Waymo or another autonomous driving car service, and you can get fresh food delivered by a drone that self-navigates the sidewalk. Drones are also used in public safety or law enforcement, search and rescue operations, disaster reconnaissance, geospatial information purposes, aerial firefighting, and more. There are robotic dogs that patrol in place of security guards. Passenger drones are coming to market as well. The progress is dizzying.
Why Drones Matter to Event Professionals
The entertainment industry thrives on pushing creative boundaries, and drones are at the forefront of this innovation. Their ability to capture dynamic aerial footage, perform synchronized light shows, and assist public safety authorities has elevated their importance for event producers. In some cases, drones have replaced fireworks shows for reasons like fire danger, reliability, and customization. One could say that drones have “really taken off.”
Drones are relatively cost-effective for content creation compared to hiring aircraft or large crews. Drones also offer a unique perspective that traditional filming methods, such as cranes, jibs, or helicopters, cannot easily achieve for cinematography. First-Person View (FPV) drones are gaining traction for their ability to deliver fast, agile, and immersive footage. These drones allow operators to pilot from a first-person perspective, making them ideal for gathering incredible content. In some cases, while meeting safety requirements, FPVs can legally fly over crowds or through venues. Similarly, Drone racing has emerged as its own form of entertainment, combining high-speed competition with technological skill, creative expression, and audience engagement.
Event Safety Task Group
Because drones are no longer a novel technology, the Event Safety Working Group, operating as part of ESTA’s Technical Standards Program, has considered creating an American National Standard on drone use for live events. A task group within the Event Safety Working Group comprises entertainment safety, aerial cinematography, and public safety experts. If you are interested in learning more or would like to participate in this effort, please complete an application and send it to the ESTA standards office at the address shown on the form.
So why would a group of live entertainment professionals need a drone standard? First, it feels like drones are a big part of the future. Drones are used for entertainment, supplementing, projection, or other scenic elements such as automated light shows, now common globally. Drones are also used at events, both by the affiliated and the unaffiliated, which creates a need for communication, protocols, procedures, and planning around their use. There is also a need for communication and alerting in the event of a drone intrusion, which has become a critical security consideration. In fact, the NFL has even said it’s one of their key concerns. Recently, the industry’s largest manufacturer removed their geofencing limitations, which prohibited flying drones in restricted places.
Furthermore, the regulatory landscape varies widely, and the complexity of operating aircraft near crowds requires careful management. There are also risk considerations, such as liability, intellectual property rights for content capture and privacy concerns. Drones are also a helpful tool, often creating safety for first responders who can view a wide area that would otherwise be challenging to cover. By providing a bird’s-eye view, drones enable safety teams to make informed decisions in real-time, ensuring a safer experience for attendees.
When used correctly, they offer practical situational awareness, which is helpful to all professionals concerned with event safety. Finally, as drones continue to get better, more affordable, and more ubiquitous., so will the need for guidance around their operation.
Drone light shows redefine large-scale visual spectacles, offering an alternative to traditional fireworks. These synchronized displays use hundreds or thousands of drones to create intricate patterns and animations in the sky. A recent example is record-breaking drone light shows, where thousands of drones performed a breathtaking routine that captured global attention.
Regulation Framework
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs the operation of drones through regulations that aim to ensure safety and accountability. Recreational drone operators are required to register their drones if they weigh more than 250 grams, though many hobbyists have drones that do not fall into this requirement. Drones under 250 grams are exempt from registration but must still adhere to other rules, such as staying under 400 feet and avoiding restricted airspace. Commercial drone operators (anyone using a drone in a business or even social media content context) must obtain Part 107 certification, which involves passing a knowledge test and adhering to operational limits like flying only during daylight hours and maintaining Visual Line of Sight. Beyond the Federal government, various states or even local governments have their own restrictions. There are also numerous areas where drones are prohibited, such as near airports, military installations, National Parks, and more. And finally, a rule event professionals understand pretty well: most drones are permitted to fly over crowds or stadia with Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during significant events.
In Europe, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has established a unified framework that classifies drones based on their risk level and intended use. Other countries have similarly strict guidelines to regulate both recreational and commercial drone use.
Industry Standards and Best Practices
Beyond legal requirements, there are industry standards and best practices designed to ensure safe and effective drone operations. For example, ASTM standards provide guidelines for drone design and operation, while organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offer safety recommendations for drone use in public safety scenarios.
Beyond legal requirements, there are industry standards and best practices designed to ensure safe and effective drone operations. For example, ASTM standards provide drone design and operation guidelines, while organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offer safety requirements for drone use in public safety operations.
Drones could be pivotal in virtual and augmented reality experiences, immersive performances, and interactive installations. As the technology evolves, so will the regulatory frameworks and best practices that govern its use.
This concludes Part I of this article series. The two-part series concludes next month with possible recommendations for event safety that drone users or event organizers may consider. The article will highlight operational suggestions and safety considerations, which may ultimately be considerations for the standard being considered.
About Doug Bruce
Doug Bruce leads operations for Creative Safety, an Austin-based event safety consultancy (powered by TESS). Doug is a senior safety professional in the live entertainment industry. He is a BCSP Certified Safety Professional and an NCS4 Certified Sport Security Professional. Doug is also a proud member of the Event Safety Alliance. He also loves to fly drones!