swoop over crowds who are being attacked
by pterosaurs to mimic the movement of the
flying reptiles. In TV show Game of Thrones,
HBO’s most successful series to date, drone
technology was used in every episode,
offering its producers access to stunning shots
they’d otherwise have to painstakingly recreate
in post-production.
Though only 10% of productions currently
depend on drones, according to the latest
figures, in the decade ahead, they’ll become
an integral part of film sets and shoots, with
startups developing technology designed to
help set-up shots and manage battery-life for
all-day use. And for wannabe creators, drones
are cheaper and more accessible than ever,
allowing YouTubers and indie filmmakers to
create drone-shot footage for their audience,
whether that’s exploring an abandoned theme
park or checking out Pryp’yat’, the ghost city
site of Chernobyl.
It’s not just in film and TV where drones are
being used; they’re increasingly being deployed
in aerial light shows, essentially drone-enabled
firework displays. Intel has been developing
technology for years, and its latest outings
include Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl halftime
show. For New Year’s Eve 2019, China deployed
2,000 drones to create a futuristic and low-
pollution alternative to fireworks - although,
the display was actually pre-recorded.
Drone sport is also entering the fore, offering
adventurous sports fans the chance to add
some more excitement to their hobbies by using
industrial-sized drones to add more adrenaline
into extreme sports. YouTuber Casey Neistat,
for example, used drones during a day of