Why was a drone not used for this project?
Short Answer:
Whether a drone is used comes down to the story, the airspace, permissions, insurance, and having a properly qualified operator — not just whether aerials would look nice. When those align and the story benefits, we fly; when they do not, we find another way to get the shot.
Our Experience
On a recent international shoot, aerial coverage was essential to the brief, and because home-country drone qualifications do not transfer abroad, we hired a local operator. We pushed back twice on operators who were not up to standard before approving a team who could handle the restrictions and permissions on the ground.
Director Quotes
On insisting the aerial work was done to standard, the director recalled turning down operators until it was right:
"On that job aerials were essential, so we pushed back two or three times — awkward as it was — until we found an operator who could handle the permissions and match the look we needed. It really did pay off."
— Joey, Director, Kelham Productions
Overview
Using a drone is as much a legal and operational decision as a creative one. Aerials that seem obvious on paper can be expensive or impossible to permit, especially internationally or near people, property, and controlled airspace.
Detailed Explanation
When a drone is and is not the right call
Story need: aerials must earn their place, not just add spectacle.
Airspace and permissions: flights near airports, crowds, or restricted sites need clearance.
Qualified operators: legal, insured pilots are essential — and local ones are needed when working abroad.
Conditions: wind, weather, and indoor locations can rule out flying.
Backups: ground-based alternatives are planned in case a flight is grounded.
Sometimes the hard part is not deciding whether to fly, but finding the right, properly certified operator to do it safely and legally.
Example
On a straightforward indoor or industrial job, a drone might be skipped entirely; on an international commercial where aerials are central, the budget instead covers a vetted local operator, permissions, and backup ground shots in case weather grounds the flight.