Drone Operator for Production Companies and Agencies
If you've already got the producer, director, camera team and edit covered and just need the drone shots, that's fine. Send me the location, the brief and any reference shots. I'll tell you what's practical, then work as part of your crew on the day.
Action drone and traditional aerial, one operator
Most of my work is action drone filming, which is what I call FPV. The camera can fly through a doorway, follow someone down a corridor, move between rooms and carry on outside into a wider shot.
When the job needs a steady establishing shot or a slow reveal over a location, I fly a traditional camera drone as well. So you can book one operator for both, rather than finding an FPV pilot and an aerial pilot separately.
If the shoot needs more than one aircraft in the air or extra coverage, I can bring in other experienced operators.
Working to your brief
I'm used to working from a shot list and taking direction. Before the day we'll talk through the location, the moves you want and what's realistic, and I'll flag anything that needs permission or a different plan. On anything complicated, especially indoors, a recce is worth doing.
On the day I fly, you direct. I'll tell you honestly whether a move is safe and whether it's working on camera, and I'd rather reset and fly it again than hand over a shot that nearly works.
Indoor and close-quarters work
Indoors is where action drones really earn their place. Around crew, cast and tight spaces I'll usually choose a small sub-250g aircraft, and plan the route, the take-off point and where people need to be before anything flies.
If you're wondering what's possible in a particular building, this guide to indoor drone filming covers the basics, or just send me a few photos of the space.
What you get
Raw 4K files
Footage supplied as raw files for your own edit, or cut by me if you'd rather hand that part over too.
Gyro data where available
Where the aircraft records it, I can include the gyro data so your editor can stabilise the footage in Gyroflow.
Planning and recce
A chat about the location, your reference shots and a recce where it's worth it, so the day is spent filming rather than working things out.
Safety paperwork
Site permission, a risk assessment and, where they're needed, spotters and signage. I can send the paperwork straight to your production manager.
Extra pilots when needed
For bigger shoots I can bring in other experienced operators, so the drone side scales with the job.
Your name on it, not mine
Happy to work unbranded as part of your production. Usage and credits are agreed up front.
Recent production work
In September 2026 an agency brought me in for the drone side of a running shoot in the Peak District. Two hours first thing in the morning across Curbar Edge, Monsal Head and Riber Castle: runner follows, low ground-skimming passes, reveals over the valley, a tunnel exit and a dive through a viaduct arch.
They handled the edit, so I supplied the raw 4K files. Every clip carried gyro data, so their editor could stabilise it in Gyroflow.
- A2 CofC
- FPV UK member with Article 16 Operational Authorisation
- Commercially insured, including indoor flying
- Based in Matlock, Derbyshire, working across the UK
Useful reading
- Action drone filmingWhat action drones can do that a normal drone can't.
- One-take drone fly-throughsHow a continuous fly-through is planned and flown.
- How to hire a drone operatorThe checks worth doing before you book anyone, me included.
- The kitThe custom-built Aerial Action 100 and the rest of the aircraft I fly.
Already got the crew?
I can slot in for the drone coverage. Send me the location, the dates and the brief, and I'll come back to you with what's possible.
Send me the briefOr call 020 3355 4767 or email hello@aerialaction.co.uk