successful classes from a choose

I lately had the dignity of serving as a choose for the AirVuz 2025 Drone Video of the 12 months contest. If you happen to’ve adopted the drone video world for some time, you understand AirVuz is without doubt one of the main web site platforms to showcase aerial storytelling, notably within the FPV area.

And AirVuz lately introduced its winners. Congrats not simply to these winners, however really all who entered. Each piece on the AirVuz web site is artwork in its personal proper.

So what makes a successful FPV video? After watching dozens and dozens of entries, I’ve a fairly clear grasp on the qualities it takes to win an FPV video contest.

However earlier than I dive into what makes a successful FPV video, let’s check out the place we’ve come and the place we’re at right now.

The state of FPV right now

FPV drone movies have come a great distance since the first-ever AirVuz Drone Video Awards in 2017. In its early days, FPV was a distinct segment artwork kind by proficient racers who posted their movies on-line.

FPV use has grow to be mainstream

As of late, FPV is vital in mainstream arts and leisure. Take, for instance, the Flyover Expertise attraction, a experience that locations viewers in movement seats suspended in entrance of a large curved display screen whereas aerial footage sweeps throughout landscapes. The idea is intently associated to Disney’s Soarin’ attraction, which pioneered the “flying theater” format a long time in the past. In reality, a number of of the inventive minds behind Flyover beforehand labored on Soarin’ and comparable immersive flight experiences.

I visited Flyover Chicago, which opened on Navy Pier in 2024. In contrast to conventional aerial footage (utilized in rides like Soarin’) that depends closely on helicopters and CGI, lots of Flyover’s sequences lean into actual, dynamic motion captured by means of FPV drones. Flyover Chicago, an enormous celebration of drones, is best than Disney’s Soarin. Flyover has been increasing quickly as nicely. Along with Chicago, there are places in Las Vegas, Vancouver, Reykjavik, Toronto and several other different cities, with new points of interest persevering with to open around the globe, creating much more want for top-tier FPV footage.

FPV is turning into extra accessible than ever

One other main shift occurring in FPV filmmaking is accessibility.

Not way back, making a cinematic FPV video required a reasonably steep studying curve. Pilots usually needed to construct their very own drones, tune flight controllers and follow for months simply to get snug flying handbook mode. In even simply the previous yr, the expertise has advanced dramatically.

Drones just like the DJI Avata sequence (together with the brand new Avata 360) and rising platforms just like the Antigravity 360 drone have made it a lot simpler for individuals to experiment with FPV-style footage — no soldering abilities required.

The unique Avata sequence — the Avata and Avata 2 — mixed FPV flight with options that make it approachable for rookies (issues like movement controllers, built-in stabilization, impediment sensing, and sturdy ducted propellers)

Since then merchandise just like the Antigravity 360 drone have pushed the concept even additional by capturing all the things across the plane in 360 levels. As an alternative of worrying about completely framing the shot throughout flight, creators can reframe the footage later in modifying, selecting the most effective angles after the actual fact.

The factors to make a successful video has modified

Experiences like these present simply how far drone cinematography has come. Strategies developed by FPV pilots — the identical sorts of inventive flights showcased in contests like AirVuz — at the moment are shaping theme park points of interest, immersive theaters and large-scale leisure experiences.

A decade in the past, when FPV filmmaking first began gaining traction, the system for an ideal video was pretty easy:

• Fly probably the most technically troublesome line attainable
• Seize ultra-crisp footage
• Showcase easy management and daring maneuvers

These issues nonetheless matter, however we’ve reached a degree the place technical ability alone isn’t sufficient to make a video memorable. To make an award-winning FPV video, I’m much less involved in your flight abilities, and extra within the story you’re telling with that flight.

How you can make the most effective FPV video

One factor I saved coming again to whereas judging: the most effective drone movies sarcastically really feel like they’re not concerning the drone in any respect. As an alternative, the drone turns into a storytelling device — a digicam that may go locations no different digicam can.

Articulate a narrative that’s finest instructed by the air

One approach to put collectively an ideal video is to start out with a topic the place aerial perspective really provides that means. For instance:

• Exhibiting the aftermath of a wildfire, revealing the complete scale of devastation throughout a group
• Following the trail of a flood by means of a city, connecting the geography to the human influence
• Documenting parades or protests

Think about weaving collectively FPV footage with interviews from individuals whose houses have been misplaced, or who’re protesting a trigger, to inform their story.

In fact, drones shouldn’t fly throughout energetic emergencies or over crowds with out authorities approval, however the aftermath might be extremely highly effective when captured from above.

Keep away from FPV storytelling tropes

One fascinating factor I seen whereas judging: when creators tried narrative-driven items, many fell into comparable themes that may get repetitive. Listed below are some examples:

The character narrative: You’ve most likely seen the format:

• Sweeping photographs of mountains, forests, or oceans
• A voiceover about defending the planet
• Emotional music swelling within the background

I don’t dislike these movies on their very own, and in reality, many have been superbly carried out. However after watching dozens of entries, the message began to really feel a bit acquainted. If you happen to’re going to go this route, it is advisable to execute completely.

The journey montage narrative: This goes one thing like:

“I like touring to [insert country]” adopted by a sequence of beautiful aerial photographs of landscapes, cities, and landmarks.

Once more, these movies might be beautiful, however in addition they really feel like low-hanging fruit narratively. The visuals carry the video, whereas the story stays pretty skinny.

Assume critically concerning the music

Lots of drone movies depend on very comparable soundtracks. Two classes got here up time and again:

1. Epic cinematic music — the booming, orchestral “film trailer” sound
2. Mellow cello or piano tracks — the emotional, reflective vibe

Each can work, however while you hear them time and again, they begin to mix collectively.

One of many best methods to make your video stand out is just by selecting music that feels recent. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

What made sure movies stand out

Once I look again on the entries that caught with me probably the most, that they had a number of issues in frequent:

1. That they had a transparent idea

The strongest movies had a transparent “why” past simply “I flew someplace cool.” Together with your drone video, you may comply with an individual, reveal a spot, doc a metamorphosis or seize a second.

2. The flight supported the story

In nice FPV movies, the flight path isn’t simply spectacular — it means one thing. For instance, one stellar video flew by means of a manufacturing unit to point out the method of how one thing was made. It wasn’t simply flying by means of bridges and tunnels as a result of the pilot may.

3. They confirmed one thing we hadn’t seen earlier than

Novelty is highly effective, and — when judging — I usually discovered myself drawn towards movies that made me assume “I’ve by no means seen a drone used that means earlier than.” Even when a video wasn’t technically excellent, originality usually pushed it increased in my rankings.

Inquiries to ask earlier than submitting your finest FPV video

If you happen to’re hoping to make an FPV video that wins awards — or no less than captures consideration — listed below are a number of concepts of inquiries to ask your self, primarily based on what I noticed judging the competition.

1. What story am I telling? If you happen to can describe the story in a single sentence, you’re heading in the right direction.
2. What does the aerial perspective add? What would this story appear to be and not using a drone? If the drone genuinely makes the story stronger, you’re onto one thing.
3. Is the place lovely? Or is it fascinating. I’d slightly see one thing I haven’t seen earlier than. I’ve seen a whole lot of waterfalls, however I haven’t seen traditions in native communities, distinctive sorts of human exercise or surprising environments.

The way forward for FPV storytelling

If there’s one takeaway from judging the AirVuz contest, it’s that FPV filmmaking is evolving. Over the previous few years, the group has confirmed it could fly extremely nicely. Within the coming years, the problem — and the chance — is to inform higher tales.

With that, I’d additionally wish to see extra experimental sound and pacing. Don’t be afraid to tackle uncommon music selections or surprising cuts. Combine FPV with different digicam angles. Hold the story tight, and ensure it’s precisely that — a narrative.

I like a good looking aerial panorama once I’m staring up into the display screen at my dentist workplace. However for award-winning footage? I desire a story concerning the individuals, locations and views that solely drones can reveal.

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