Drone gentle exhibits have exploded in reputation — from main state festivals to marriage proposals — however have you ever ever puzzled who’s behind the scenes making these flying pixels dance? Meet Anna Klemmer, a contract drone present designer who works as a chief pilot at Skyworx.
Skyworx is an American drone present firm that has finished work for main company purchasers together with Netflix.
In an interview with The Drone Woman (watch the complete dialog embedded under!), Klemmer shared her journey into the world of drone exhibits — a path that began not with aviation, however with artwork.
“I studied design and animation at school,” Klemmer stated. “Drone exhibits had been a pure match as a result of they’re this intersection of expertise and the humanities.”
Klemmer has a Bachelor of High quality Arts from Colorado State College. Initially employed as a designer, creating animations for drone formations, Klemmer shortly grew to become fascinated with the piloting facet of the operation. She transitioned into turning into a chief pilot, overseeing all the things from pre-show setup to the real-time coordination of tons of of drones — typically all managed by a single pc.
Working a drone present: behind the scenes
At a typical present, Klemmer is accountable for managing the staff, making certain security protocols are in place, and working the pc system that controls the drones. Security is paramount, particularly with giant exhibits involving 500 drones, just like the one Klemmer piloted throughout this interview.
That was for the opening night time of Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025, a fan occasion that introduced collectively all kinds of aspects of drones together with drone soccer and orb racing into an epic air present that culminated in a conventional gentle present.
“We actually take into consideration our security areas,” she stated. “We’ve individuals throughout ensuring the entire security zone is safe, and the viewers is a protected distance away.”
With round 60 drone exhibits beneath her belt, Klemmer stated certainly one of her favourite experiences was placing on a light-weight present on the Colorado State Honest in Pueblo.
“There have been monster vans, a destruction derby — only a actually cool, high-energy occasion to tie a drone present into,” she stated.
What it takes to land a job as a drone present pilot
Interested by turning into a drone present pilot your self? Klemmer says adaptability and confidence are key.
“You might want to be a fast learner and actually keen to adapt to any state of affairs,” she stated.
Apparently, Klemmer doesn’t fly drones recreationally — no FPV racing, no drone pictures on the facet. Her complete drone profession is targeted on choreographed gentle exhibits, which simply makes her inventive method much more distinctive.
However profession alternatives are positively there — particularly as drone exhibits change into extra accessible and mainstream. Klemmer says she sees them increasing far past simply live shows and main occasions.
“We’re beginning to see them so much at greater company occasions, weddings, even engagements,” she stated. “When there’s individuals gathering, there’s going to be drone gentle exhibits.”
Watch my full interview with Anna Klemmer under:
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