Drone footage can be a powerful tool for filmmakers. It can add drama and emotion to a video. However, getting cinematic drone shots isn’t as easy as it seems.
The key is to keep it smooth and slow. Going too fast can lead to unusable footage or even a crash.
Tracking Shot
Tracking shots are a great way to add movement and dimension to your footage. They are also a staple of cinematic filmmaking and are an easy technique to learn for beginner drone filmmakers. Tracking shots can be captured using a variety of tools, including dollys and cranes, but drones offer a much more affordable option.
The first step to creating a tracking shot is finding a suitable location and choosing an interesting subject. Next, it’s important to plan out the shot in advance, and make sure everyone involved is on the same page. This will help ensure that the shot is completed smoothly and accurately, and it will make it easier to edit later on.
When planning a tracking shot, it’s important to consider the composition of the scene as well as the location and subject. Try to use leading lines and natural frames, and consider shooting at a higher frame rate (like 24fps) for a more cinematic look. Additionally, it’s often helpful to use ND filters when filming outdoors during the day to reduce the amount of light entering the lens and prevent overexposure.
Once you have a plan for your shot, practice your movements before the actual shoot. This will help you to get a feel for how the drone will move and give you confidence that your shot will come out looking perfect. Additionally, it’s a good idea to practice with your subject so that you can see how they react to the camera movement and adjust your technique accordingly.
Lastly, be sure to use drone stabilization features when shooting your tracking shot. This will ensure that the camera stays stable throughout the shot and avoid any unwanted movements. Also, be sure to check the weather forecast before your shoot and be prepared for rain or windy conditions. If it’s too windy to fly safely, it may be best to reschedule your shoot for another day.
There are a number of ways to create a cinematic drone shot, but the most important factor is understanding your audience and what emotion or idea you want to convey. By practicing these basic techniques, you can create powerful and impactful footage that will wow your viewers.
Pull-Away Shot
One of the most cinematic drone shots is the pull-away shot. It’s a great way to show off your subject or location and it can also be used as an establishing shot. To capture this shot, fly your drone above your subject and slowly tilt up until you’ve covered the entire subject. This trick looks really cool, but it can be difficult to get right and it’s easy to end up with footage that looks nauseating when played back.
For the best results, always film in 4K and try to shoot at 60fps or above, as this will allow you to slow down your footage without introducing judder. It’s also a good idea to use a neutral density filter on your drone as this will help regulate light and make it easier to achieve slower shutter speeds.
Another important factor when shooting cinematic drone footage is the quality of your audio. Using high-quality audio will add a layer of professionalism to your video and it will also make your viewer feel more connected to the scene. When recording, be sure to use a boom microphone to pick up any ambient noise that might be present and to avoid any unwanted echoes.
It’s also important to practice your drone movements before you begin shooting any scenes. Large, fast movements can be very nauseating for viewers and they can also cause your drone to drift out of position. When practicing, try to keep your movements as smooth as possible and stay away from physical obstacles until you’re confident that you can fly around them safely.
Once you’ve got the hang of the more basic moves, it’s time to start experimenting with more cinematic drone shots. With a little bit of practice, you can soon be creating beautiful aerial sequences that will elevate your content to the next level. Just remember to always be safe and have fun!
Flying Backward
With drones, an example being a M30T Drone at Steel City Drones, becoming increasingly cheaper and more user-friendly, it has never been easier for amateur filmmakers to start capturing cinematic footage. But achieving those beautiful aerial sequences that you see in movies and TV shows isn’t as easy as just firing up your drone and hitting record. There are a few key techniques you need to master in order to create truly cinematic drone footage.
For starters, you need to pay attention to the movement of your drone. Smooth and gradual movements will look much more professional than quick jerks and dips in the camera. This is especially important when it comes to moving shots that combine ground and aerial footage. The best way to achieve this is by matching the color grading and composition between the two shots.
Another technique is to use a panning shot. This is similar to a tracking shot, but instead of moving the camera, you move your drone while sliding it left or right. This is a great way to add movement to an establishing shot or to show off a landscape in all its glory.
Finally, you can also try a top down shot. This is when you fly your drone downwards to reveal a view that would normally be blocked by an object in the foreground, such as a tree or house. This is a great way to create a sense of drama and tension in your footage.
Once you’ve mastered these basic movements, it’s time to start getting more creative with your drone footage. A popular shot is the flying backwards shot. This is a simple but effective shot that can really make your drone footage stand out from the crowd. To pull this shot off, you need to make sure that your drone can fly backwards and that the camera is positioned correctly.
If you want to create a more dramatic effect, try using a slow shutter speed on your drone camera. This will give your footage a more filmic quality and help to emulate the style of Hollywood blockbusters. You should also remember to practice your shots before you head out on the big shoot. Trying to execute complicated moves without adequate practice can result in unusable footage and even crashes. So be patient and keep practicing until you’ve mastered these cinematic drone shots!
Sound Effects
In the filmmaking sphere, drones are revolutionizing the way movies are shot. They offer a unique perspective and an aerial view that simply can’t be achieved with a traditional camera. This gives filmmakers the opportunity to create more dynamic and cinematic footage. But, to truly take your drone footage to the next level, you need to back it with a great soundtrack. At Epidemic Sound, we have an entire catalog of drone music that will give your videos the perfect background for dramatic or scenic shots.
Drones are making the world of cinematography more accessible to the average content creator and even big-budget Hollywood productions. However, shooting sweeping landscapes or foreboding action scenes that are as powerful as the opening shot of The Shining requires more than just muscle memory. You need to master certain shots and movements that set professional-grade drone footage apart from amateur videography.
Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker looking to up your game or a beginner drone operator, knowing these eight essential drone movements will help you elevate your drone footage and take your films to the next level. From pushing in and pulling out to tracking shots and descending and ascending movements, these drone moves will give your videos a more dramatic and cinematic flair.
While some drones come equipped with built-in microphones, the hum of propellers can drown out natural ambient sounds. To capture the best sound for your drone footage, it’s important to use a portable, high-quality microphone and mount it to your gimbal or camera.
The best drones for cinematography also come with ND filters that reduce the amount of light entering the lens and cause a color shift in the image. This is an essential tool for creating cinematic footage because it allows you to shoot in bright conditions without overexposing your images.
Lastly, when shooting drone footage, it’s essential to use a tripod to stabilize your camera. This will prevent it from shaking or causing blurry footage. You should also consider using a remote-controlled controller with a wrist strap to prevent your hands from getting tired while operating the drone. If you’re planning on monetizing your drone footage, be sure to follow the FAA’s rules for commercial drone flying and register your drone before taking off.
