These days it seems like everyone has a drone and we are starting to see this type of footage everywhere, but it is good footage? Anyone can fly a drone and capture video footage but how do you get more cinematic drone footage as you see in the movies? Use these tips for instantly give your footage that Hollywood look.
Avoid Jerky Movements
Think about the big, Hollywood movies you have seen over the years. Have you ever noticed that the drone footage used in those films is almost always smooth and doesn’t include jerky movements? These movements are usually include panning, orbits, and reveals that are all one smooth movement. Even if they are following a subject, the movements are still very minimal. If you want cinematic footage to incorporate in your next project, go easy on the sticks.
Fly Close But Be Careful
Just because you have a drone and can fly super high in the air and get wide-open area shots doesn’t mean it is always the right decision. This is a mistake that a lot of beginner video makers make but don’t think of your drone as a camera that can just be used at 400 feet in the air. Think of it as a camera that can be placed pretty much anywhere. Get close to objects even if they are only 30 feet in the air and use it as a chance to highlight a foreground element.
Use Sound Design in Post Production
Sound design is by far one of the most overlooked elements when working with video and it is especially true with drone footage. Adding simple “swooshing” sound effects for example if you are passing by a subject to add depth to your footage is a simple way to draw in your view and make your video stand out.
Dolly Zooms Work Amazing With Drone Footage
If you have never heard of the dolly zoom effect you can find my full article on it here but essentially you can mimic the look the movies use on set in post-production without a bunch of unnecessary equipment. Using your drone, you can fly forward to your subject in one easy motion and in post, you apply a Ken Burns effect and zoom out. You can do this the opposite way as well if you are flying away from your subject, you can apply zooming in Kens Burns effect. The effect is great for adding visual interest to your subject.
Don’t Over Use Drone Footage
No that we have talked about ways to get more cinematic footage using your drone, I am going to give your one of the best pieces of advice and that is don’t over use it. Don’t get me wrong, I love drone footage but in most situations, it shouldn’t be used as “Camera A”. It should be used for establishing shots and showing your viewer the overall scene. Too much drone footage can get really boring, really quick.
