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Aerial Filming

Our small unmanned aircraft (SUA) are built with the latest GPS technology and a stabilised camera gimbal. This is what enables us to capture smooth, cinematic 4K shots. Our system allows clients to watch the footage live, so we can make sure everything we’ve captured is perfect before our aerial camera lands.

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Aerial Photography

Our system can capture stunning high resolution images, with a live view of exactly what’s being captured. We can supply RAW or JPEG images (5280 x 3956) ideal for print based media. We can easily switch between photography and video recording, so feel free to ask.

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Aerial Survey/Inspection

We are available to undergo inspections in all industries. No need for scaffolding or cherry pickers, our system allows for real-time inspection via the live video feed. Roof inspections, gutters, industrial buildings, wind turbines, oil pipe lines etc – our SUA is a cost/time effective solution.

Insurance and certification

*We are fully CAA certified, this means we’ve had to pass a written exam, produce an Operations Manual and pass a practical exam in order to gain our PFAW (Permission for Aerial Work).

*We have an impeccable safety record and risk assessment procedure and are fully insured and compliant with EU regulation EC785/2004.

*For most jobs we use our DJI Inspire 1 Pro alongside our DJI Mavic.

*Our pilot has a live point-of-view display, showing exactly where the aircraft is at all times.  This also allows you to see precisely what’s being captured.

* You wouldn’t step foot in a car with an unlicensed driver with no insurance. The same applies to drone work. By using Devoted Films, you have the peace of mind that the work will be carried out in a safe and professional manner.

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Technology

The Inspire 1 was a revelation. The first filmmaking drone in the world to integrate an HD video transmission system, 360° rotating gimbal and a 4K camera, as well as the simplicity of app control. The launch of the Zenmuse X5 camera further cemented the Inspire as a critical tool for filmmakers around the globe.

The DJI Mavic Pro is small yet powerful drone, Its compact size hides a high degree of complexity that makes it one of DJI’s most sophisticated flying camera. 24 high-performance computing cores, an all-new transmission system with a 4.3mi (7km) range,5 vision sensors, and a 4K camera stabilized by a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, make the Mavic Pro a must-have on our kit list.​

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re always happy to answer questions in person, but we’ve also answered some of the most common questions here.
Are you fully insured and fully licensed?

Yes we are.

Our team have undergone and passed both a written and practical exam to prove our level of competency and ability in Aerial Work. We have worked hard to obtain our PFAW (Permission for Aerial Work) from the CAA, meaning that the CAA have cleared our Operations Manual, which outlines our procedures for commercial aerial work.

We are also fully insured, with a £2 million public liability cover. (All documentation is of course available to our clients on request.)

What about weather? When can’t you fly?

Our drones are fitted with sensitive electronics, therefore we have to avoid rain and snow.  We also avoid flying in wind above 15mph.  Wind effects not only the handling of the drone but also the stability of the footage.  Thankfully, weather can be predicted, we keep a keen eye on forecasts to give ourselves the best chance of a successful shoot.

Can you fly indoors?

Yes. Our drones have ‘visual positioning systems’ which are designed to assist with indoor flights.

All we would need is permission from the owner of the property and to complete a full risk assessment before the flight. However, we often find that it is simpler, safer and equally as effective for us to use a stabilised gimbal rig, rather than a drone.

How long can you fly for?

Generally speaking each battery can maintain around 14-18 minutes of flight. This gives us plenty of time to get those impressive, sweeping aerial shots. We also have a further 4 batteries for the Inspire Pro and 5 for the Mavic Pro, for longer shoots. For jobs that require even longer flight times, we can obtain more batteries or charge on-site.

It is important to note that the flight times are also highly-dependent on flight conditions, for example strong winds can cause the battery to drain faster as the drone fights against it.

Will Devoted Films travel outside the UK?

Yes.  We travel quite regularly.  For drone work we must abide my each country’s laws and regulations – in some circumstances this means we need to apply for extended permissions in advance, so booking early is advised.

How high, far and fast can your drones go?

The Air Navigation Order stipulates that the pilot must always be within direct visual contact of the drone and must be no more than 400 feet high and 500m away.

How many crew members are needed to fly?

Numbers really depend on the job. We often advise an addition camera operator and a ‘spotter’, but we would advise based on the job requirements.

Can you livestream to a big screen or provide a client monitor?

Yes.  Our drones have an HD download link, meaning that what we are filming from the drone can be shared in real-time, on any size screen.  If required, we can also transmit the video straight to your audience via Facebook live.

What are the rules you need to abide by?

In order to qualify to undertake commercial aerial work we had to obtain a PfCO (Permission for Commercial Operation).

This involved writing an ‘Operations Manual’ which has been approved by the CAA. This is a legally binding document which outlines all our safety procedures, as well as the laws we must abide, by which can be seen in the Air Navigation Order 2016, article 94 and 95.

Have a project we could help with?