Film and Television Drone Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

film and television drone pilot job description

In the world of entertainment, the demand for Film and Television Drone Pilots is skyrocketing.

As the film and television industry advances, the need for skilled operators who can masterfully navigate, adapt, and safeguard our aerial cinematography is in high demand.

But let’s unravel the specifics: What’s truly expected from a Film and Television Drone Pilot?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
  • A casting director creating the perfect candidate profile,
  • Or simply captivated by the art of aerial cinematography,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Film and Television Drone Pilot job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Film and Television Drone Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Film and Television Drone Pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with attached cameras to capture footage for film and television productions.

They must be able to manipulate the drone both manually and through GPS to obtain high-quality, stable shots.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Operating drones to capture footage according to the requirements of the director or cinematographer
  • Collaborating with film crew to plan, coordinate and execute complex flight patterns and camera movements
  • Maintaining all equipment, including the drone, camera and any other attached accessories
  • Conducting pre-flight checks to ensure all equipment is in working order and safe to operate
  • Obtaining necessary permissions and permits for drone flights, including adhering to all local and national regulations
  • Editing and post-processing footage as needed
  • Keeping up-to-date with the latest drone technology and camera equipment
  • Ensuring safety of crew and bystanders during drone operations
  • Assessing weather conditions for safe and optimal flight
  • Communicating effectively with the rest of the crew to ensure coordination of shots and understanding of the desired outcome

 

Film and Television Drone Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Drone Pilot to capture high-quality footage for film and television projects.

The responsibilities of the Drone Pilot include flying drones in a safe, considerate manner, ensuring that all equipment is functioning correctly, and capturing creative, quality footage.

Our ideal candidates have a strong knowledge of drone technology, possess excellent flying skills and have an eye for capturing visually appealing shots.

Ultimately, the role of the Drone Pilot is to provide our audiences with innovative and visually striking images, following the director’s vision and adhering to all safety regulations.

 

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with director to understand the desired shots and footage
  • Safely operate drones to capture high-quality footage for film and television projects
  • Perform pre-flight checks to ensure drone equipment is functioning properly
  • Follow flight plans and adjust them as necessary
  • Ensure all drone operations comply with regulations and standards
  • Perform minor repairs and maintenance on drone equipment
  • Maintain logs of all drone operations
  • Report and troubleshoot issues with the drone equipment
  • Keep abreast of advances in drone technology and applications

 

Qualifications

  • Proven work experience as a drone pilot in the film or television industry
  • FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Excellent knowledge of drone technology and operation
  • Experience capturing high-quality, creative footage
  • Ability to troubleshoot and repair minor issues with drone equipment
  • Strong understanding of safety regulations and flight plans
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work in a team
  • High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Paid time off
  • Opportunity to work on a variety of film and television projects

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Film and Television Drone Pilot
  • Work Environment: This position will require both indoor and outdoor work, in various weather conditions. Travel may be required depending on the filming location.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director or Cinematographer.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: Varies based on project and experience
  • Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
  • Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a demo reel showing your drone piloting skills, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Film and Television Drone Pilot Do?

Film and Television Drone Pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, to capture high-quality video footage and photographs for film and television productions.

They work closely with directors, cinematographers, and other creative professionals to determine the best shots for a particular scene.

Their job involves carefully planning and executing complex flight paths to capture stunning aerial views, dramatic chase scenes, or other specific types of footage as required by the script.

In addition to piloting the drone, they are also responsible for maintaining the drone’s equipment, including the camera and navigation systems, to ensure optimal performance.

Film and Television Drone Pilots may also be involved in post-production processes, collaborating with editors to select the best footage and ensure it aligns with the overall vision of the project.

Furthermore, they must adhere to safety regulations and local laws regarding drone usage, which may include acquiring necessary permits and avoiding restricted airspace.

 

Film and Television Drone Pilot Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Film and Television Drone Pilot should possess the skills and qualifications that adhere to your job description, such as:

  • Technical proficiency in operating various types of drones and aerial filming equipment.
  • A solid understanding of camera techniques and cinematography to capture high-quality images and video footage from unique aerial perspectives.
  • Strong spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination to accurately control drone movements, especially in challenging environments.
  • Knowledge of safety regulations and flight laws for operating drones in various locations and conditions.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret weather conditions, foreseeing potential hazards and making appropriate flight adjustments.
  • Experience with drone maintenance and troubleshooting, ensuring optimal performance and resolving technical issues promptly.
  • Excellent communication skills to coordinate with film crews, directors, and other stakeholders, interpreting and executing creative vision effectively.
  • High level of patience and precision, especially when filming complex or long-duration scenes.
  • Flexibility to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, based on production schedules.
  • Possession of a commercial drone pilot license, as required by law in many areas.

 

Film and Television Drone Pilot Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for film and television drone pilot roles may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship, part-time role or through certification programs.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Camera Operator, Cinematographer, or Aerial Photographer.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their piloting skills, technical knowledge about drone operations and the ability to capture the best aerial shots.

This experience can be gained in roles such as Drone Camera Operator or Drone Cinematographer.

Familiarity with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and drone maintenance is also expected.

Those with more than 5 years of experience likely have a strong understanding of cinematography, advanced piloting skills, and a deep understanding of drone laws and regulations.

They might also possess some leadership experience and are prepared to work in positions such as Aerial Director of Photography or Aerial Cinematography Team Lead.

In addition to experience, being FAA certified, having a strong technical understanding of drones, and knowledge of safety protocols are key requirements for this role.

 

Film and Television Drone Pilot Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Film and Television Drone Pilot typically requires a high school diploma or its equivalent as the minimum education requirement.

However, a bachelor’s degree in cinematography, film production, or a related field is highly beneficial and might be preferred by some employers.

Prospective drone pilots also need to acquire a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This involves passing an aeronautical knowledge test and being at least 16 years old.

Having a background in photography or video production is also beneficial, as drone pilots must understand camera angles, lighting, and other aspects of cinematography.

Drone pilots must also have extensive hands-on experience in flying drones.

This experience can be acquired through drone training programs or by logging hours of independent flight time.

In addition to mastering the technical skills, Film and Television Drone Pilots should also have a deep understanding of safety regulations, privacy laws, and the ethical considerations associated with drone usage.

Continuous education is also crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Many Film and Television Drone Pilots pursue further certifications or workshops in advanced drone operations, cinematography techniques, or emerging drone technology.

Furthermore, developing a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their work in various film and television projects would significantly enhance their career prospects.

 

Film and Television Drone Pilot Salary Expectations

A Film and Television Drone Pilot can expect to earn an average salary of $50,000 to $70,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on the pilot’s experience, the complexity of the shooting project, location, and the budget of the production company.

 

Film and Television Drone Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Film and Television Drone Pilot need?

A Film and Television Drone Pilot needs excellent piloting skills to maneuver drones in various environments and weather conditions.

They should also have a good understanding of camera operations to ensure they capture the best shots.

Proficiency in video editing software and the ability to interpret storyboards is advantageous.

Additionally, they should possess strong spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and patience.

 

Do Film and Television Drone Pilots need a degree?

No, a degree is not mandatory to be a Film and Television Drone Pilot.

However, they must have an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, which requires passing an FAA aeronautical knowledge test.

Some drone pilots may have degrees in film or photography, while others may have backgrounds in aviation.

 

What should you look for in a Film and Television Drone Pilot’s resume?

Firstly, look for FAA certification as it’s mandatory for commercial drone pilots.

Previous experience in filming or photography, especially with drone operations, is crucial.

Some pilots may have a portfolio or reel which showcases their drone-operated filming skills, so check for that as well.

Lastly, look for mentions of safety training or courses in drone maintenance as they add to the candidate’s competency.

 

What qualities make a good Film and Television Drone Pilot?

A good Film and Television Drone Pilot is someone with a strong visual sense and an ability to create compelling images from unique vantage points.

They should have a keen understanding of safety protocols and risk management.

Patience and precision are essential, as getting the right shot may require multiple attempts.

They should be technologically savvy and able to adapt quickly to new equipment and software.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Film and Television Drone Pilot?

It can be challenging to hire a Film and Television Drone Pilot due to the specialized skills and certification required for the role.

There are fewer qualified candidates in the job market than traditional camera operators or pilots, and hence, the demand for skilled drone pilots in the film and television industry often outweighs the supply.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve explored the thrilling world of a film and television drone pilot.

Surprising, right?

It’s not just about flying drones.

It’s about capturing captivating visuals from unique perspectives, one flight at a time.

With our comprehensive film and television drone pilot job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your career take off.

But why stop there?

Soar higher with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every flight you make contributes to the larger narrative.

Let’s capture that narrative. Together.

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