WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

At Open Sky Drone Productions, our Sky Crew plays a vital role in every performance, ensuring each drone show is executed with precision and safety. From meticulous pre-show setup to real-time coordination during flights, to show breakdown, this dedicated team works behind the scenes to bring our spectacular sky displays to life. Their expertise keeps everything running smoothly—so the only thing our audiences need to do is look up and be amazed.”

Our Mission is through a perfect blend of creativity, safety, and precision we craft breathtaking drone light shows that ignite passion and leave audiences in awe. When our drones take flight, the world fades away!

Our Values

▪️Safety – Safety is woven into every decision we make.

▪️Passion – We are a team of passionate memory makers.

▪️Creativity – Creativity is in our heart to craft your story.

▪️Experience – Experience that has delivered (400+ shows over 3+ years).

Watch Now—Training Video

Please take the time to watch our brief training video in order to prepare you for your first day of sky crewing with the team!

Sky Crew Team Roles & Responsibilities

Pilot

The Pilot plays a critical role in ensuring the success and safety of every drone light show. Responsibilities include:

• • Serve as the onsite leader, directing all drone operations and providing instructions to the team.
  • Execute pre-programmed flight paths while monitoring system performance during the show.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, safety protocols, and company standards throughout the event.
  • Designate assignments to ground crew members, ensuring smooth coordination of all tasks.
  • Oversee pre-show diagnostics, including GPS calibration and drone readiness checks.
  • Manage mid-flight adjustments to address unexpected challenges like weather changes or signal interruptions.
  • Take responsibility for overall safety and reliable execution of shows from setup to takedown.

Co-pilot

The Co-Pilot acts as a vital support to the Pilot, focusing on operational efficiency and safety during the show. Responsibilities include:

• • Assist the Pilot in pre-programmed flight path reviews and system tests before takeoff.
  • Monitor real-time diagnostic data during the show, quickly identifying and addressing potential issues.
  • Collaborate with the crew to ensure secure launch and landing zones while managing audience safety perimeters.
  • Provide a backup operational role, stepping in to manage systems or operations as needed.
  • Support communication between the Pilot and Crew to maintain seamless coordination onsite.
  • Reinforce adherence to FAA regulations and company safety procedures in all aspects of the show.

Crew

The Crew plays an essential supporting role, taking care of the groundwork to make drone light shows a success. Responsibilities include:

• • Assist with the setup and takedown of drone equipment, ensuring all cases (30-60 lbs) are handled safely and efficiently.
  • Maintain a clean, organized operational area and oversee compliance with safety perimeters around the launch zones.
  • Act as Visual Observers during flights, monitoring drone movements and promptly alerting the Pilot of any anomalies.
  • Direct audience inquiries to the appropriate Open Sky representative to maintain professionalism and focus on operations.
  • Aid in weather preparations, staying informed of conditions, and ensuring the team is equipped accordingly.
  • Provide logistical support for drone configuration, ensuring all drones are positioned correctly before takeoff.

Drone Video Pilot

The Drone Video Pilot captures the magic of each performance, ensuring every show is documented with precision. Responsibilities include:

• Operate drones designated for video capture, ensuring footage aligns with the show’s creative and aesthetic goals.
• Coordinate with the Pilot to synchronize video drones with the light show choreography for smooth integration.
• Conduct pre-show checks on drone cameras and equipment to ensure optimal performance in varying weather conditions.
• Deliver unedited video footage to Open Sky Productions within 24 hours after the event using designated file transfer systems.
• Abide by all safety protocols and FAA regulations specific to aerial filming, prioritizing operational integrity.
• Innovate and contribute new approaches to cinematography to elevate the quality and storytelling of captured light shows.

This unified team approach ensures every Sky Crew member plays a critical role in the seamless execution of Open Sky Productions’ awe-inspiring drone light shows. Together, we transform events and illuminate the skies with creative brilliance!

Pay Process

Once the above form is received and the show has flown, you will receive links from Open Sky to fill out information to be paid.

Please allow 3 to 5 business days to process your payment.

Video Capture Instructions for Sky Crew Assisting With Video Content

Drone/Media Pilot Instructions

• Drone Camera Settings

Settings ideal for night time shooting, ISO 600 and above, 4k and 30 framerate

Ideally Cinematic setting

1. Drone Shooting instructions (SAMPLES HERE)

Please shoot safely behind the audience location

Please shoot the show above the city skyline so the show doesn’t blend into any city lights (if possible). 

Drone b-roll content

1. Get in the air 3 to 5 min early for establishing shots of the location (takeoff and landing if possible) (SAMPLE HERE)

Drone movement:

1. Pan left to right and right to left slowly when designs are up with a steady camera fixed on the show designs (SAMPLES HERE)
2. Move forward to backward and backward to forward when designs are up with camera fixed on the show designs (SAMPLES HERE)

Ground Level Video Content Instructions

1. Ground Camera (GoPro Open Sky camera)

Please frame video with objects, people, or landscape to help establish the location of the show 

2.   iPhone/Phone Camera

Once the stationary ground camera is set and running, please try to grab b-roll content of the audience watching and shooting the show with their phones, shots behind the audience with show in the foreground, and shots of the audience reaction to the show.  Please try to shoot this in 5 to 10 second segments. (SAMPLE HERE from :03 to :18 and SAMPLE HERE)