Introduction: Drones as part of modern production
Drones today belong among the most important tools of modern audiovisual creation. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, they have become a common part of production and post-production — from drone videos, through drone photography, to FPV fly-throughs of interiors that we now see in restaurants, hotels, showrooms, salons, at weddings, corporate events, and sporting events.
While today it is common for FPVVIDEO.cz to film dynamic interior fly-throughs, follow cars on a racetrack, or create cinematic aerial shots, a hundred years ago something like this would have seemed like science fiction. The path to today’s drones was long, full of experiments, dead ends, military projects, and technological leaps.
This article will guide you through the entire history of drones — from the first balloons carrying explosives to modern FPV machines that today are changing the way video, inspections, mapping, and entertainment are created.
1) Early experiments: Balloons, kites, and the desire to fly without a pilot (1800–1914)
Balloons as the first “unmanned vehicles”
Long before electronics existed, the idea emerged to send something into the air that did not require a pilot.
In 1849, the Austrian army used balloons filled with explosives against Venice. The balloons were meant to be carried by the wind over the city and explode there. The result was more chaotic than effective, but it was the first documented attempt at an unmanned attack.
Although this has little in common with today’s drones, the principle was the same:
getting a payload into the air without a human on board.
Kites as the first platform for aerial imagery
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, photographers began experimenting with kites to which they attached cameras.
This led to the first aerial photographs taken without a pilot — predecessors of today’s mapping missions, inspections, and real estate shots.
From today’s perspective, it is fascinating that the principle was similar to modern drones:
- a carrier (kite),
- camera,
- remote shutter release,
- an effort to achieve stable flight.
At that time, however, no one could have imagined that a hundred years later, 8K cameras on stabilized gimbals would be commonplace and FPV drones would be flying through restaurant and hotel interiors.
2) The birth of drones: World War I and the era of radio control (1914–1945)
Aerial Target (1916): The first true drone
During World War I, the British developed an unmanned aircraft controlled by radio — the Aerial Target.
It was never deployed in combat, but it became the first functional UAV in history.
For the first time, technologies appeared that we now consider standard:
- radio control,
- stabilization systems,
- pre-programmed flight paths.
Without them, today’s drones, which we use at weddings, corporate events, in real estate, or for sports videos, could not exist at all.
Kettering Bug (1918): The American “flying torpedo”
The Americans developed an autonomous aircraft designed to shut off its engine after a certain time and crash onto a target.
It was a predecessor of modern guided missiles, but also proof that an unmanned aircraft could function without direct control.
Today, similar principles are used by:
- autonomous missions in mapping drones,
- inspection flights,
- reconnaissance UAVs,
- automatic return (RTH),
- waypoint missions.
World War II: Drones as targets
In the 1930s and 1940s, drones were used mainly as targets for pilot training.
These were simple machines, but they enabled rapid development of technologies that later led to modern UAVs.
3) The Cold War: Espionage, reconnaissance, and the first autonomous systems (1945–1990)
Ryan Firebee (1951): An icon of unmanned reconnaissance
One of the most successful drones in history.
It was used for:
- reconnaissance,
- radar testing,
- pilot training,
- data collection.
It was fast, reliable, and technologically advanced.
Thanks to it, the first concepts emerged that are now used by civilian drones as well — such as telemetry, remote control, and automatic stabilization.
Vietnam: The first mass deployment of drones
The United States used drones for reconnaissance, mapping, and surveillance.
These were large machines, but the principle was the same as today:
- camera,
- image transmission,
- remote control,
- autonomous functions.
Today, we use similar technologies for:
- inspections of roofs and solar panels,
- monitoring construction sites,
- mapping land,
- covering sporting events,
- FPV fly-throughs for company marketing.
The emergence of the modern UAV concept
In the 1980s, the first drones appeared with:
- cameras,
- autopilots,
- satellite control,
- digital image transmission.
Israeli projects later inspired the American MQ-1 Predator — the first truly modern drone.
4) The 21st century: Drones for everyone (2000–2015)
Miniaturization of electronics: When drones became accessible
At the turn of the millennium, a fundamental technological shift took place. Electronics became smaller, cheaper, and at the same time faster.
This enabled the emergence of the first small, lightweight, and relatively affordable drones, which were no longer limited to the military or research laboratories.
The first models appeared that were able to:
- hover stably in the air,
- transmit live video in real time,
- perform basic autonomous functions,
- be operated even by non-experts.
This was the moment when the market began to take shape — a market in which FPVVIDEO.cz also operates today: the market of professional aerial production, marketing videos, real estate visuals, and FPV fly-throughs.
Parrot AR.Drone (2010): The first drone for the masses
The year 2010 brought a major milestone: the Parrot AR.Drone.
It was the first drone that could be controlled via a mobile phone, featured stabilization and a camera, and was designed for the general public.
Although its quality was modest by today’s standards, it showed the world that:
- drones can be fun,
- they can be easy to control,
- they can be affordable,
- they can be useful beyond the military.
This was the first step toward drones becoming a common part of video production, real estate presentations, inspections, and later also FPV interior fly-throughs.
The rise of DJI: Phantom changes the world (2013)
The year 2013 is a turning point in the history of drones.
DJI introduced the Phantom 1, which triggered a revolution.
For the first time, something appeared that was:
- stable,
- reliable,
- easy to operate,
- affordable,
- suitable for professional video.
Phantom 2 and 3 then introduced:
- a gimbal with 3-axis stabilization,
- high-quality cameras,
- GPS stabilization,
- intelligent flight modes,
- return to home (RTH),
- long flight time.
This was the moment when drones became a standard part of film and video production.
The first companies focused on drone video, drone photography, inspections, mapping, and marketing aerial footage began to emerge.
In the Czech Republic, the first professional services started to appear — and gradually, space was created for projects such as FPVVIDEO.cz, which today combine classic drones with modern FPV technologies.
5) The FPV revolution: From racing to cinematic fly-throughs (2015–present)
FPV racing: Adrenaline, speed, and community
Around 2015, a global FPV community began to form.
FPV drones were small, extremely fast, and controlled using goggles that provided the pilot with a first-person view.
Racing FPV drones flew:
- at speeds exceeding 120 km/h,
- on tight tracks,
- between obstacles,
- with extreme acceleration.
The first FPV leagues emerged, with races held in halls, stadiums, and natural environments.
FPV became a phenomenon — and at the same time an incubator of technologies that are now used in professional production.
Cinematic FPV: When racing technology entered the film world
Around 2019, FPV drones began to appear in film and video production.
Pilots started using lighter, more stable, and better-tuned machines that enabled:
- smooth interior fly-throughs,
- dynamic shots,
- one-take sequences,
- extreme maneuverability,
- low flights over people, tables, and decorations,
- tracking cars, motorcycles, and athletes.
This was the moment when FPV drones became a tool now also used by FPVVIDEO.cz — and one that fundamentally changed the nature of modern video production.
Today, FPV fly-throughs are common in:
- restaurants,
- hotels,
- bars,
- showrooms,
- salons,
- wedding venues,
- corporate events,
- sporting events,
- car dealerships,
- fitness centers,
- event halls.
And large FPV drones are capable of tracking:
- cars on racetracks,
- motorcycles,
- cyclists,
- runners,
- skiers,
- sports teams.
What was unthinkable just a few years ago is now a standard part of video production and post-production.
Digital video transmission: The end of the analog era
Another major breakthrough came with the rise of digital video transmission.
The DJI FPV system (2019) and later the DJI O3 Air Unit introduced:
- clean digital image,
- low latency,
- high resolution,
- reliable signal.
This allowed pilots to fly more precisely, safely, and creatively.
Thanks to this, FPVVIDEO.cz can now film fly-throughs even in complex interiors where analog signals would previously fail.
6) Modern drones: Technologies that are changing the world
What a modern drone can do today
Today’s drones — whether classic or FPV — are technologically at a level that would have been unimaginable 20 years ago.
Common features include:
- 4K to 8K video,
- 3-axis stabilization,
- obstacle detection,
- autonomous flights,
- waypoint missions,
- thermal imaging,
- RTK accuracy,
- video transmission over kilometers,
- high wind resistance,
- intelligent tracking modes.
Thanks to this, drones are used not only for video, but also for:
- inspections of roofs, chimneys, and solar panels,
- monitoring construction sites,
- mapping land,
- rescue operations,
- industrial inspections,
- event documentation,
- sports broadcasts,
- marketing campaigns.
And of course for video production and post-production, where the combination of classic drones and FPV machines makes it possible to create shots that were previously impossible.
7) Drones in the Czech Republic and Slovakia: From early enthusiasts to professional services
The early years: When drones were a rarity
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the first civilian drones began to appear around 2012–2013.
They were mostly:
- large hexacopters,
- hand-built machines,
- devices with a GoPro camera,
- builds that required an experienced pilot as well as a technician.
At the time, it was an expensive and technically demanding discipline.
Every flight was a risk — signal dropouts, unstable flight controllers, short battery endurance.
Still, the first companies emerged offering:
- aerial photography,
- drone video for real estate agencies,
- footage for television production,
- construction documentation.
It was the beginning of an era that today enables projects such as FPVVIDEO.cz to provide professional aerial services at a top-tier level.
Regulation and safety: A necessity that moved the industry forward
As the number of drones grew, the need for regulation followed.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia gradually introduced rules that:
- defined drone categories,
- specified pilot responsibilities,
- set limits for flying over people and in built-up areas,
- introduced mandatory registration and exams.
Although it meant complications for some pilots, in reality it helped to:
- increase safety,
- professionalize the market,
- separate amateurs from professionals,
- create space for high-quality production.
Thanks to this, it is now possible to film legally and safely:
- weddings,
- corporate events,
- sporting events,
- real estate videos,
- marketing spots,
- inspections of roofs and solar panels.
And also to deliver FPV interior fly-throughs, which are now among the most in-demand types of video.
8) Modern drone applications: From inspections to film production
Inspections and technical use
Drones today are not only about video.
They have become a key tool for technical fields:
- inspections of roofs and facades,
- inspection of solar panels,
- monitoring construction sites,
- mapping land,
- thermal measurements,
- inspection of chimneys and hard-to-reach places.
Thanks to modern sensors, drones can replace:
- aerial work platforms,
- scaffolding,
- risky worker climbs.
This saves time, money, and reduces safety risks.
Marketing, advertising, and corporate presentation
Drones have become a standard in marketing.
Companies commonly use:
- aerial shots of buildings,
- FPV fly-throughs of operations,
- dynamic shots from production,
- presentations of showrooms,
- videos from events and parties.
Drone footage adds to video:
- dynamic energy,
- spatial depth,
- emotion,
- a premium look.
And this is exactly where the combination of classic drones and FPV machines stands out, used by FPVVIDEO.cz as well — thanks to it, videos are created that have energy, pace, and a wow effect.
Weddings and events: The drone as part of the story
Drones have become one of the most popular additions to wedding and event production.
They make it possible to capture:
- guests arriving,
- the atmosphere of the location,
- group photos from above,
- dynamic shots of dancing, banquets, or fireworks,
- FPV fly-throughs of a hall, restaurant, or outdoor space.
Modern FPV drones are so small and safe that they can fly:
- between tables,
- around decorations,
- along bars,
- through doorways,
- around people without risk.
This creates shots that were not possible before — and which are now among the most requested services of FPVVIDEO.cz.
9) FPV drones: A new era of creativity
Why FPV drones changed the rules of the game
FPV drones brought something into the video world that classic drones could not:
- extreme dynamism,
- the ability to fly indoors,
- low passes,
- fast direction changes,
- smooth one-take sequences,
- the ability to track fast-moving objects.
Because of this, FPV has become a phenomenon in:
- advertising,
- sports,
- automotive,
- real estate,
- gastronomy,
- events,
- tourism.
Interiors: Places where flying used to be impossible
Modern FPV drones are small, lightweight, and safe.
This makes it possible to film fly-throughs in places where a classic drone would have no chance:
- restaurants, bars, and cafés,
- hotels, wellness areas, and lobbies,
- showrooms and car dealerships,
- beauty salons and barbershops,
- wedding venues and banquet halls,
- fitness centers and sports halls,
- production halls and warehouses.
Thanks to this, videos are created that have:
- energy,
- atmosphere,
- story,
- smooth movement,
- wow effect.
And that is exactly the specialization of FPVVIDEO.cz — a combination of cinematic sensibility, technical precision, and modern FPV technologies.
10) How drones changed film and video production
A new visual language
Drones brought an entirely new way of storytelling into the world of video.
Shots that used to be possible only with:
- a helicopter,
- a crane,
- rails,
- stabilizers,
- or not at all,
are now accessible even to smaller productions, companies, hotels, restaurants, or wedding couples.
Drones enabled:
- smooth approaches from above,
- dynamic fly-throughs,
- motion tracking,
- transitions between interior and exterior,
- one-take sequences,
- a combination of speed and subtlety.
This fundamentally changed the visual style of modern videos.
And this is exactly where the specialization of FPVVIDEO.cz stands out — a combination of classic drones, FPV machines, and professional post-production.
Classic drones vs. FPV drones: Two technologies, one goal
Today, two main types of drones are used in professional production:
1) Classic drones (DJI, Autel…)
Suitable for:
- stable aerial shots,
- real estate videos,
- weddings,
- corporate presentations,
- inspections,
- mapping.
Advantages:
- perfect stabilization,
- high resolution,
- long flight time,
- safe autonomous functions.
2) FPV drones
Suitable for:
- dynamic fly-throughs,
- interiors,
- sports,
- automotive,
- action scenes,
- creative storytelling.
Advantages:
- extreme maneuverability,
- the ability to fly in tight spaces,
- smooth one-take shots,
- high speed and precision.
Modern production — including FPVVIDEO.cz — combines both types to create a video that has:
- atmosphere,
- energy,
- emotion,
- spatial depth,
- story.
11) Drones in gastronomy, hospitality, and retail
Restaurants and bars
FPV fly-throughs have become a hit in gastronomy.
Thanks to small FPV drones, it is possible to film:
- a pass around the bar counter,
- a flight between tables,
- a shot through the door into the kitchen,
- a dynamic view of meal preparation,
- the atmosphere of evening service.
Such a video:
- grabs attention,
- increases foot traffic,
- strengthens the brand,
- shows the atmosphere better than photos.
Hotels and wellness
Hotels use drones to present:
- rooms,
- lobbies,
- wellness zones,
- restaurants,
- surroundings,
- conference areas.
An FPV fly-through can show in a single sequence:
- the entrance,
- the reception,
- the corridor,
- the room,
- the view from the window,
- the wellness area,
- the restaurant.
This is a marketing tool with no real competition.
Showrooms and car dealerships
FPV drones enable:
- a fly-around of cars,
- dynamic shots of the car interior,
- tracking a car during pull-off,
- presenting the entire showroom in a single shot.
For automotive, this is now a standard — and FPVVIDEO.cz provides these services regularly.
12) Sport and adrenaline: Where FPV drones excel
Tracking cars on a racetrack
Large FPV drones can:
- keep up with cars,
- fly close above the track surface,
- mirror corners,
- follow drift,
- capture speed and dynamics.
This is why FPV drones have become a popular tool for:
- motorsport teams,
- track events,
- drift shows,
- rally races.
Sporting events
FPV drones are used at:
- running races,
- cycling,
- skiing,
- skateboarding,
- parkour,
- fitness events.
Thanks to them, it is possible to capture:
- speed,
- energy,
- atmosphere,
- athletes’ emotions.
13) The future of drones: Where are we heading
Autonomous drones
Development is moving toward drones that will be able to:
- fly independently,
- avoid obstacles,
- perform inspections without a pilot,
- monitor objects,
- automatically document construction sites.
This will open new possibilities for:
- construction,
- energy,
- security,
- logistics.
Drones in logistics
Delivery by drones is no longer science fiction.
Systems are being tested that will enable:
- parcel delivery,
- transport of medical supplies,
- rapid response in the field.
FPV drones as a standard in film production
FPV drones will become a common part of:
- commercials,
- films,
- series,
- sports broadcasts,
- corporate videos.
Their flexibility and creative potential are enormous.
14) Conclusion: From balloons to FPV fly-throughs — an incredible journey
The history of drones is a fascinating story of human inventiveness.
From explosive balloons in the 19th century, through military experiments, to today’s FPV drones that fly through the interiors of restaurants, hotels, showrooms, wedding venues, or track cars on a racetrack.
Drones today are not just technology.
They are tools of creativity, production, marketing, inspections, and entertainment.
And projects like FPVVIDEO.cz prove that modern drones can tell stories in a way that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
