How to Prepare a Production for Collaboration with the FPVVIDEO Drone Team

1. Define Project Goals

Before planning the actual filming, it is necessary to clarify what type of shots the production needs. Each drone has its specific use, and the correct choice is key to the final effect.

FPV 2" Drone for Interiors

Small and agile machine, ideal for filming in enclosed spaces. Suitable for hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, corporate spaces, or real estate. Thanks to its size, it can safely fly through narrow corridors, around tables, or interior decorations, offering the viewer an authentic first-person perspective.

FPV 5" Drone for Dynamic Action Shots

Racing machine capable of flying at speeds up to 190 km/h. Perfect for filming car races, motorcycles, cycling competitions, or other fast scenes. This type of drone can track object movement and create shots full of energy and adrenaline.

Cinema Drones (DJI Mavic 3 Cine, DJI Avata 2)

If the goal is a smooth, aesthetic image, it is appropriate to use cinema drones. These machines offer stabilized footage, support formats such as ProRes or 10bit D‑Log, and are ideal for documentaries, series, feature films, or commercials where visual quality is important.

360° Cameras and Action Cameras

An additional element that allows capturing the surrounding environment or providing making-of shots. Suitable for special projects, VR content, or interactive presentations.

The production should decide already in the preparation phase whether it needs mainly interior FPV shots, fast action sequences, film-cinematic footage, or a combination of both. The combination is often the most effective – FPV adds energy and adrenaline, while cinema video ensures aesthetics and smoothness.

2. Legal Framework and Permits

Collaboration with a drone team is not just about technology and creativity, but also about complying with applicable legislation. The production must ensure that all flights are legal, safe, and have the necessary permits. This is crucial not only for filming itself but also for subsequent use of the material in television, film, or advertising.

Permissions and Licenses

FPVVIDEO has a complete set of authorizations:

   
• A1/A3 and A2 – the highest level of permission, allowing flight even in areas where it is usually not allowed.
   
• DJI Avata 2 with C1 certification – a special FPV drone that meets legislative requirements for operation in urban areas.
   
• DJI Mavic 3 Cine with C1 certification – also certified for safe film shooting.
 

Thanks to these licenses, we can offer legal operation in interiors, cities, nature, and industrial locations.

Permit from the Civil Aviation Authority (ÚCL)

If filming is required in protected or specific areas, a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority (ÚCL) is necessary. We handle the entire process – the client does not need to worry. This includes insurance and all administrative requirements. The only condition is sufficient lead time, as obtaining a permit may take several days, weeks, or even up to 2 months.

European Legislation EASA

In addition to Czech regulations, we also comply with European legislation EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). This ensures that our work is fully compatible with requirements throughout the EU. Thanks to this, we can easily carry out projects not only in the Czech Republic but also in Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Poland, and other countries.

Practical Examples

   
• Prague, Prague West, Prague East – filming in urban environments sometimes requires special permits, which we can provide.
   
• Moravia, Brno, Slovakia – regions where permits can be requested, including coordination with local authorities.
   
• Outside the Czech Republic – thanks to EASA legislation, we can handle filming abroad without issues.
 

Summary

Legislation is often perceived as complicated, but for professional production it is essential. FPVVIDEO offers complete service – from licenses through permits to insurance. The client can focus on the creative part of the project, while we ensure that everything is legal and safe.

3. Technical Requirements and Formats

One of the key points in collaboration between production and the drone team is a clear agreement on the technical parameters of the final material. Each project has different requirements, so it is important to know which formats and resolutions will be most suitable.

Resolution and Image Quality

   
• 4K footage – standard for film and television production. Provides maximum detail, cropping options, and flexibility in post-production.
   
• HD / Full HD – suitable for projects where extreme data demands are not required. Often used for online content, reports, or fast news coverage.
   
• Variability according to the project – FPVVIDEO always adapts the output to the client’s requirements. Shooting only in 4K is not mandatory; smaller formats are also offered if it suits the production workflow.
 

Professional Formats

   
• ProRes – ideal for film production where color depth and flexibility in editing are important.
   
• 10bit D‑Log – allows advanced color grading, which is crucial for visually demanding projects.
   
• RAW / unprocessed material – option to deliver shots without any post-production, so television or film production can adjust the image according to their own style.
 

Post-production vs. Raw Material

   
• Without post-production – raw material that the client processes with their own resources. Often preferred by TV productions with their own post-production teams.
   
• With post-production – fully prepared video, including color correction, editing, and audio synchronization. Suitable for smaller productions, advertising agencies, or clients who want a finished output.
 

Workflow for Television and Film

   
• Television – often prefers raw material, which is then processed according to internal standards.
   
• Film – requires maximum quality and flexibility, so formats like ProRes or D‑Log are used.
   
• Advertising and online content – fast delivery is important, so Full HD or quickly processed 4K footage is often chosen.
 

Sound and Synchronization

Drones do not record sound themselves, so synchronization with external microphones is necessary. FPVVIDEO offers:

   
• External audio recording – microphones for action cameras, ambient sound, interviews.
   
• Image and audio synchronization – we ensure a workflow that makes the final material ready for editing without complications.
 

4. Locations and Safety

Choosing a location is one of the most important steps when planning filming with a drone team. Each environment has its specific requirements, whether it is city streets, natural scenery, or interiors. Proper location preparation ensures not only the visual quality of the shots but also the safety of everyone involved.

Locations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

   
• Prague, Prague West, Prague East – urban environment offers attractive architecture and dynamic scenes. Filming here often requires special permits from the Civil Aviation Authority (ÚCL), especially in the historic center or near airports.
   
• Central Bohemia – ideal for a combination of natural and urban shots. Suitable for documentaries, commercials, and television reports.
   
• Moravia and Brno – regions with rich cultural and industrial scenery. Brno is also often a center for sports events, where FPV drones can provide dynamic shots.
   
• Slovakia – mountains, national parks, and urban environments. Thanks to European legislation EASA, filming here is also possible without problems.
 

Filming Abroad

FPVVIDEO has no problem arranging filming abroad. Thanks to valid licenses and compliance with European legislation EASA, we can carry out projects in Austria, Germany, Poland, and other countries.

Interiors

For filming interiors, we use FPV 2" drones or DJI Avata 2, which are small, agile, and safe. Suitable for hotels, restaurants, bars, corporate spaces, or real estate. They allow smooth flights through corridors, around tables or decorations, without the risk of equipment damage.

Safety Measures

   
• Safety is an absolute priority when working with drones.
   
• Compliance with UCL and European EASA legislation – every flight is conducted according to applicable rules.
   
• Insurance – all our flights are insured, protecting both production and client.
   
• Protection of crew and actors – during filming near people, we maintain safe distances and use suitable types of drones.
   
• Coordination with production – before each flight, a briefing is held to establish safety rules and the scenario.
 

Weather

Filming outdoors can be affected by weather – this is a common reality in filmmaking. We monitor forecasts and plan alternative dates. FPVVIDEO has experience filming in winter and windy conditions, but safety is always the top priority. Production should anticipate that weather can affect the schedule, just as in classical film shooting.

5. Communication with the Drone Team

Successful collaboration between the production and the drone team relies on clear communication. Drones are technically advanced machines, but without proper instructions and coordination, the resulting shots may not meet the director’s or client’s expectations. Therefore, it is important to dedicate enough time to preparation.

Script and Storyboard

The production should have a prepared script or at least a basic storyboard. This helps the drone team understand what shots are needed. For FPV shots, it is important to know the exact flight path so that the drone can move safely in the space. For film drones, it is key to know whether the camera should move slowly, follow a character, or provide a wide panoramic shot.

Pre-filming Consultation

FPVVIDEO offers the possibility of a consultation before filming. A technical briefing is conducted, explaining the capabilities of individual drones (FPV 2" for interiors, FPV 5" for dynamic actions, DJI Mavic 3 Cine for cinematic shots). The production is informed about environmental limits – for example, how close the drone can fly to actors, what are safety zones, and how long the battery lasts. Consultation helps align expectations and prevent misunderstandings.

Test Flights

Before actual filming, it is advisable to perform test flights. For FPV drones, the path is tested to ensure it is safe and visually attractive. For film drones, composition, movement speed, and stability are tested. Test flights allow the production to see how the final shot will look and adjust the script if necessary.

Coordination with Camera Operators, Sound Engineers, and Director

   
• The drone team is not an isolated unit – it is part of the entire film crew.
   
• Camera operators – drone shots must match other cameras for natural editing.
   
• Sound engineers – even if the drone does not record sound, audio coordination is important to avoid interference or overlap.
   
• Director – has the final word on which shot is used. The drone team must be ready to respond to their instructions.
 

Flexibility During Filming

Film and television are live processes – often, the director or client changes requirements on set. FPVVIDEO is used to working flexibly and adapting to changes. Thanks to various types of drones (FPV 2", FPV 5", Mavic 3 Cine, Avata 2), we can quickly respond to new requirements.

6. Practical Examples of Use

Drones today are not just a technical novelty but have become a standard part of film, television, and advertising production. Each type of drone has its specific use, and thanks to the combination of FPV and cinema video, FPVVIDEO can offer solutions for a wide range of projects.

Commercial Spots

Advertising is an environment where drones excel. FPV 5" drones can create dynamic sequences that draw the viewer directly into the action. Typical examples are car commercials, where the drone follows the vehicle and offers shots that would otherwise be impossible. Cinema drones (DJI Mavic 3 Cine) ensure smooth panoramic shots of landscapes, cities, or architecture, adding aesthetic value to the commercial. The combination of both styles – FPV for energy and cinema video for visual beauty – is ideal for modern advertising campaigns.

Documentary Films

Documentaries require authentic and aesthetic footage. Cinema drones are key here – they capture landscapes, urban environments, or architecture in maximum quality. FPV 2" drones can offer unique interior fly-throughs, such as museums, historic buildings, or modern offices. Documentary productions often appreciate the possibility of receiving material without post-production, so they can adjust it according to their own visual style.

Sports Broadcasts

Sports are dynamic, and drones can capture this energy perfectly. FPV 5" drones are ideal for car, motorcycle, or cycling races. With speeds up to 190 km/h, they can follow competitors in real time. FPV 2" drones are suitable for indoor sports – for example, basketball, hockey, or indoor tournaments, where they can safely fly around players and offer viewers a new perspective. Combining FPV and conventional cameras gives the viewer the feeling of being directly part of the game.

Inspection and Monitoring

Drones are not only for filming – they also have technical uses. Cinema drones are used for visual inspections of buildings, bridges, or industrial facilities. FPV drones can penetrate hard-to-reach areas and provide detailed monitoring. FPVVIDEO also offers the possibility of time-lapse monitoring, where the object is filmed repeatedly to track its condition over time.

Combination of FPV and Cinema Video

The greatest strength of the drone team lies in combining different styles. FPV adds energy, adrenaline, and a sense of motion. Cinema video ensures aesthetics, stability, and visual beauty. Together, they create a comprehensive package that can satisfy even the most demanding productions.

7. Weather and Planning

Filming outdoors is always influenced by the weather. Production collaborating with a drone team must account for the fact that outdoor conditions are never 100% predictable. Just like in classic film shooting, rain, wind, or snow can change the schedule, and therefore it is important to have a plan B prepared.

Impact of Weather on Drone Filming

   
• Wind – FPV drones are fast and agile, but strong wind can affect their stability. Film drones like DJI Mavic 3 Cine have advanced stabilization, but limits must still be respected.
   
• Rain and Snow – most drones are not waterproof, so flying in rain or heavy snow is not done. If a shot is needed under these conditions, an alternative date is planned.
   
• Temperature – in winter, battery life is shorter. FPVVIDEO has experience filming in frost and uses procedures that ensure safe operation even in low temperatures.
   
• Lighting Conditions – sun, cloudy sky, or night filming significantly affect the image. Therefore, ND filters, proper camera settings, and possibly external lighting are used.
 

Planning Alternative Dates

   
• Production should anticipate that weather can shift the filming schedule.
   
• FPVVIDEO always recommends having a backup date prepared.
   
• If the project is time-demanding, multiple options can be planned – for example, filming in other locations less dependent on weather.
   
• For television or commercial projects, it is common to have a prepared interior scenario that can be realized even in unfavorable weather.
 

FPVVIDEO Experience

   
• Winter filming – for example with DJI Mavic 3 Cine outdoors and FPV 2" drones indoors.
   
• Summer projects – where harsh sunlight requires using ND filters.
   
• Night filming – requires special permits and proper technique but can create a unique atmosphere.
 

Practical Recommendations for Production

   
• Consider that weather is part of the filming process – just like with classic cameras.
   
• Always plan sufficient time to respond to changes.
   
• Work with the drone team to prepare alternative scenarios.
 

8. Conclusion

Collaboration with a drone team is today an integral part of modern film, television, and commercial production. If the production is well-prepared, the result is footage that can elevate the project – whether it is dynamic FPV sequences, smooth cinematic images, or technical inspections.

FPVVIDEO Offers Complete Service:

   
• FPV 2" drones for interiors (hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, corporate spaces, real estate...).
   
• FPV 5" drones for action scenes at speeds up to 190 km/h.
   
• Cinema drones DJI Mavic 3 Cine and DJI Avata 2 for film shots with ProRes and 10bit D‑Log support; Avata 2 is a certified FPV drone (with C1 class marking unlike standard FPV drones).
   
• Delivery of material either in raw version without post-production or fully processed.
   
• Complete legislative arrangements – permits from ÚCL, insurance, licenses, compliance with European legislation EASA.
   
• Safety – always the first priority, whether outdoors, indoors, or in urban environments.
 

The production can thus focus on the creative part of the project, while FPVVIDEO ensures everything runs legally, safely, and professionally.

FPVVIDEO Philosophy

Our work is not just about drones. It is about the overall perception of image, movement, and story. FPVVIDEO connects technology with vision – showing the world from a new perspective and providing the viewer with an experience that would otherwise not be possible.

“FPVVIDEO is not just about drones, but about a new way to tell a story through visuals.”

More about this philosophy can be found in our article: