FAQ · Drone filming
Drone filming: the questions clients ask us
Drone and aerial camera work for brands, commercials, live events, sport and music. If your question isn't covered here, get in touch.
The fleet
What drones do you fly?
We run a full aerial fleet and match the aircraft to the shot.
DJI Inspire 3
Our flagship aerial camera. Full-frame cinema sensor, rock-solid in the air. First choice for premium brand and commercial work.
DJI Inspire 2
Industry-standard aerial camera for establishing shots, landscapes, architecture and event coverage.
Freefly Alta X
Our heavy-lift platform, flown with a range of payloads: light rigs, or a cinema camera and lenses on a Movi Pro. This is the aircraft for a production that wants its own camera and glass in the air rather than the drone’s.
FPV drones
Fast, agile drones for chasing, diving and one-take fly-throughs, indoors or out. FPV (first-person view) is flown live through goggles. Three builds: sub-65g tiny whoops carrying a 4K DJI Air Unit Pro, for the tightest gaps and closest work around talent; a lightweight GoPro setup; and a 6K Blackmagic build for a full cinema image. More on the FPV page.
Tell us the shot and we’ll bring the right aircraft.
Can the drone carry a light or a specific camera?
Yes. The Alta X is the aircraft for that: it flies a range of payloads, from a light rig to a cinema camera and lenses on a Movi Pro. The Inspire 3 covers lighter loads. Tell us the camera, lens or lighting look in advance and we’ll confirm the right aircraft.
Licensing, insurance & safety
Are you licensed to fly commercially?
Yes. We operate under a CAA Operational Authorisation (PDRA01) and our pilots hold the GVC and the RPC-L1 (Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate). We can send a copy of our current authorisation for your records or your venue on request. More on the CAA authorised operator page.
Are you insured?
We carry £10 million public liability insurance. If your production or venue needs to be named as additionally insured, send us the wording and we’ll arrange it before the shoot.
What paperwork do you provide?
RAMS (risk assessment and method statement), proof of insurance and our CAA Operational Authorisation as standard. For a specific location or event we produce a site-specific risk assessment, usually after a recce so it reflects the real conditions.
Where & when we can fly
Can you fly indoors?
Yes. Indoors the standard CAA drone rules don’t apply - we just need the venue’s permission. It’s one of the things our FPV work does best.
Can you fly at night, near people, or in tight spaces?
Usually, yes - it’s what our authorisation and experience are for. Night shoots, flying near crowds at events and threading tight spaces are all routine with the right risk assessment. At public events we plan flight paths and no-fly zones with the organiser in advance.
What happens if the weather turns?
Rain, cloud and ordinary wind rarely stop an aerial day - the fleet is built to work in them. Flying is only stood down in genuinely severe conditions: storm-force winds, electrical storms, freezing rain or heavy snow. On weather-sensitive shoots a contingency day can be booked in alongside the main day.
Do we need permission to fly at our location?
Sometimes. Private land needs the landowner’s permission; some sites sit in controlled airspace or need council, police or venue sign-off. We’ll tell you early what your location requires. For London, the fly-zone map shows the restricted airspace around Heathrow, London City and the other aerodromes.
Do you travel or work abroad?
Yes, regularly - UK-wide and internationally. Tell us where the job is.
Filming & footage
Do you just fly, or can you edit and grade too?
Both. We can capture and hand over, or deliver a full package - capture, edit and grade - so you get finished content ready to use.
How and when do we get the footage?
Raw footage (with LUTs where relevant) via secure upload, or on hard drive for larger jobs. We can hand over selects on the day for fast-turnaround shoots. Delivery method and timeline are agreed up front.
How long do you keep our footage?
Up to around 12 months, but keep your own backup - once we’ve delivered, make sure it’s saved your side, as we can’t guarantee it beyond that.
Booking
How do I check availability and book?
Send us your date, location and a rough idea of the shots at contact@stemstudios.tv. We’ll confirm availability, recommend the right drone and crew, and flag anything we’ll need. Happy to sign an NDA first.
Who comes on the shoot?
The pilot, plus a drone technician or assistant where the job needs one. If you need crew names in advance for accreditation or credits, just ask.