Defining the Differences
Before we begin, let me define what a dual operator and single operator setup consist of.
A single operator drone pilot consists of an individual person manipulating the controls of the aircraft, (drone) and the camera system simultaneously to achieve the shots requested of him by the director of photography, or whoever is calling the shots that day. As a single operator, this individual carries out the tasks of the pilot in command and the camera operator simultaneously. A dual operator setup consist of two people working together to achieve the shots. In this instance, the pilot in command is responsible for the positioning of the aircraft, and camera operator is responsible for manipulation of the camera and framing of the shot.
When to use each setup
As an FAA exempt drone company in Los Angeles, Drone tech Aerial has constantly been asked the question… Do I need a single operator team, or a dual operator team? The answer is always dependent on a few key factors. The first factor is safety. On many production shoots in Los Angles, Hollywood and surrounding southern California locations, drones are often flown in close proximity to actors and over groups of people that are involved in the film production, television production, or advertisement production. In situations like these, Drone Tech Aerial almost always recommends the use of a dual operator setup, and the reason is simple.
Drones used in production are generally large enough to lift a camera system like an Arri Alexa, a Red dragon or any number of cinema camera systems. These systems are not limited to the weight of a camera alone, but include a brushless gimbal like a FreeFly Movi M10, Movi M15, or even the dreaded DJI Ronin. Long story short, a cinema lifter type drone may be carrying upwards of 25 lbs of payload. A drone of this size could easily cut the hands clean off of a set worker in the defensive position, trying to fend off an out of control drone wielded by a distracted single operator. Clearly a dual operator setup would have been advantageous in this application, and heres why. A single operator is just that. One person, splitting his capacity between two areas of focus. He must simultaneously control the drones position in space, and actively frame the shot. While this is a viable solution for simpler shots in open areas, the level of risk increases exponentially when obstacle avoidance and complex movements are required to achieve the shot. When performing these complex shots in proximity to people, the risk involved with a single operator should be avoided by splitting the tasks to a dual operator setup.
Dual Operator Drone Team- The Action Shot Perfected
As a professional drone company in Hollywood, Drone Tech Aerial is the authority on the setup and execution of complex, dynamic shots of moving targets. Having filmed for SCORE International, Formula Drift and many other racing series, we have honed our craft in fast paced, high intensity situations where a second take is not an option. During the shoot for a One Direction music video, we were asked to set up and execute a single shot that started out looking at a city skyline, flying down an alley and bringing the band into frame at head level as they walked through a courtyard into the studio. Complex shoots like these are best suited for a dual operator setup for a few reasons. Since a single operator has to split his attention between controlling the aircraft and framing the shot, large range of motion shots or fast moving motion shots are difficult to pull off accurately. By splitting the responsibilities of controlling the drone and manipulating the camera system to two operators, the accuracy and performance of each function can be optimized and the likelihood of a dangerous collision is greatly reduced.
In a dual operator setup, the pilot in command can give his full and undivided attention to putting the aircraft exactly where it needs to be, under verbal direction of the camera operator. The camera operator can frame a scene or track the subject without the added distraction of having to manage the aircrafts position. With constant communication between the camera operator and the pilot, complex motion shots and technically challenging shots can be achieved more safely, more consistently and to a higher degree of accuracy than a single operator system can perform.
The 3rd Wheel
In a single operator situation it is almost always necessary to employ a visual observer. A visual observer is implemented to ensure that the proximity of the drone is constantly monitored relative to proximity of the actors, production crew and obstacles that may interfere with the safe operation of the drone. The visual observer is in direct communication with the pilot in command and relays information to him about the position of the drone, and any factor that may affect the safe operation of the drone. These factors include but are not limited to, actors included in the scene, production crew, stationary and moving obstacles and manned aircraft that may be operating in the area.
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