Outfitted with cameras that can take still photographs and videos, small unmanned quadcopters, more commonly known as drones, are capturing alluring images from the air. Local commercial drone operator SnapRoll Media has taken aerial video for the third installment of the blockbuster Divergent sci-fi adventure film series, Allegiant, out March 18. The Nissan Titan commercial that aired during the Super Bowl last month also used aerial video by SnapRoll. Drones can lift more than 30 pounds, which enables them to carry a large, stabilized camera, making the services and expense of a crane and crew unnecessary. That’s exciting to top movie and TV directors, says Steve Brugman, SnapRoll CEO.
Other commercial uses include easy roof inspections, documentation of construction progress, and showcasing real estate. Amazon is working on delivery drones, while the federal government uses them to monitor wildfires and the nation’s borders, and conduct search and rescue missions.
At the same time commercial and government operators are finding more and more uses for the small unmanned copters, the public has also become transfixed. Drones were one of the most popular Christmas gifts last year, and amateurs have been spotted all around the city flying their remote-controlled quadcopters and taking photos and video overhead. It’s a fun hobby, but careless drone pilots, such as the one who flew his drone into the Nashville fireworks display in 2014, have caused alarm. State government and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are working in overdrive to set up rules and regulations. Pilots who don’t follow the rules could face jail time. Here’s a rundown: (continue reading at The Nashville Banner)