Better Cost Estimates and Site Understanding Through Drone Technology: Your Construction RFP Guide

Ready to take the guesswork out of your construction project estimates? The right cost estimates make all the difference between project success and budget overruns. Modern drone technology delivers precise site analysis at a fraction of traditional surveying costs and time, giving you accuracy that manual methods simply can't achieve in the same amount of time.

Drone-powered photogrammetry gives project managers a clear view of construction sites from every angle - especially valuable for expansive projects where ground surveys fall short. Your team spots potential issues before they become problems, tracks daily progress, and makes smart decisions that keep projects on schedule. The added benefit? Drone surveys handle dangerous terrain safely, eliminating the risks tied to manual site inspections.

This practical guide shows you exactly how drone technology creates spot-on cost estimates for your construction RFPs. We'll walk you through smart ways to include drone data in your documentation, break down the real cost advantages, and share proven techniques to get the most value from your investment.

Incorporating Drone Data into RFP Documentation

Looking for crystal-clear RFP documentation? Drone technology delivers exactly that through GPS-referenced data collection and visual insights. That means better accuracy while significantly cutting documentation time.

Creating compelling visual presentations

Picture-perfect aerial photography and video captures every site detail, can give you professional 3D models and detailed topographic maps. Your RFP will stand out with stunning imagery, site maps that you can utilize for 3D renderings, helping give stakeholders a clearer picture of the finished project.

Demonstrating project understanding through aerial imagery

Expert aerial surveys can uncover the full story of your site - from elevation changes to drainage patterns and vegetation details.

Underground utility mapping and overlay techniques

Smart GPS drones follow carefully planned flight paths, taking hundreds of overlapping photos to build complete site models by utilizing drone photogrammetry. These models can pinpoint underground utility locations by working seamlessly with existing utility location data to deliver spot-on utility mapping reports.

Supporting cost estimates with precise measurements

Want measurements you can trust? Drone surveying delivers exceptional precision for volume calculations and material quantities. You can get:

·        Volume measurements in minutes instead of hours

·        Precision down to 1/10ft (3cm) for stockpile measurements

·        Instant site condition updates through real-time data

This level of accuracy keeps your bids right on target, helping you stay competitive while protecting your profit margins.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Drone Implementation

Ready to see the real financial impact of drone technology? The numbers tell a compelling story. Today's construction industry spends USD 8.00 trillion yearly, yet typical projects still run over budget and behind schedule.

Time savings in bid preparation

Think weeks of survey work - now done in hours. A 12-acre property survey shrinks from 100 hours to just 2 hours. Your team prepares bids faster, tracks progress more often, and handles more projects. The result? More contracts won and fewer project delays.

Using Drones Beyond RFP

Looking for precision in project tracking? Today's construction demands exact documentation at every stage. Drone technology captures crystal-clear aerial imagery, giving project managers unmatched site monitoring capabilities.

Maximizing ROI Through Strategic Drone Use

Want to see real returns on your drone investment? Smart implementation delivers exceptional results. Just ask Grade Tech - they employ the latest software that interfaces with our positioning tools to perform topographic and layout operations, advanced modeling programs, and modern job-tracking software to ensure efficiency at every stage of the project, cutting traditional survey times by 60-70%.

Project monitoring brings even bigger rewards, with drone use eliminating costly downtime.

Measuring and tracking cost savings

The proof is in the numbers - 92% of construction firms see positive ROI within their first year using drones. Your savings grow through reduced labor costs, minimal downtime, and precise measurements. The key to measuring drone use ROI? Careful tracking of every dollar saved across your project timeline helps fine-tune your drone strategy based on real results.

Construction Progress Monitoring for Project Management

Smart drone flights follow carefully planned routes, delivering consistent site documentation. Your project managers receive a focused package - 3-5 key images plus a 30-second video clip from each monitoring session. These visual updates spotlight potential delays or issues before they impact your timeline. Our clients catch inefficiencies early and adjust their strategies with confidence. Having an ongoing drone site capture schedule gives project manager and superintendent opportunity to request additional shots or data collection before a visit as needed for faster decision-making.  

Client Project Updates with Drone Photos and Videos

Keep your stakeholders in the loop without site visits. Professional progress reports flow on a regular schedule, giving everyone clear insight into project developments. These detailed updates prove timeline adherence and milestone achievements to clients, and are especially helpful when clients are located out of state, or even out of the country (as was the case with one of our client projects).

Project Documentation for Marketing

Stunning aerial photography tells your project's story, highlighting its true scale and sophistication. Our clients use drone footage to:

·        Build impressive time-lapse videos showing project progress

·        Showcase sweeping panoramic views of projects for digital marketing

·        Create winning portfolios for future proposals

The real power of drone technology lies in its versatility throughout your project's lifecycle. Your team can even upload raw footage directly to specialized construction software platforms, building a complete visual record of construction progress. Learn more about this topic in our Drone Use in Construction Marketing blog post.

Conclusion

Ready to take your construction RFP process to the next level? Drone technology delivers perfect cost estimates through exact measurements and detailed site analysis. Your team gains 90% better accuracy while slashing documentation time in half. Most companies see remarkable results in yearly savings and productivity gains over time, making drone technology a game-changer for modern construction management.

The path to success starts with committing to giving drone technology a try from the pre-construction RFP submission all the way to the completion of the project. The numbers will tell a clear story - while ongoing costs can average $5000-$20000 with consistent use of drone technology throughout construction project span (6-18 months usually), construction firms see positive returns within twelve months. Your tangible and intangible savings can grow quickly through streamlined costs, faster bid preparation, precise project monitoring, informed decision-making, improved client communication, and stunning marketing materials.

Want to see these benefits firsthand? V1Dronemedia offers a free drone photography and video shoot for your next RFP submission. Our expert team can also help you obtain accurate site measurement and mapping for better site visualization. Contact us to learn how you get your free drone shoot at the RFP stage!

Façade Inspections in Cleveland by Drone

Why Building Façade Inspection is Needed

A municipal ordinance was passed in 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio, to require façade inspections for buildings of certain age and height to be completed every 5 years – see the detailed ordinance here. Since this ordinance was passed in Cleveland, 2 other major Ohio cities, Columbus, and Cincinnati followed with passing similar ordinances the same year.

As with most ordinances, Cleveland's ordinance passing was a direct consequence of an accident: a parapet wall of an 1890s-era building in downtown Cleveland crumbled, releasing several bricks onto the sidewalk and the road, thankfully without human casualties this time (a parked minivan without passengers was damaged).

The ordinance that was passed requires buildings that are at least 5 stories or 75 feet in height above grade and are of a certain age (between 30-50 years old), to be initially inspected and re-inspected every 5 years.

How was the building façade inspections performed in the past

In the past, this type of inspection was done by inspectors needing to get close to the walls to visually inspect them and document the conditions, which meant erecting and installing the scaffolding, or elevating them by another method, which gets the person close to the source of inspection, but it is not very efficient:

1.   It takes time for them to move within the scaffolding, or be elevated by a crane platform to every spot that needs to be inspected and documented

2.   It is not the safest for the person involved (a falling accident is a possibility)

3.   It can be expensive with the time and equipment involved, plus the addition of insurance costs when performing this work at dangerous elevations.

These types of inspections can be costly to complete when using traditional methods. Facade inspections can run into $10K-$20K, depending on the size of the building. The cost is usually made up by using large equipment or erecting scaffolding structures, inspectors' time that is necessary to visually inspect and document the conditions of the asset, and the report write-up within the guidelines of such inspection.

As one can see, a large proportion of the cost of such inspection is driven up by the resource and time used to visually inspect and document current conditions effectively. The use of autonomous inspection tools that don't require the investment of such resources can cut costs drastically. Drones do just that for such use cases as facade inspections.

Why Use Drone For Building Façade Inspection

A drone allows for the faster and safer acquisition of the visual inspection and documentation data of the current conditions of the façades. Equipment and personnel need is reduced to a drone capable of shooting hi-res photography, and a drone pilot who is qualified to fly safely and legally and can produce such photography.

This photographic output generated by a drone can then be viewed by a qualified design professional on their computer (engineer or architect), certified in the inspection of the specific elements that make up the façade of the structure, and licensed by the State of Ohio, or an inspection agency that is qualified under the Ohio Building Code for Special Inspectors (as per the ordinance).

In addition to basic aerial photography, drone imagery can be set up to be acquired with certain parameters (automated flight path and special photography settings) with an intent of being processed through software to generate point clouds and 3D models, that help capture the building condition overall. Such models allow the inspector to zoom in at any point for a closer look during the inspection, and even produce measurements between points for needed calculations. These models can be stored digitally and updated with a new model at any point in time.

Looking to hire a drone company for a façade inspection in Cleveland?

If a company considers hiring a drone pilot to perform a façade inspection data capture (whether the building facilities management, an inspector or agency), it will need to do its due diligence - see our article Hiring a Drone Pilot for details on how to do that, or contact us to provide you with the quote to perform façade inspection data capture by one of our skilled drone pilots.

If you want to train someone within your organization to fly drones to capture such data, check out our drone training page for drone training classes offered in Cleveland, and contact us to schedule, or sign up for our drone class notification list.

What is DJI Fly Safe? Is unlocking a Geo Zone in DJI Fly Safe the same as getting an FAA Authorization?

I am a commercial drone pilot, drone services provider, and drone educator based in Cleveland, Ohio, and I get a lot of questions concerning drone operations from drone hobbyists, drone training students, and those that read and watch my drone education content. Recently I noticed that there is some confusion concerning DJI Fly Safe Geo Zone Unlocks to remove flying restrictions that prevent the aircraft to fly vs. getting an FAA Authorization to fly in controlled airspace.

In this blog post I explain the following:

·       What DJI Fly Safe is

·       How unlocking DJI Fly Safe Geo Zones differs from getting FAA Authorization to fly in a certain airspace

·       Clear up the confusion between unlocking DJI Fly Safe Geo Zones vs. getting an FAA authorization

·       How to unlock DJI Geo Zones through the DJI Fly Safe website

You can also watch my Vlog/Video Tutorial on this topic below if you prefer getting your information audiovisually.

What is DJI Fly Safe?

DJI Fly Safe is a drone flight geofence system implemented by DJI for the drones they manufacture. It uses GPS coordinates to create flight restrictions (Authorization or Restricted Zones) in certain areas to keep everyone safe and compliant with existing FAA flight restrictions for drones. This system will restrict your DJI-manufactured drone from taking off, flying, and landing in such an area.

Is unlocking a DJI geo zone the same as getting FAA Authorization to fly a drone?

No, they are 2 different things and are both necessary to obtain in order to legally fly your DJI-made drone within controlled airspace.

Can I get an FAA Authorization through DJI Flysafe?

No, you can only obtain FAA Authorization to fly in controlled airspace through LAANC or the FAA Drone Zone. Even if you self-unlock your DJI Drone to fly in an area that requires FAA Authorization, you shouldn’t do so until you also receive FAA Authorization to fly there.

How do I know which area requires an FAA Authorization?

There are several ways to check what type of airspace you are intending to fly in.  The easiest way is with an app that was developed in conjunction with the FAA, called B4UFLY.

Commercial drone pilots are required to learn all about these airspace restrictions for their planning and decision-making in everyday operations, and such education is included in most Part 107 Test Training for those who want to take the Part 107 Exam, as well as some basic knowledge is included into the FAA TRUST test for recreational drone pilots (hobbyists), see my VLOG on the TRUST Test for more information on this.

There are also many other apps developed by 3rd parties to help plan drone flight missions, and some with the ability to request FAA airspace authorizations (LAANC) through the app (such as Airmap, UASidekick, and Aloft, to name a few).

How to unlock a Geo Zone in DJI Flysafe?

I have step-by-step instructions on how to do this in my Video Tutorial at the beginning of this post. Check out the timestamps in the description below the video (in the YouTube view) to get to the tutorial you are looking for.

Does unlocking a Geo Zone in DJI Flysafe transfer to my drone automatically?

The unlocking license should transfer to the DJI app once you are connected to the internet/wifi with the phone/tablet that you intend to fly with.  You may then have to add the license to your aircraft using the DJI App. I show how to do this in my Video Tutorial as well.

How do I apply for an FAA Authorization to fly drones in controlled airspace?

A few years ago, I recorded a video tutorial about how to get FAA flight authorization for controlled airspace through the LAANC and DroneZone. Check it out for step-by-step instructions!

I hope I was able to clear up some confusion and equip you with the knowledge on ‘how-to’ get permissions to fly your DJI-manufactured drone from both FAA and DJI.

As usual, I encourage you to go out and practice flying if you are an aspiring drone pilot, and only to do so safely.

If don’t’ have your Trust certificate yet, please get one before you fly your drone (even if you only intend to fly for recreational purposes). If you want to take the FAA Part 107 Certificate Exam to earn your commercial drone pilot license, or to get more hands-on flight experience, check out drone training classes I teach in the Cleveland area, including Part 107 Prep Class and Drone Operations Class.

Feel free to Contact me if you have any questions or suggestions for more content like this!

Where To Fly Drones in Cleveland

Cleveland aerial views are some of the best available in the state of Ohio!  OK, we may be a little biased since we are based in the Cleveland area. We are lucky to have an extensive lakefront with Lake Erie spanning much of the Northeast Ohio border, downtown Cleveland, and its suburbs.

Drone photo of downtown Cleveland skyline and historic Cleveland Coast Guard Station

1.     Downtown Cleveland has many scenic locations: Cleveland sports stadiums, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Public Square, Playhouse Square, etc. You can't beat the Cleveland skyline aerial view with Lake Erie in the background!

But be aware, if you intend to fly your drone downtown Cleveland, that Burke Lakefront Airport is located there just next to the Voinovich Bicentennial Park. Burke Lakefront Airport is in controlled (class D) airspace, requiring you to obtain FAA authorization to fly your drone within 5 miles of its location (you can read our blog post Where Can I Fly My Drone for detailed information and tutorial on FAA authorizations).

Aerial photo of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Burke Lakefront Airport and Lake Erie in the background

In addition, during any major league baseball (MLB) or national football league (NFL) open-air stadium games there is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) that is in effect, which applies to the MLB and NFL games at the stadiums located downtown Cleveland.  TFRs can also go into effect for other reasons, such as VIP movement, which prohibits all drone flights in the area.

2.     Lakefront locations in Cleveland that offer some scenic lakefront drone photography: Lakewood Park with the Solstice Steps and Cleveland downtown skyline, Lorain Lighthouse in Lorain, and Fairport Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse in Mentor. Make sure you check municipality ordinances when you are choosing where to launch and land your drone.

Aerial view of the Edgewater Park with downtown Cleveland Skyline

3.     University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland offers plenty of scenic architectural and natural sites with Wade Oval, Cleveland Museum of Art and its lagoon, Museum of Natural History, Case Western Reserve University campus, and Little Italy nearby. Some of this area is within 5 miles of the Burke Lakefront Airport, so you may need FAA authorization to fly your drone there.

Aerial photo of Cleveland Museum of Art in Fall

4.     Unfortunately, you cannot launch and land your drone in most Cleveland Metroparks, including their lakefront locations: Edgewater Park, Wendy Park, Whiskey Island, E 55th Street Marina, East 72nd fishing area, North Gordon Park Boat Ramp, Euclid Beach Park, and Huntington Reservation Beach in Bay Village. There are several designated areas where you CAN fly your drone in the Cleveland Metroparks, see the details in their Drone Policy.

If you have any questions about flying in Cleveland and surrounding areas, need a drone project quote, or are looking for drone training classes that we provide, Contact us!

Get your drone license training for free in Ohio with TechCred!

Technology is constantly changing the nature of work, and nowadays even more so in non-technology-focused industries. Drone technology is one of those technologies, as it is disrupting established industries like surveying, construction, real estate, land development, asset management, telecommunications, and is being used as a new tool in disaster response, police, firefighting, agriculture, forestry, wildlife management, insurance, media, and many others. You can read about the current state of the Drone Industry and its development in this 2021 Drone Market Report Snapshot.

Why are these industries using drones?

1. Drones made aerial videography and photography more affordable to use in TV, Film, marketing, and advertising.

2. Drone technology enables more efficient operations through cost-cutting, project transparency, and site visualization for improved communication.

3. Drones improve the safety aspect of operations: for example, not having to have people climb facades of the buildings, cranes, or cell phone towers as much, and assess the crime or a disaster scene for response planning without putting first responders in danger – this can be achieved with a drone!

4. Drones can also uncover new value for businesses when they find a way to use a drone in innovative ways: for example, in forestry, it is a new way to assess the health of a forest/vegetation area – you can even count the trees when the collected visual data is processed through photogrammetry software! In package delivery, drones may solve last-mile delivery challenges and can access remote or dangerous locations. And there are many more use cases to come as the drone industry is experimenting and implementing them in their workflows!

So, is your business ready to embrace this new technology to stay competitive and realize potential benefits? Is your workforce ready to use these new tools?

Investing capital and people resources into learning and implementing new technology at a workplace can be costly, however, not investing can cost a business more (or even put them out of business) if it doesn't embrace a technology that is being rapidly implemented in their industry.

The good news is that in Ohio the state government is committed to helping local workers and employers to get the new technical skills they need in order to stay competitive in this technology-driven reality. The state of Ohio has established the TechCred program that helps Ohioans learn new skills and help employers build a stronger workforce with the skills in a tech-infused economy by reimbursing them for the training.  

TechCred is a program for Ohio employers that have identified new technology skills needed for employees, and if that technical skill is on the approved TechCred ‘credential’ list, they can nominate employees to go through the training to learn this skill. Once the employee is enrolled in a listed technology ‘credential’ short-term course with a credential provider they can either earn a technology certificate through taking the course or pass a standardized test with a certification after completing the course. After the employee has ‘earned’ the credential, the employer will get reimbursed for the cost of the employee training in the course.

And yes, drone skills are on that 'credential' list as FAA Drone Technology UAS! So, if you think your employer can benefit from you learning drone skills and getting trained to become a certified drone pilot by taking and passing the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License Test (you can read more about this license in our Drone Pilot License blog post), you should bring this program to their attention and encourage them to apply on your behalf!

How much does it cost to earn the Drone Pilot License? Through TechCred you would have to take a course that would run $499-$1000 (the cost of this course can get reimbursed to the employer by the TechCred program), plus the cost of the test itself, which is currently $175 (you have to pay it every time you take it, so it is worth to take a course and study to ensure passing the test).

Once you earn your commercial drone pilot license your value to the employer may increase and you can even use this credential to help with finding employment in the future. 

Or, if you are an employer (manager) in an industry that is rapidly embracing drone technology (watch our Drones for Business Information Webinar - video below - to learn more about drone uses in various industries), you can identify employees who would be a good fit to earn their drone pilot license and enroll them in an appropriate course that gets them ready to fly drones and pass the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License Test.  

Drone Applications For Businesses - Pre-recorded Informational Webinar

V1DroneMedia’s Chief Pilot Jason Damman (you can read his bio on the About page) has been teaching first responders to fly drones in the Cleveland area for the last 4 years and recently started teaching the same course at the Lorain County Community College, which is on the credential list as the FAA Drone Technology UAS credential provider through TechCred. Check out our Drone Training and Events page for the upcoming training to enroll yourself or your employees, sign-up for e-mail notifications about classes, and check out our TechCred page to learn what courses we provide through the Ohio TechCred program to get acquainted with how it works and to get started with your application to get reimbursed!

Where you can get trained to fly drones in Cleveland, Ohio

V1DroneMedia gets frequent questions and inquiries about getting certified to fly drones or learning how to fly them proficiently. We’ve also met quite a few people who fly drones illegally around Cleveland (aka without FAA Part 107 Drone License), or not flying them in compliance with the FAA Drone Regulations.

We know that demand for consumer and commercial drones is soaring, as is the drone use in many industries, but few people know where to turn for credible information and training. So, we’ve put together this guide on available Drone Training in Cleveland, Ohio.

There are several options in the Cleveland area for drone training, both in-person and hands-on drone flight training,  available for those interested to learn to fly drones proficiently, getting their drone FAA Part 107 certification that enables them to fly commercially, and learning about innovative drone technology applications in various industries.

Accredited degree programs in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) in Cleveland, Ohio

If you are looking for a traditional undergraduate program, Kent State University is known for its aviation programs, and it offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations concentration. Kent State also offers an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Minor for those enrolled in its undergraduate program.

However, you don’t need to get a degree in drones to fly drones (especially if you already have a degree and are just looking to get your drone license). Flying drones is a skill that can be learned if you invest some time into learning to fly while studying the FAA rules and regulations so you are doing it safely and responsibly, and then schedule and pass the Part 107 Drone License Test (see our blog post Drone Pilot License for more details on that). There are several drone training options in the Cleveland area as well if you are looking for an in-person class where you can acquire drone skills.

Non-degree Drone Training Courses in Cleveland, Ohio

There are several in-person training options for the Part 107 drone license in the Cleveland, Ohio, area.

Kent State has a UAV Training and Part 107 Testing course that does just that. It is scheduled throughout the year and doesn’t appear to always be available, so you must keep an eye out when it opens up.

Cuyahoga County Community College (Tri-C) offers FAA Part 107 drone training for law enforcement and other first responders at its Drone Academy, also offered throughout the year, where our Chief Pilot Jason Damman is the lead instructor on the FAA Part 107 Rules and Regulations and National Airspace.

V1DroneMedia also offers a variety of Drone Training Courses in the Cleveland area, with in-person courses offered through a partnership with Lorain County Community College, and custom-scheduled courses for organizations and individuals. V1DroneMedia also offers educational content through video resources on our Resources page and YouTube channel Drone Education playlist. Our Chief Pilot and Drone Instructor, Jason Damman, is a Certified Flight Instructor with an extensive commercial airline, flight, and drone training, and drone flying background (see About to learn more).

For starters, if you are curious about what you can do with a drone, watch our Free Drone Business Information Webinar outlining major drone use cases, industries that use them, and opportunities for growth in this field.

If you are ready to learn more about what it takes to get started in this field, schedule with us an Introduction to Drones Class geared toward drone hobbyists or aspiring commercial drone pilots. Or, if you are more serious and ready to try out a career in the field, take the Part 107 Drone Certificate Prep Course preparing anyone to take the Part 107 Test to earn a commercial drone pilot license.

V1DroneMedia Drone License Prep Class is a 2-day in-person class that takes place in a classroom. It covers everything one needs to learn to pass the FAA Part 107 test, including practice tests, access to class materials and additional resources, in-person connection with the instructor, and a private Facebook group community to stay in touch with the class participants and the instructor. The Part 107 Prep Class costs $499 (the fee does not include the test fee payable to one of the FAA-authorized testing centers where you schedule to take your test).

The benefit of taking the in-person class is that the instructor has simplified the complex and lengthy aviation lingo-heavy Part 107 study guide into easy-to-understand digestible content. This class has been taught before to many Cleveland-area students who successfully passed the Part 107 Test.

V1DroneMedia is also available to teach its custom FAA Part 107 Drone License training courses based on the curriculum we developed, can conduct group or 1:1 Flight Training sessions, and provide consultations on all drone-related matters, including setting up an internal Drone Operations Program for a business that is looking to build one.

We recently also started offering individual and small group Drone Operations Classes and Hands-On Drone Flight Training sessions geared toward those who want to get started flying their drones with professional guidance or learn advanced flight skills.

If you are thinking about getting trained, but are not sure when you will be able to do it, Sign Up for an e-mail notification list to stay informed about V1DRoneMedia classes as they get scheduled

Online Drone Training

If you are good at following a self-paced YouTube, or another online course tool, there are many options out there. Google them, and you will find many, but it may take some time for you to make a decision on the one that’s right for you.

However, if you decide to go in this direction, you will still have to study the materials and take the test. The upside here can be lower cost (although not always), but the downside is that more often than none there isn’t any person to ask any questions for more information and clarification, and many of those programs can be very dense and full of aviation lingo (that we strip out in our courses, which give you only the essentials you need to know to fly and pass the test). We have had students in our in-person classes who have taken online courses and ended up coming to our class because the online course they took was very confusing. Of course, you are free to choose which learning mode best suits your needs.

You can also access official FAA Study materials on the FAA website (very comprehensive, but hard to digest if you are a non-aviator).

What about the FAA Trust Test?

FAA recently released a mandatory Trust Test (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) for recreational drone pilots (hobbyists). It is much more basic than the FAA Part 107 Drone License Test, and most of the information is laid out by the online accredited testing centers (you can learn more about Trust Test in our Trust Test blog post and YouTube video on this topic).  

So if you are ready to embark on your drone hobby or a career, check out the Drone Classes we offer, Sign up for class notifications, and Contact Us if you are interested in a consultation or a custom class.

Video Production Explained

When most people hear 'video production' they think of the Production stage of the video production process (with directors, cinematographers, and actors on a set/location shooting video footage). While production is considered the 'sexiest' and the most visible step in the process, it does not exist in a vacuum. There are 3 steps in the video production process: Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production. You should know what they are if you are looking to hire a video production company.

Pre-Production Stage and Checklist

Pre-Production is the first and the single most important step in the video production process. This is when the production is planned, dictating the success and cost of the entire video project. So plan, plan, plan!

All the video production details are agreed upon between the video makers and the client to clarify expectations. Here is a sample list of topics that can be included and will vary based on the complexity of the project:

• Video goals

  • message to be conveyed to the audience, tone, and the emotion of the delivery

• Budget

  • Do not underestimate (pun intended) the importance of knowing the budget upfront. After all, this will determine what can be accomplished during the filming and the quality of the production itself (time available, location, set design, props, equipment, crew, talent, etc.)

    • A contract outlining the budget should be drawn up, no matter how small the production or budget is

• Story/Script Creation

  • Even if it is a promotional video for a business, it is easier to sell services/products with a well-crafted story that has some logic to it

  • At a minimum, a shot list should be agreed on. Inexperienced filmmakers and clients who do not know what they want often omit this step, but it is important to complete it

  • Storyboards are often created during this stage. Storyboards are a visual representation of the shots (drawings, animation, etc.) along with the script/story flow. The storyboards need to be suitable for the videographer/filmmakers and for the filming crew to understand. Here is an example of a simple storyboard

• Project timeline

  • Establish a clear timeline for video production project steps and deliverables

• Shooting schedule

  • You always have a limited time to get the shots you need, so planning out the video shoot schedule to get them ensures you will not run over time and budget

  • If outdoor cinematography is involved (and/or drone shooting), you also have to work around weather conditions for scheduling the shoot

• Talent

  • Hire actors or coordinate customer spokesperson availability according to shoot timeline and schedule, as dictated by the story/script

• Production crew and equipment needs

  • Hire crew and rent equipment based on the project needs

• Set/Location

  • This goes along with the 'shot' list creation: each shot has a pre-determined location (outdoor or indoor) or a designed set. Sometimes locations need to be scouted and a set designed, and these costs need to be included in the budget.

Production Stage

This is when the filming happens. Pre-production plans are executed by the production crew and talent, according to the shooting schedule.

Unexpected issues do come up on the filming day(s), and it is important to have an established line of communication with the client when something needs to be resolved to move the production forward.

Larger productions can include producer(s) on set, whose job is to coordinate all the logistics and clear up issues.

Post-Production Stage (Editing)

During the post-production stage, all the footage/scenes are stitched together into a pre-determined story flow. The footage is color-graded, motion graphics created, and music, dialogue, and/or subtitles are synced with the footage.

It is no coincidence that the Academy Awards (the Oscars) have a separate category for Editing. Editing can make or break any video or film, and it is an art and a science, depending on the complexity of the project.

This stage can last a long time, depending on the amount of shot footage, length of the video, the number of videos/clips expected to be produced for the client, and the amount of time the client needs to change something (if it is a commercial video production project).

Usually, in a commercial video production project, several ‘edit’ rounds are included in the contract upfront, and going above the agreed-upon rounds can drive the costs up significantly. The client can reduce their cost if they agree on accepting the director's cut (filmmakers edit), without any additional edits.

Videos as Marketing Content

If you are a business owner who is just getting started exploring videos as a marketing tool for your business, check out our blog post Why Video For Your Marketing Content that gives you more information on the importance of visual storytelling in today's marketing and types of videos you should consider for your video marketing strategy.

V1DroneMedia is a full-cycle video production agency that can help you brainstorm to establish your video content strategy and messaging, script, shoot and edit short and long-form video content. Our staff has experience working on the client-side with content development, production, and digital and traditional media buying, so we can advise and help you distribute your content via owned and paid media channels, depending on your business goals.

Video Production Costs

Visual storytelling used to be a luxury reserved for big companies with budgets that could afford creative and video production agencies with layers of people. That meant you incur higher costs long before getting to a creative strategy or even a script, let alone actual video production or a piece of video content. This is why in today's environment, when businesses are pulling back their budgets, these agencies are forced to rethink their business models and thin their ranks, according to this Ad Week article.

And even though these agencies will still be out of reach for most small to medium-sized businesses, video marketing doesn't have to be, especially if you plan to distribute your content through digital media.

You can hire a small media production company like V1DroneMedia to deliver a year's worth of marketing content for a mere fraction of larger video production companies and advertising agencies. For example, a simple production leading up to 3 short-form video clips can start at $2500 (vs. $15K+ at larger agencies), depending on the project complexity.

V1DroneMedia Video Production Capabilities

We have the capability to provide ground and aerial footage in 4K and raw, using a variety of ground cameras, audio, and drone equipment, and can do interview-style filming.

Our ability to provide high-quality aerial footage can also give your videos that wow factor, as detailed in our blog post How Drone Footage Can Enhance Your Videos. We hold FAA Part 107 certification for commercial drone operations, are fully insured, and have 5 years of experience working with small clients and large video production companies.

Check out our Google reviews for customer feedback, and our portfolio and YouTube channel for examples of our work. Contact us with your video production inquiry today!

What Drone Footage Will Do For Your Videos

What are the benefits of aerial drone video?

What industries can benefit from aerial drone video?

How are drones used in the film industry?

What do drone photography and videography cost?

What do I need to know before hiring a drone pilot?

Who doesn't want to wow their clients and audiences? Well, the use of aerial video can help you do just that and stand out from your competition. It can help you grab attention, leave a lasting impression, and make your good video, commercial, or film even better.

Until recently, if you wanted to have aerial footage included in your video you had to rent expensive equipment (helicopter or an airplane), hire a pilot to fly it, and a videographer to shoot aerial footage, so this was out of reach for many businesses and filmmakers. In 2016 commercial drone use became legal when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) started regulating and licensing drone operators. Affordable, but high-quality drone equipment also became available, which made this type of footage accessible for smaller budgets.

Here are several reasons why you should think of including aerial shots into your video content or film:

For starters, it gives any video that wow factor. Humans are visual beings, and when you see anything from a different perspective (especially aerial), it elevates the visual experience to a completely different level. In simple terms though, you see more from the bird's eye view and this perspective can be mesmerizing, so you are instantly able to grab attention and get an emotional response from the viewer, regardless of what you are showcasing. Watch the short downtown Cleveland drone video below, you will see what kind of mood and tone can be set with some aerials and music!

In addition to arousing an emotional response from the viewer, many products and services are best showcased from an aerial perspective. Companies now realize that marketing content in video form works best (we cover this in detail in Why Video For Your Marketing Content blog post), and adding aerial video for those industries adds a lot of visual value.

For the real estate and hospitality industries, aerial photos and videos can instantly provide information not available from the ground perspective. With a couple of shots, you can showcase the location, property size and amenities, backyard features, proximity to transportation, leisure activities, and more. Most real estate customers and event planners do their research online nowadays, and beautiful and informative aerial views can help them evaluate the property and help visualize themselves in these locations. Here are examples of commercial and residential real estate videos produced by V1DroneMedia that do just that.

Aerial views are also best for documenting the work of companies in Construction, Roofing, Landscaping, Paving, Lighting, and other industries. This type of footage can give tools to not only share the progress of work and results with clients, but also content for marketing to prospective customers via print materials, website, and social media. Here is a paving company marketing video that V1DroneMedia fully produced. Drones make even dirty work look cool!

And here is a hyperlapse construction progress video that showcases the project to the client or prospective clients with a lot of powerful imagery, almost making the customer feel like they are on the site watching it happen!

Companies that manufacture and provide transportation and recreation products and services also can benefit from the aerial shots, as they can highlight their products and services in action. Such products are cars, boats, travel services and experiences, and many more. There isn't a car or a cruise commercial nowadays that doesn't have an aerial shot included!

Drones are also being widely used for outdoor event coverage, including live streaming. Aerial view of the event allows organizers to highlight attendance, show action on the field from a different perspective, convey the atmosphere and attractions of the event, as well as highlight sponsors. Sporting events, outdoor concerts, community festivals, business events, and weddings regularly use drone footage for their event videography and broadcasting. Here is the Sunnyside Chevrolet outdoor car show event video, and Quaker Steak & Lube franchise corporate video, combining traditional ground and aerial footage from V1DroneMedia.

In film and TV, drones are often used to showcase locations, buildings (i.e. establishing shots), time of day (sunrise, sunset, nighttime), weather conditions, and beautiful scenery with many of these shots being used for transition between scenes. Also, motion and tracking shots are very popular (we've all seen chase scenes from the bird's eye view) and showcasing remote locations and the expansive size of the subject matter (battlefield scenes, forests, deserts, bodies of water, etc.). Therefore, almost every movie and documentary have drone footage nowadays. As an example, here is a 30 second Cleveland Cavaliers commercial with Cleveland downtown aerials shot by V1DroneMedia throughout the spot, and below is the opening sequence of the NFL Draft 2021 shown on the NFL Network with the Cleveland drone footage shot by V1DroneMedia.

In short, drones will elevate your video value to the viewer and help you grab attention, whether you are making a corporate video, highlighting office or factory location, showcasing your product/service, showing a different perspective of your subject matter, or documenting an event.

What will drone video services cost? A simple short video clip can be as low as a few hundred dollars, with a short fully produced video with original footage starting around $1500-$2000. If you don't need original video footage, a fully edited video from existing video clips is a good budget option. Overall pricing depends on the level of complexity: type of drone equipment used, length of the video, location, flight authorizations required, ownership rights to the footage, and level of video editing services needed.

So, you have decided to get some drone shots, now what? If you are looking to hire a drone pilot or production company for aerial drone video, you should make sure that they are qualified to perform the work. Here are the top 5 things to consider:

1.   Is the pilot licensed?

2.   Is the operator insured?

3.   Are they knowledgeable about airspace, flight restrictions, and authorizations?

4.   What is the pilot's experience level?

5.   Do you like their previous work/portfolio?

We cover this subject in more depth in our article Hiring a Drone Pilot

V1DroneMedia started providing aerial media services as soon as the use of drones became regulated by FAA and since then we have gained a lot of experience helping to sell residential and commercial real estate, produce corporate videos, TV commercials, document and Livestream events, provide aerial footage for TV, news and documentaries. See our Portfolio and YouTube channel for more customer projects.

Our drone pilot, Jason Damman, is a commercial airline pilot by trade who has been passionate for aviation since his teenage years, flying radio-controlled airplanes before going on to the airline career where he has now spent over 20+ years flying the friendly skies. You can get more details on our pilot and his credentials on the About page. Besides technical and flying expertise, Jason has also developed a keen cinematographer eye and always provides excellent customer service, for which he is constantly praised. You can see our customer reviews here.

V1DroneMedia video services range from raw video clips to include in your video, to fully produced and edited video, including traditional ground videography and post-production services such as color grading, licensed music and subtitles, complete with digital file delivery. We also have Cleveland aerial drone stock footage available for purchase.

If you are interested in a consultation or getting a quote, call us at 419-699-6010, or get in touch with us on the Contact page.