We learned how to add Drone shots to our filmmaking skills…
Left to Right: Nikki Harmon, Gabrielle Patterson, Malinda Logan, Eboni Zamani, Erica Hawkins (center) Missing from shot: LeAnne Lindsay and Yolonda Johnson-Young
The Workshop was open to the Philly Filmmaking Public, but it turned out to only be SIFTers available to join on July 2nd. No matter, we had a great day! It was particularly nice to have new members come out to Fernhill Park!
Erica Hawkins (SIFTer/Filmmaker/Drone Instructor) was well prepared with diagrams and Do’s and Don’ts for not just using drones as a film camera, but in general. We learned what apps you should download for navigation of the drone and one that assists in letting you know if you are in a Drone approved Zone, and what the rules and regulations might be in the area in which you are flying. She also went over all the topics listed below in original post.
Then we each got a turn at trying the surprisingly lightweight DJI Mavic Mini II Drone. It’s rather like playing a video game. The left controls manage height and circumference. The right controls manage speed and direction. You attach your cellphone to the controls to use as a screen. There’s an adapter available for purchase which allows you to use a tablet, which seems far more effective, as the cellphone screen is a little too small to really judge where your drone is located, especially once it’s no longer in visible site; so if you decide to purchase one, just go ahead and get the adapter. The case to keep everything in is also sold separately and seems essential. Particularly, since the batteries only last approx. 25 mins, so for an average shoot you’d need at least 4 batteries all charged and ready to go.
Even more impressive than getting those great aerial shots is the ability to use it for a tracking shot.
Video excerpt of the Workshop :
About this event …
Join Erica Hawkins for an afternoon of flying and exploring the capabilities of the DJI Mavic Mini II. Drone or Quadcopter Cinematography is really taking off! Learn how to maneuver and shoot fantastic videos from above your subject with this advanced piece of equipment. Find out how you can add production value to your projects within this workshop.
Topics include:
- First Flight Basics
- Flight Modes and Vision Positioning
- Calibration Considerations
- Emergency Procedures – Fail Safe, Return to Home, and Fly Aways
- Firmware Updates
- Handouts – Location Checklist, Pre-Flight Checklist, Equipment Checklist, Take Off Checklist, Practice Exercises, and Flight Log
- File handling
Bio: Erica Hawkins is a documentary filmmaker, researcher, educator, drone operator, and cultural producer in the Greater Philadelphia area. Working with young students in the Philadelphia School System, Erica saw the need to educate Black children about the importance of history and identity and how that has shaped the world. Much of Erica’s work and teachings center around history, particularly African Diaspora histories and experiences. Erica is currently working to preserve these experiences and stories via film and multimedia projects.
Unfortunately, due to the rainy weekend forecast for June 25th, we have decided to move the Drone Workshop to Sunday, July 2nd from 12pm – 2pm.
Date: Sunday July 2nd | Time: 12 noon | Price: $10 |
Free for Members | Venue: Fernhill Park ( 4600 Morris St, Philadelphia, PA 19144)