USDroneCast AZDroneFest

We're excited to introduce you to Stuart Smith, a man whose journey weaves the fervor of rock 'n' roll with the expansive vistas of the drone world. The iconic guitarist from the legendary rock band, Sweet, known for anthems like “Ballroom Blitz,” “Fox on the Run,” and “Love is Like Oxygen”, Stuart later channeled his art into Heaven & Earth, releasing five albums. But, a new passion was on the horizon.
“I was completely obsessed with flying the drone," shares Smith. This passion for aerial photography and videography saw him delving deep, preparing for the FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilots test. His immersion into the DJI Mavic Drone Forum introduced him to a community brimming with talent, leading to an epiphany. Realizing the vast pool of skillful drone pilots, he founded The Droning Company.
This unique venture isn’t just any job agency; it's a sanctuary for drone pilots, paired with an elite magazine dedicated to the drone industry. Articles, tech updates, pilot tips, product reviews, and more - they’ve got it all covered. Their mission? To spotlight drone pilots like never before. Each week, a “Pilot of the Week” takes center stage, and The Droning Company is set on its vision to be the leading nationwide platform for drone pilots to find work.
Stuart’s dedication doesn't end there. He aims to redefine the drone market, exploring avenues in industries yet to harness the immense potential of drone technology.
Join us as we unravel the chords of Stuart's dual passion - from strumming legendary rock tracks to envisioning a future where drone pilots take center stage. Dive into his story, his aspirations, and his dedication to elevating the drone community with The Droning Company.

Dive into the captivating world of FPV drone racing In this electrifying episode with the extraordinary Mako Reactra.
Mako is a trailblazing force in the exhilarating universe of FPV. Behind the FPV goggles, Mako transcends the ordinary, embarking on a flight of pure adrenaline, passion, and artistic expression.
Mako's journey is an inspiring tale of empowerment, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. As a woman in the FPV community, Mako has redefined norms and expectations, shattering barriers and soaring to new heights. With grace and precision, Mako navigates intricate courses, executes gravity-defying maneuvers, and breathes life into the art of freestyle flight.
But there's more to Mako's story than just the thrill of the race. With a heart that beats for competition, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of flight, Mako takes us on a captivating journey through the exhilarating world of FPV. She shares her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field, the challenges she's conquered, and the empowering message she sends to aspiring FPV enthusiasts.
In this episode, we delve deep into the heart of FPV technology, unlocking the secrets of freestyle flight, and exploring the boundless horizons that Mako has conquered.
#USDroneCast #FPVTrailblazer #FreestyleFlight #WomenInFPV #AerialAdventures

Join us on this episode of USDroneCast with our guest award-winning Saunders Staley from Flying Robot https://www.flyingrobot.io/, whose remarkable work has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Saunders shares his remarkable trajectory, from his early fascination with photography and new technologies to his current role as a sought-after aerial cinematographer.
He'll share some insights about working for NFL Films, HBO, and flying for the SuperBowl.
He'll talk about the dedication and resilience required to run an aerial cinematography business, and how he was able to set Flying Robot apart from his competition.
We'll discuss working with Kitchen Sink Creative https://wearekitchensink.com/ on an epic oneshot of downtown Phoenix and the complexity of pulling it off.
With a passion for storytelling through the lens, Saunders began his artistic journey at the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. Immersed in the world of film and photography, Saunders honed his skills in the analog era, mastering the art of capturing moments without the luxury of instant digital feedback.
Graduating in 2002, Saunders embarked on a nomadic adventure, traversing iconic locations from San Francisco to Phoenix, Arizona. The diverse corporate experiences he gathered along the way were instrumental in shaping his proficiency in sales and marketing—a foundation that would prove invaluable to his journey in the drone cinematography realm.
In 2016, Saunders founded Flying Robot, a venture that marked the turning point in his career. Fueled by a determination to excel, he meticulously curated his portfolio, focusing his lens on cinematography and photography. The path wasn't without its challenges, as Saunders diligently fine-tuned his offerings and streamlined his expertise to carve a distinct niche in the drone industry.
Navigating the ever-changing landscape of 2020, Saunders adapted to the circumstances, continuing to create compelling content for a variety of industries. His tenacity bore fruit in 2021 when the tide shifted, propelling Saunders and Flying Robot to new heights. Through steadfast dedication, Saunders has earned the opportunity to collaborate with renowned brands such as HBO, Google, NFL, PING, LEXUS, Spotify, National Geographic, and Sony Entertainment.
Join us in this captivating episode as Saunders shares his remarkable journey, from the analog realm to conquering the skies with cinematic finesse. Gain insights into his approach, experience his magnetic storytelling, and immerse yourself in the world of drone cinematography. 
USDroneCast is produced by AZDroneFest
Visit us online to learn more about our International Drone Film Festival at: https://www.usdronefest.com/arizona/

Join our guest Mignonne Hollis, from Aerospace Arizona for an
enlightening episode of USDroneCast as we explore the dynamic landscape
of the aerospace and UAS industry.
Mignonne will explain why Arizona stands out as a prime destination for
aerospace companies. Gain insights into the state's strategic
advantages,
infrastructure, and policies that make it an attractive hub for
innovation and economic growth.
Mignonne will discusses the regulatory challenges that can hinder the
swift adoption of cutting-edge UAS technology, and some of the
advancements made to make UAS safer. She'll talk about the
collaboration within the industry, and how it plays a pivotal role in
fostering an environment of shared learning and innovation.



Whether you're an aerospace enthusiast, a UAS professional, or someone
intrigued by the intersection of technology and industry, this episode
offers a wealth of knowledge and perspective. Don't miss the opportunity
to learn from Mignonne's expertise and gain a deeper understanding of
Arizona's pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace.



#USDroneCast #AerospaceInnovation #UASIndustry #CollaborationInTech #commercialUAS #drones #UAS #aerospace

Join us in this thrilling episode of USDroneCast as we dive into the exhilarating world of FPV cinematography with our special guest, Danny McGee @McGee. Danny's FPV adventures have taken him across the globe, capturing jaw-dropping footage that will leave you in awe.Get ready to hear firsthand about Danny's recent expedition to Iceland, where he captured stunning footage of an active volcano. Discover the heart-pounding moments as his drone narrowly escaped lava, resulting in some of the most incredible shots you won't want to miss: https://youtu.be/5ObEOr_h3Nk
But that's not all! Danny's creativity doesn't stop there. He takes us behind the scenes of his process for crafting captivating fly-throughs of resorts and AirBnB properties. Learn how he weaves a compelling narrative through his aerial shots, creating a unique story for each location.
Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply curious about the business side of aerial cinematography, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the real-world experiences of an internet sensation. Tune in to glean valuable lessons from Danny's candid conversation about the dynamic landscape of online content creation.
This episode is a must-listen for all FPV enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone fascinated by the magic of aerial cinematography. Tune in as we explore Danny's breathtaking experiences, his innovative techniques, and the art of storytelling through FPV.

In this captivating episode, we have the privilege of hosting the
renowned cinematographer and drone pilot, Chris Tangey, hailing from the
awe-inspiring Northern Territories in Australia.
According to Los Angeles' Stage32.com Chris Tangey is "one of the most
sought-after Drone Cinematographers in the world." But according to
Chris: "you're only as good as your last gig!" He is Owner/Manager of
Alice Springs Film and Television, a diverse media production and
services company based in the very center of the Australian outback.
With a remarkable career spanning decades, Chris has collaborated with
Academy Award-winning directors like Russell Boyd and the visionary
Werner Herzog. His expertise extends beyond the silver screen, as he’s
provided his exceptional drone services for world-renowned nature TV
shows.

Join us as Chris takes us on a thrilling journey through his illustrious
career, revealing how he captures wildlife using his drone with
artistic precision and sensitivity. Hear firsthand about his latest
venture, “Fire Hawks,” a breathtaking short natural history film that
captures the essence of the wild. https://vimeo.com/782082976

Recent aerial projects include: The Universal Pictures feature film "Boy
from the bush" and the Stan feature documentary "the Cape". Visual
material for a new Warner Bros comedy series and featured material for
"Great Southern Land", the new permanent exhibition at the National
Museum of Australia, Canberra. Chris also supplied his aerial skills to
the 2-part finale of the "The Bachelor" (U.S. 2020) for Warner Bros,
"Nomad-in the footsteps of Bruce Chatwin" under the direction of film
legend Werner Herzog, BBC's blue-chip nature series "7 Worlds-One
Planet", a global TVC for Tourism Australia "Dundee" under Academy
award-winning DOP Russell Boyd ASC, ACS, and all of the Australia
footage for Nathaniel Rateliff's music video "Time Stands". Chris is
currently shooting for the "From Above" series for National Geographic
Channel and continues to license his footage to global clients.
Triple-Finalist 53rd ACS National Awards for Cinematography Sydney 2023

Chris was the 2021 AZDroneFest winner for Best Landscape category,
showcasing his outstanding talent in capturing breathtaking aerial
views, in his film: Outback: https://vimeo.com/499967144

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the industry’s finest as
Chris shares his insights, experiences, and the magic of capturing
wildlife from above!

USDroneCast is produced by AZDroneFest
Visit us online to learn more about our International Drone Film
Festival at: https://www.usdronefest.com/arizona/



#USDroneCast #ChrisTangey #AerialCinematography #DronePilot #WildlifeCinematography #FireHawks #NatureFilm #AZDroneFestWinner #drone #AZDroneFest  @AZDroneFest