Drone filming specialists.

CAA approved commercial drone pilots 

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Drone filming specialists.

CAA approved commercial drone pilots 

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Showreel

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Experts in the air.

Defy studios are leading specialists in drone filming and photography. Based in Manchester we work throughout the UK. By combining the latest airborne technology with our highly experienced pilots, we deliver impactful aerial filming at any location whether that’s outdoors, indoors, rural, urban day or night.

Another level.

We are not just pilots but also expert filmmakers and photographers, meaning we don’t just know the rules of the sky but also how to make amazing images. Think of us as flying cinematographers capturing every shot with purpose to benefit your brand. With an established background creating content across online, tv and film you’re in good hands.

In safe hands.

We are fully certified by the CAA and carry out thorough risk assessments and pre-flight planning before any shooting takes place. We also carry up to £10m public liability insurance and can obtain necessary or special airspace permissions that may be required. With permission to fly at night and fly aircrafts up to 25kg we offer a large range of drone filming services. We make the process easy and safe for our clients. Just sit back and relax!

Our Aerial Services.

Our specialist team combine cutting edge technology with years of flying experience to provide the best service.

Results

that elevate

No matter what type of drone service you require we pride ourselves on the results. With significant flying experience, we’ve captured projects all over the world for a range of clients across small and large projects. From commercial real estate to manufacturing, tourism, sports, and television commercials.

Need more than aerial filming? We also offer full-service video production which means can handle a project from concept to completion, check out our video page here. Below are some of our favourite shots from over the years.

Our

Equipment

By pairing innovation with expertise, we raise the threshold of what is possible with the latest drone technology. Each project is planned meticulously; from pre-visualising shots to planning launch points, we know what will deliver the best quality and outcome for our clients.

FPV

What?

Welcome to a new era of immersive storytelling. Our custom FPV (First Person View) drones put our pilots virtually in the cockpit, they see a real time feed through a headset as they remotely fly the drone. This allows for a new level of creativity and control. Fly from outside to inside, get close or fly through obstacles to make a shot more dramatic. Track a vehicle at high speed. Engage your audience like never before.

Chat to an expert today.

If you have a brief to discuss we’d love to hear it but if you don’t know where to begin we’re happy to help make the process easy. No matter where you are in your journey get in touch for a free quote and advice today.

Email.

Drop us an email to start a conversation with one of our experts.

We’re here Monday to Friday, 9:00–18:00 (GMT).

Phone.

Rather pick up the phone and have a chat?

0333 577 0605

Questions?

Ask us anything by using the live chat feature, email or phone. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.

Do you create risk assesments?

We create pre-flight assessments before every shoot. This allows us to identify launch points, mitigate any risks and create a plan of action before we turn up to shoot. 

How many people come to a shoot?

Our aerial teams consist of a minimum of 2 crew. A pilot and a spotter.

The spotter keeps an eye on the drone whilst the remote pilot manoeuvres the aircraft. They constantly keep in contact by radio or earshot confirming safety and position of the drone. Think of it just like a pilot and a co-pilot!

Can you fly in high winds?

Most of our aircrafts are rated to fly in wind up to 12 m/s (27 mph)

Safety is our priority and we pre-plan all of our flights to coincide with the weather. 

What happens if the weather is bad?

We know the weather can be unpredictable and we want to shoot your project in the best light. 

That’s why use hyperlocal weather forecasts to keep an eye what’s happening on before the shoot.  

We always keep in contact leading up to the shoot and if it doesn’t look great we will happily rearrange for another day at no additional cost. 

How far can you fly?

We can fly up to 400ft (120m) in altitude and up to 1640ft (500m) away from us with line of sight. That’s a long way!

Should you have a special project that requires more distance we can apply for special permission.

Can you fly in Cities?

A lot of our shoots take place in the city. We carry permission from the CAA (GVC) for commercial operations in cities.

Some districts especially in London require clearance. We are experienced in helping gain clearance in these areas.