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.
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.
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 specialist team combine cutting edge technology with years of flying experience to provide the best service.
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.
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.
The Mavic 3 is the most versatile drone we operate and our current favourite. With exceptional image quality in a small sub 1kg package, it can maintain a 45-minute flight time and be flown safely indoors.
The inspire 2 is most suited to our high-end productions, such as TV adverts and films. Its super 35mm sensor offers wide dynamic range and best in class quality image quality. Its camera and lenses are interchangeable meaning its incredibly versatile.
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.
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.
“As a high growth start-up we needed a content agency that moves as fast as we do. Defy understood our brand narrative and created amazing content. I would highly reccomend Defy”
Lauren King
Peak CMO
“I hired Defy Studios to create a drone film in our office space. The quality of their work is top notch, going above and beyond the brief to create something truly spectacular. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking to create video and CGI content for their brand.”
Dunstan Carter
Sharp Project
“Defy Studios understand the vision you are trying to deliver. They were a pleasure to work with, great communication, flexible and really understood the brief. The end-product was outstanding.”
Kathryn Hague
World of Sweets
“As a high growth start-up we needed a content agency that moves as fast as we do. Defy understood our brand narrative and created amazing content. I would highly recommend Defy”
Lauren King
Peak CMO
“Defy Studios understand the vision you are trying to deliver. They were a pleasure to work with, great communication, flexible and really understood the brief. The end-product was outstanding.”
Kathryn Hague
World of Sweets
*I hired Defy Studios to create a drone film in our office space. The quality of their work is top notch, going above and beyond the brief to create something truly spectacular. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking to create video and CGI content for their brand.”
Dunsten Carter
Sharp Project
Ask us anything by using the live chat feature, email or phone. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
