A model aircraft enthusiast has turned a passion for flying into the business of his dreams by starting a filming and photography company which specialises in the use of drones. While they may be more familiar to fans of spy dramas, Newdigate resident Ben Sheppard has used the flying cameras to make films for production companies and estate agents, and has even conducted a flight inside Buckingham Palace.
Mr Sheppard, 40, started Spider Aerial Filming in 2013 using compensation he received after a serious car crash and some inheritance money from his wife.
The remote control cameras, which can fly at up to 50mph and reach heights of 400ft, can only be operated by Civil Aviation Authority authorised pilots and have become increasingly popular for aerial filming, particularly by production and news channels in disaster zones and at sports grounds.
The former builder, of Rusper Road, said: “The journey through to this started from flying model aircraft.
“Then I realised we can do this commercially and the technology out there was good enough for us to do it.
“We built the aircraft and got the permission we needed to fly them.
“When we started we were hoping we’d get some work in TV but expected just to do films for estate agents or surveyors.
“But we found that TV are wild about this kind of thing. They love it, now most of our business is repeat business from TV production companies.
“It really was a make-or-break situation for me because I put everything we had into this, to the point that I had nothing else. But the last year-and-a-half has been amazing because of it.”
Among his projects are 24 Hours In A&E, The Evian Ladies’ Masters Golf, the World Formula 2 Powerboat Racing championship and Scottish Premiership Football for BT Sport.
Among his most nerve-racking moments was flying his machine within five feet of the Queen’s china collection inside Buckingham Palace.
The accomplished drone pilot said that while what he does might be looked at by some as more of a hobby than a business, his approach to projects is what sets him apart.
“I knew it would be a hard slog to start with but we’re pretty good technically and we’re very professional,” he said.
“A lot of people who do this are model aircraft enthusiasts but don’t know about dealing with or looking after clients.
“For some people it’s just what they would call a hobby but we’ve been able to do it and make it into a proper business.”
Photo: Pilot Ben Sheppard (right) and camera operator Mike Bishop pictured on the top of the St George’s Hospital helipad while filming for 24 Hours In A&E
Source: Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser
In Eastern Europe and in Russia in particular there are dozens of enthusiasts making exciting films on ancient architecture using drones. F.e. The YouTube posted footage on the remains of the Grebnevo (Гребнево) ensemble can be easily found. Superb!