Behind the lights: the pre-show phase of a drone show

Creative department design show screen

When the lights of hundreds of drones illuminate the sky in perfect synchronicity, what spectators enjoy is the result of a long and meticulous creative and technical process. Each drone show tells a unique story, and its creation involves a collaborative effort between designers, engineers and artists. But what happens before the drones take off? We invite you to learn about the pre-execution phase of a drone show.

The Idea: the origin of the show

It all starts with an idea. It could be a concept inspired by a holiday, a message you want to convey, or a story worth telling. In this phase, creative teams and clients work together to define the main theme of the show. Every light show is a story and each client knows what they want to tell and what they don't. What is clear is that the creative phase is what will set the pace of the show, it is the crucial moment.

Project creation: design and planning

With the idea defined, work begins on the design of the show. This stage includes:

  • Storyboard and Concept Art: Visual artists create sketches of the figures and sequences that will be projected. This allows the narrative of the show to be planned.
  • 3D Design: Once the sketches are approved, designers work on 3D models of the figures. These animations are essential to ensure that each drone moves accurately in space.
  • Drone Choreography: Engineers develop routes for each drone using specialized software. Battery, height, and safety limitations must be taken into account at this stage. Depending on the number of drones involved, the complexity of the design can increase considerably.

Music: Creating an Immersive Experience

The soundtrack of a drone show plays a crucial role in the spectator experience. Flock Drone Art's drone shows are always accompanied by original music, which makes the overall score of the show a complete composition.

  • Original composition: Each of the projects that Flock Drone Art creates has a specific music that is delicately created for that show. Each change of rhythm is calculated and thought out so that with the music and the magic of the drones, the show is an ecstasy of emotions.

Testing: Ensuring Perfection

Before the live event, numerous tests are carried out:

  • Digital simulations: At this stage, routes and animations are tested in virtual environments to identify potential conflicts.
  • Testing in flight fields: Drones are deployed in a test location to check that the figures are visible from all angles and that the movements are fluid. This applies to both shows indoor as outdoor, depending on the conditions of the event.
  • Final adjustments: Based on the tests, details such as the intensity of the lights, the rhythm of the movements and the synchronization with the music are adjusted.

Logistics and preparation

Final preparation includes:

  • Coordination with authorities: It is essential to obtain the necessary permits and ensure air safety.
  • Equipment assembly: Drones are charged, calibrated and configured at the event location. This is done by a multidisciplinary team that ensures that all systems are working properly.

The magic of execution

When it comes time for the show, every detail has been planned and tested multiple times. The drones take off, the lights turn on, and the music starts playing, creating an experience that leaves everyone breathless. But the real magic isn't just in the sky, but in the hard work and months of dedication that goes into putting on the lights.

A drone show is not just a technological display; it is a work of art that combines creativity, engineering and passion to transform the sky into a canvas full of stories and emotions. Flock Drone Art demonstrates how the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team can create unforgettable shows, both at outdoor and indoor events.