USDroneCast

USDroneCast with Stuart Smith - From Rocking the Stage to Soaring the Skies

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. [https://www.thedroningcompany.com/] 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.

USDroneCast with Mako Reactra FPV drone racer

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

USDroneCast with Saunders Staley - Aerial Cinematographer

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/

USDroneCast with Mignonne Hollis from Aerospace AZ

Join our guest Mignonne Hollis, from Aerospace Arizona [https://www.aerospacearizona.org/] 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

USDroneCast with Danny McGee-FPV pilot and cinematographer

Join us in this thrilling episode of USDroneCast as we dive into the exhilarating world of FPV cinematography with our special guest, Danny McGee [https://www.youtube.com/@Mcgeee] @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 [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.