What is a drone light show?
New forms of entertainment have proliferated recently, and the drone light show is one of them. This type of show, in which an entire fleet of drones equipped with RGBW LED lights dances through the sky, is attracting ever-growing crowds of people. At night, drones create a wide range of patterns, animations, and images, forming artistic creations in the air.
These drone swarms rely on advanced and new technologies to create stunning visual displays. Operators of a drone light show can add music, perfectly synchronized with the dance, to deliver a unique moment and an immersive visual.
Today, for many occasions, a drone light show represents an effective alternative to traditional fireworks displays. However, both can be used in the same show. These modern, eco-friendly visual displays combine the technology of swarm drones with breathtaking lighting effects, all controlled through advanced control software in real-time.
But before you get to that stage, you have to go through several steps.
Image provided by Allumee
STEP 0: Foundations of drone light shows - The phase of reflection
The reflection, or planning phase, is critical. It will help you build a strong base and get a clear idea of what you want so you can move forward more quickly later on. This involves asking yourself a few questions about drones.
How many drones do you need for a light show?
If you want to enter this market, the reflection phase is very important, enabling you to lay the foundations for your project. The first decision you have to make is the size and number of your drones in your fleet.
Do you want to deploy a small drone fleet to convey a simple message, or are you looking for a large-scale and more spectacular experience?
This decision will often depend on your budget, the cost, and the type of events you want to target.
What type of project for a drone light show?
There are many situations in which these drones can be used, so it's up to you to decide what type of project you wish to perform. Here are a few ideas:
- Sports (big ceremonies, fan experiences, etc.);
- Private Celebrations (weddings, family celebrations, birthdays, party, graduations, special occasions, corporate, gala nights, etc.);
- Promote your brand (marketing, product reveals, launch, advertising, communication, etc.);
- Theme Parks (theme show, dynamic animation, etc.);
- Music festival & concerts;
- City events in large urban areas;
- And many more.
Various projects have already been explored in a drone show, but others are yet to be discovered. Your imagination is your only limit!
For which potential client?
It is up to you to decide what type of project you want to carry out and which customer you are keen to work with.
The client may derive the project that interests you most. On the other hand, you can collaborate with a customer who shares your values and with whom you have a great relationship, and then determine what type of project to carry out. This is also your decision.
In the drone light show market, there are many types of potential clients to work with: event organizers, companies and brands, event agencies, tourist resorts, local governments, city looking to organize a large public event, and many others.
By working with them, you can fully exploit the drone light show market and offer unique, customized presentations to meet the needs of many events and occasions.
STEP 1: Begin your drone journey - Establishing contact with Drotek
The first real step is to contact Drotek. By contacting us, you will find the answers to most of your questions and know more about how to operate and fly drones professionally.
How much does a drone light show solution cost?
The cost of a swarm of drones is a recurring question. The price can depend on several factors, especially the number of drones and the scale of the event.
At Drotek, the cost can start at a few thousand euros for basic performance with a small drone fleet. The cost of this type of show, with the complete professional drone solution, represents a minimum of €80,000.
The Drotek ecosystem includes equipment (Ground Control Station pack, drone operating software license, drone charging station, all-in-one cases...) and training (drone regulation, drone show creation...).
However, we strongly recommend that you contact our sales team for advice, further details, and precise quotations based on your specific project requirements.
Proven expertise in drone light show
With many years of experience in the European, North American, and African markets, Drotek has developed an in-depth understanding of your requirements and expectations.
Drotek cares a lot about providing long-term support and ongoing assistance by staying in regular contact with you, helping with your events, and meeting at exhibitions such as ISE in Barcelona or LDI in Las Vegas.
Whether you are looking for a basic solution or specific customization, our team will guide and advise you to create the moment that exceeds your expectations.
Have trust in our expertise to light up the occasion with a breathtaking and memorable drone show!
Support for company start-ups
At the same time, a solid business start-up program is essential to lay the foundations for your drone business.
This can include the use of incubators or regional support programs, as well as administrative and financial management, including business start-up procedures and any bank loan requests to finance your projects.
Drawing up a detailed business plan is also very important to present your drone project convincingly to potential investors. This document not only defines a clear roadmap for your company but also demonstrates your ability to manage a drone business effectively, measure performance, and anticipate potential risks. It is also an invaluable tool for defining your sales and marketing strategy, identifying target market segments, appropriate distribution channels, and effective promotional tactics.
Finally, creating a solid online presence is essential to promoting your drone business and attracting potential new customers. This includes designing an attractive showcase web page that concisely presents your services, expertise, and achievements. Your presence on social media is also very helpful: on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. Share your events with as many people as possible, and build your brand to make your show even more impressive.
An online showcase can be a powerful marketing tool to attract the attention of your target audience and set you apart from the competition in this fast-growing market.
STEP 2: Planning your event - The phase of preparation
Preparing to enter the drone light show market requires a meticulous and strategic approach to ensure success.
Choosing the best environment for a drone light show
First, you need to find the ideal site for your drone operations. This means providing adequate space for demonstrations and tests of your light drones, considering safety and regulatory constraints.
Make sure that the weather conditions are good, that there are no obstacles that could restrict the reproduction of the choreography, or that the distance between your drones and the audience is safe.
Of course, all of this will be explained to you in detail during your drone training at Drotek.
Reserve your Drotek's equipment
Now it is time to reserve the necessary equipment. In addition to the IO STAR 3 drone, Drotek offers a complete range of solutions tailored to the demands of a drone show:
- The Ground Control Station, an embedded computer designed for flight control and monitoring, visual reception, and real-time image recording;
- Operation software to manage the drones deployed in real time
- Lightshow Creator, for design: a Blender tool that you also learn to use during the Drotek training course;
- The drone charging stations for the batteries;
- The drone transport cases, for efficient transport and rapid deployment.
At this stage, you must be ready to receive the Drotek solution. This ensures a smooth transition to the operational phase once all logistical and technical aspects are in place.
Initiate the authorization procedure
At the same time, you can begin the drone authorization processes required.
No worries, Drotek will support you in this essential regulatory phase, thanks to our dedicated partners.
To achieve this, you will need to contact the DGAC (Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile) if you are flying drones in France, the EASA for any flights within Europe, and the FAA for any drone flights in the United States.
These must be accompanied by prefectural and municipal bylaws. These authorizations are essential to ensure regulatory compliance and safe operations.
Moreover, if you want to include fireworks in your drone show, you must have a prefectural declaration and a municipal authorization, so it is a good idea to find out what is involved.
STEP 3: The home stretch - The operational phase
You are now in the home stretch before entering the drone light show market, and final preparation becomes essential to ensure the success of your show.
Start design: Which software is used for a drone show?
Using the 3D design tool Blender with our Lightshow Creator add-on, you can create stunning animations and visual sequences for your drone show quickly and securely. This plugin provides you with access to a whole host of tools so that the drone choreography resembles your vision as closely as possible. It includes the choice of orders, the choice of drone colors, the definition of transitions, and the facilitation of data import and export to the operational software.
Drotek offers full drone training in this phase, providing detailed documentation on how to use the design tools. You can now begin the design part of your drone show!
Begin your Drotek training
It is time to start training to familiarize yourself with the use of your equipment, tools, and drone flight procedures.
Drotek offers special support through its two-phase training program, which is the result of many years of experience in business development and technical support. This training program has proved effective for both new start-ups and multinationals in the events industry.
You start this training at the Drotek site in Toulouse (France), where you learn the basics of using the IO Star 3 drone and equipment during two days. Then, you receive our solution at your site so you can fly and gain experience.
The second phase of the training takes place at your location, with the same Drotek trainer. Drotek will accompany you to provide the same level of technical support as during the on-site training phase. We will also be there for your first drone performance with our solution to help you build your confidence.
With this comprehensive training and our ongoing support, you will be perfectly prepared to deliver an outstanding show to your audience.
Ready for the drone show!
D-Day is finally here, you've got your equipment, you are trained, and you have prepared your dance just the way you want it. You're ready to give your first show, and Drotek is committed to being present at your first show to offer you all the advice and support you need.
Congratulations, you entered the drone light show market!
Additional step: Assistance & support after the show
After your first show, and even more, Drotek continues to support you to ensure the ongoing success of your performances. As a Drotek customer, you'll gain constant access to innovation from our team of engineers and gradually become more autonomous.
Based on our experience, new operators usually become 100% self-sufficient after three flights, but we are always available if you require more support.
Technical support on demand
Our team is always on hand to provide comprehensive technical support. Our technician experts are available to answer all your questions and concerns, whether by phone or e-mail.
If you require specific on-site assistance, please contact us, and we will come to the show location.
With Drotek, you get a strong partnership and unrivaled support to help you shine in the world of drone light show.
