[© Bryan Harvey]
There will also be film screenings, talks by drone experts and a competition which includes a category on still photography.
‘We want to inspire people that drones enhance our lives and make them richer by de-coupling us from the ground and making it possible for us to think of the possibilities in 3D space,’ said Owen James who founded the event.
Organisers hope the festival will provide a networking opportunity for film industry professionals, and drone fans alike, and serve as a forum to discuss drone rules.
‘They will be able to share industry insight in the application of drones and the logistical and legal challenges the industry has to deal with,’ organisers added in a statement.
‘As drone laws are different in varying countries people have to be aware of how to navigate these rules to accomplish their projects.’
Safety fears
The show comes amid growing concerns about the safety of drones and fears of a collision with a passenger jet.
This week, British Airways boss Willie Walsh called for new restrictions on drone use.
He said: ‘It’s inevitable that we will see more restrictions placed on the ownership and operation of drones.
‘The Irish Aviation Authority have already introduced a register. They are ahead of the game. I’d be surprised if the CAA [Civil Aviation Authority] don’t follow.’
Last week, Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin revealed that an object suspected of having collided with a BA plane was not a drone after all, amid reports that it was actually a ‘plastic bag’.
McLoughlin said: ‘It is now thought that the incident reported on 17 April was not a drone incident.’
[© Albert Ipsen]
Meanwhile, the London Drone Festival will highlight how drones are increasingly being used in major film productions.
Founder Owen James added: ‘We want to inspire filmmakers to think about the possibilities of using drones in their productions and how it could benefit them.’
‘The film industry is finally starting to embrace the concept of aerial filming using drones and the crews involved in this work need to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to the story-telling process.
‘Drones have enabled producers to add high-value shots to their productions that would have been cost prohibitive in the past.
‘But filming with drones is not just for Hollywood, it can be used for industrial inspection, land surveying, disaster relief, the prevention of poaching, crime prevention as well as rescue and recovery.’
The London Drone Festival takes place on 23 May from 6pm-11pm at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH.
Tickets cost £14.99 (plus a £2 booking fee).
To book visit www.eventbrite.co.uk
For further details of the event visit www.londondronefilmfestival.com
[© Tarsicio Sanudo Suare]
