Drone gentle exhibits have exploded in recognition — from main state festivals to marriage proposals — however have you ever ever questioned who’s behind the scenes making these flying pixels dance? Meet Anna Klemmer, a contract drone present designer who works as a chief pilot at Skyworx.
Skyworx is an American drone present firm that has executed work for main company purchasers together with Netflix.
In an interview with The Drone Lady (watch the complete dialog embedded under!), Klemmer shared her journey into the world of drone exhibits — a path that began not with aviation, however with artwork.
“I studied design and animation in class,” Klemmer stated. “Drone exhibits had been a pure match as a result of they’re this intersection of know-how and the humanities.”
Klemmer has a Bachelor of Tremendous Arts from Colorado State College. Initially employed as a designer, creating animations for drone formations, Klemmer rapidly turned fascinated with the piloting aspect of the operation. She transitioned into changing into a chief pilot, overseeing every little thing from pre-show setup to the real-time coordination of a whole bunch of drones — typically all managed by a single laptop.
Operating a drone present: behind the scenes
At a typical present, Klemmer is chargeable for managing the crew, making certain security protocols are in place, and working the pc system that controls the drones. Security is paramount, particularly with massive exhibits involving 500 drones, just like the one Klemmer piloted throughout this interview.
That was for the opening night time of Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025, a fan occasion that introduced collectively all kinds of aspects of drones together with drone soccer and orb racing into an epic air present that culminated in a conventional gentle present.
“We actually take note of our security areas,” she stated. “We now have individuals throughout ensuring the entire security zone is safe, and the viewers is a secure distance away.”
With round 60 drone exhibits underneath her belt, Klemmer stated one in every of her favourite experiences was placing on a light-weight present on the Colorado State Honest in Pueblo.
“There have been monster vehicles, a destruction derby — only a actually cool, high-energy occasion to tie a drone present into,” she stated.
What it takes to land a job as a drone present pilot
Fascinated by changing into a drone present pilot your self? Klemmer says adaptability and confidence are key.
“It is advisable be a fast learner and actually keen to adapt to any scenario,” she stated.
Apparently, Klemmer doesn’t fly drones recreationally — no FPV racing, no drone pictures on the aspect. Her complete drone profession is targeted on choreographed gentle exhibits, which simply makes her inventive method much more distinctive.
However profession alternatives are undoubtedly there — particularly as drone exhibits grow to be extra accessible and mainstream. Klemmer says she sees them increasing far past simply live shows and main occasions.
“We’re beginning to see them rather a lot at larger company occasions, weddings, even engagements,” she stated. “When there’s individuals gathering, there’s going to be drone gentle exhibits.”
Watch my full interview with Anna Klemmer under:
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