Drone gentle exhibits have exploded in recognition — from main state gala’s 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 achieved work for main company purchasers together with Netflix.
In an interview with The Drone Lady (watch the total 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 at school,” Klemmer mentioned. “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 Advantageous Arts from Colorado State College. Initially employed as a designer, creating animations for drone formations, Klemmer rapidly grew to become fascinated with the piloting facet of the operation. She transitioned into turning into a chief pilot, overseeing all the pieces from pre-show setup to the real-time coordination of tons of of drones — generally all managed by a single laptop.
Working a drone present: behind the scenes
At a typical present, Klemmer is accountable for managing the staff, guaranteeing 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 sides of drones together with drone soccer and orb racing into an epic air present that culminated in a conventional gentle present.
“We actually consider our security areas,” she mentioned. “We’ve got individuals throughout ensuring the entire security zone is safe, and the viewers is a secure distance away.”
With round 60 drone exhibits below her belt, Klemmer mentioned one among her favourite experiences was placing on a light-weight present on the Colorado State Honest in Pueblo.
“There have been monster vans, a destruction derby — only a actually cool, high-energy occasion to tie a drone present into,” she mentioned.
What it takes to land a job as a drone present pilot
Excited about turning into a drone present pilot your self? Klemmer says adaptability and confidence are key.
“It is advisable to be a fast learner and actually keen to adapt to any scenario,” she mentioned.
Apparently, Klemmer doesn’t fly drones recreationally — no FPV racing, no drone images on the facet. Her complete drone profession is targeted on choreographed gentle exhibits, which simply makes her creative method much more distinctive.
However profession alternatives are undoubtedly there — particularly as drone exhibits change into 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 mentioned. “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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