Drone mild reveals have exploded in reputation — 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 completed work for main company shoppers together with Netflix.
In an interview with The Drone Woman (watch the total dialog embedded beneath!), Klemmer shared her journey into the world of drone reveals — a path that began not with aviation, however with artwork.
“I studied design and animation in class,” Klemmer stated. “Drone reveals have 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 grew to become fascinated with the piloting facet of the operation. She transitioned into turning into a chief pilot, overseeing every thing from pre-show setup to the real-time coordination of tons of of drones — generally all managed by a single pc.
Working a drone present: behind the scenes
At a typical present, Klemmer is answerable for managing the group, making certain security protocols are in place, and working the pc system that controls the drones. Security is paramount, particularly with massive reveals 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 types of aspects of drones together with drone soccer and orb racing into an epic air present that culminated in a conventional mild present.
“We actually keep in mind our security areas,” she stated. “We’ve individuals throughout ensuring the entire security zone is safe, and the viewers is a secure distance away.”
With round 60 drone reveals below her belt, Klemmer stated certainly one of her favourite experiences was placing on a lightweight 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 stated.
What it takes to land a job as a drone present pilot
Occupied with turning into a drone present pilot your self? Klemmer says adaptability and confidence are key.
“It’s essential be a fast learner and actually keen to adapt to any state of affairs,” she stated.
Apparently, Klemmer doesn’t fly drones recreationally — no FPV racing, no drone pictures on the facet. Her complete drone profession is concentrated on choreographed mild reveals, which simply makes her creative strategy much more distinctive.
However profession alternatives are undoubtedly there — particularly as drone reveals develop 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 greater company occasions, weddings, even engagements,” she stated. “When there’s individuals gathering, there’s going to be drone mild reveals.”
Watch my full interview with Anna Klemmer beneath:
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