Article by Andy Orton, Founder of DotPerformance
I’ve always had a thing for drones. The DJI Inspire 2, Mavics—they were staples of our video production, perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes or dramatic angles that used to require helicopters or cranes. I was a hobbyist DJI pilot, happy to fly for fun, but on client shoots, I’d always call in Glenn, a professional drone operator.
Then came the Tesla shoot for Rex Motors. Glenn couldn’t make it until the afternoon, so I called for backup. That’s when Liam and Dave showed up. Dave, coincidentally, is John (our Head of Systems)’s brother-in-law. They brought along these tiny FPV drones with GoPros strapped on. I’d never seen anything like it.
I was driving the Tesla, with John in the passenger seat and instructions coming through the radio: “Faster. Faster. Faster.” The drone was inches from the car, buzzing like a wasp on turbo. John and I exchanged glances, both thinking, What the…?
When we got back, I watched one of the drones make a hard, abrupt landing, Dave and Liam laughing about it. I was intrigued—and then I saw the footage. It was mind-blowing. This little drone had flown through gaps a DJI could only dream of and tracked the car with unmatched precision. That was it—I had to get one.
Learning to Fly (and Crash, A Lot)
These aren’t your typical camera drones that hover politely above a scene. No, FPV drones dive, twist, and thread the needle through gaps so tight, you’d swear they weren’t meant to fit.
They don’t just capture a shot; they are the shot. The audience isn’t watching a scene from above—they’re inside it, weaving through buildings, chasing cars, and hurtling down mountainsides at 100mph. It’s immersive. It’s dynamic. And let’s face it—it’s outrageously cool.
What I didn’t realise then was just how hard FPV drone flying is. You don’t just pick one up and go. It’s all manual—no hovering, no GPS, no stabilisation. I spent months in a simulator just trying to stay airborne without crashing.
Six months in, I was hooked. I’d spend every spare moment tinkering, watching professional pilots pull off incredible stunts, and practicing. Eventually, I got qualified, licensed, and insured in the Isle of Man, the UK, and Europe. That’s when I started flying on client shoots—and wow, it changed everything.
Suddenly, I was flying through buildings, chasing cars and motorbikes, tracking horses galloping on the beach, snowboarders tearing down the Matterhorn, even fire engines roaring through plantations. FPV added a whole new dimension to our productions—and I was loving every minute of it.
Taking It to the Next Level
As much as I loved the FPV drones, the GoPro footage just didn’t cut it. The Isle of Man’s grey skies made it feel flat, especially compared to the high-quality footage we were capturing with our other cameras.
Enter the FPV Cinelifters. These drones can carry cinema cameras like the Red Komodo or Blackmagic 6K, flying through tight spaces at speeds of up to 100mph. The results were a game-changer—breathtaking footage with cinematic quality that matched the rest of our productions.
Of course, that also meant a whole new learning curve, more expensive gear, and… well, 26 drones later, let’s just say I’ve gone all in, much to Paula, our Accountant's annoyance.
Where are we now?
Fast-forward a few years, and we’ve built an FPV division that’s second to none in the British Isles. With a fully trained safety and spotting team, we’re delivering high-end footage for both local and international productions. From cinematic car chases to dynamic aerials that thread the needle through impossible gaps, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
If traditional drones are like watching a well-mannered orchestra, FPV is the electric guitar solo that makes the hairs on your neck stand up.” It’s daring, exhilarating, and just a little bit rebellious—everything great storytelling should be.
The journey has been wild, but every moment—every crash, every upgrade, every flight—has been worth it. FPV has redefined what we can do for our clients, adding a level of excitement and storytelling that few can match. And honestly? I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Check out some of services in more detail below for an idea of what's possible.
Oh and yes I also fly the best of DJI drones too in case you'd like something a bit more sedate.
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