Drone mild exhibits have exploded in reputation — from main state gala’s to marriage proposals — however have you ever ever puzzled 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 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 exhibits — a path that began not with aviation, however with artwork.
“I studied design and animation in class,” Klemmer mentioned. “Drone exhibits had been a pure match as a result of they’re this intersection of expertise and the humanities.”
Klemmer has a Bachelor of Fantastic Arts from Colorado State College. Initially employed as a designer, creating animations for drone formations, Klemmer shortly grew to become 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 lots of of drones — typically all managed by a single pc.
Operating a drone present: behind the scenes
At a typical present, Klemmer is answerable for managing the staff, 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 evening 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 standard mild present.
“We actually bear in mind our security areas,” she mentioned. “We have now folks 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 considered one of her favourite experiences was placing on a lightweight present on the Colorado State Truthful 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 changing into a drone present pilot your self? Klemmer says adaptability and confidence are key.
“You have 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 aspect. Her complete drone profession is concentrated on choreographed mild exhibits, which simply makes her inventive method much more distinctive.
However profession alternatives are positively there — particularly as drone exhibits develop into extra accessible and mainstream. Klemmer says she sees them increasing far past simply concert events and main occasions.
“We’re beginning to see them loads at larger company occasions, weddings, even engagements,” she mentioned. “When there’s folks gathering, there’s going to be drone mild exhibits.”
Watch my full interview with Anna Klemmer beneath:
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