Drone mild exhibits have exploded in reputation — from main state festivals 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 completed work for main company shoppers together with Netflix.
In an interview with The Drone Woman (watch the complete 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 at school,” Klemmer mentioned. “Drone exhibits have been a pure match as a result of they’re this intersection of expertise and the humanities.”
Klemmer has a Bachelor of Positive 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 things from pre-show setup to the real-time coordination of a whole bunch of drones — typically all managed by a single pc.
Working a drone present: behind the scenes
At a typical present, Klemmer is chargeable 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 giant 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 kinds of sides of drones together with drone soccer and orb racing into an epic air present that culminated in a conventional mild present.
“We actually take into consideration 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 beneath her belt, Klemmer mentioned certainly 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
Occupied with turning into a drone present pilot your self? Klemmer says adaptability and confidence are key.
“You could be a fast learner and actually prepared to adapt to any scenario,” she mentioned.
Curiously, Klemmer doesn’t fly drones recreationally — no FPV racing, no drone images on the facet. Her total drone profession is concentrated on choreographed mild exhibits, which simply makes her inventive strategy much more distinctive.
However profession alternatives are undoubtedly there — particularly as drone exhibits turn out 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 lots at greater 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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