Drone videography at red rocks
Red Rocks is one of the most iconic venues in the country and I’m fortunate enough to have it right in my backyard.
As someone who is a regular attendee, whether I’m on stage filming, filming with my drone, or in attendance, I’ve gotten to know my way around the venue inside and out.
Below you’ll see recap videos I’ve shot and edited, but most noticeably a drone montage of footage I’ve captured for Porter Robinson, Our Mutual Friends, and recently Rebelution’s headlining act for Reggae on the Rocks.
Did you know that you need a special permit to fly a drone at Red Rocks?
That you need additional insurance on top of your business insurance as well?
Do you know the forms you need to fill out? Or who to reach out to? I bet you can’t find their contact info…..
As someone who’s gone through the tedious steps and jumped through the proper hoops patiently ( le’s be honest, not patiently) I now have the process for gaining approval to fly a drone at a Red Rocks show dialed in.
Step into my mind as I show you my process for filming a show both on the ground and in the air.
permits, insurance, and paperwork
I can honestly say, anytime I’ve had to jump through hoops to get approval to fly my drone it has been a hassle.
The sooner an artist asks me to film the better chances we have of me getting approved by all parties.
The first time I asked how long the process takes I received an answer that I’ve found to be incredibly accurate: whenever they get to it.
I once started the process four weeks before a show and got approval as I WAS DRIVING TO THE VENUE. And that’s only because I was extremely proactive….to the point I felt I was being a headache.
Which I probably was, but hey when a client wants something you gotta do what you gotta do baaaby.
Fortunately, I’m now in the system and the proper people are familiar with me.
Here are the things you need to submit to fly a UAV at a Red Rocks show:
Part 107 Unmanned Pilots License
Certificate of Achievement for passing your Part 107 test
Drone registration with the FAA
Business Certificate of Insurance (with a high coverage amount $$)
Additional Drone Insurance
A planned flight map of your altitude and area you’ll be flying
Paperwork from the IRS Department of Treasury verifying your business
Certificate of document from the Colorado Secretary of State
Point of contact of artist management to verify you are in contact with them
You do all of this and you still need to get approved by multiple parties and organizations.
how to cover such a large venue
Alright, it’s time to meet up at the venue with the artist management or lead videographer if there is currently one traveling with the artist.
These people will know the set list if the artist plans on speaking in between songs, special surprises, and when the pyro or special lighting will hit. These are all important moments that need a plan and strategy.
Then it’s time to go over shots, which angles we will be hitting, and who will be shooting what with which lens.
You don’t want to get caught at the top of the amphitheater when the artist wants a shot of everyone holding their phone lights up. Big F*** up!
I always get a copy of the setlist on my phone and set it as my background on my phone. That way it’s right there for me to see at all times. No seconds wasted unlocking my phone and going to the photo app.
I also will set a timer for something like “on the third to last song we’ll ask the crowd to hold their phone lights on”. This timer is a rough estimate, but I try to set it for 2-3 songs before the queue. This gives me enough time to get into position.
It’s tough, especially if you don’t know the artist well, but listen for the songs and keep checking the setlist.
Camera Operator | Editor
Drone Operator
If I’m flying the drone there are a few extra steps I take:
Check the weather for wind and rain conditions (I do this day before, of, and during the show.)
I go around and tell security I’m flying a UAV. They all appreciate this and will usually hop on a walkie-talkie to let others know. The last thing I want is someone stopping me while I’m flying or while I’m running to another location.
I have all documents, emails, and signatures on my phone in case anyone wants proof.
I have several locations scattered around the venue that are my go-to which gives me plenty of privacy and space. This way I not only don’t have to worry about being distracted but I can make sure people stay safe.
Never. Never. Never take off or land around people.
Conclusion
Every show I’ve filmed at Red Rocks has been an amazing experience. It’s a rush of excitement and nerves knowing you have one chance to get the shots you need.
Plus running up and down those stairs is nooooo joke!
By now I know my angles with which lens.
Bonus, you can get on top of the towers to get a different angle BUT you need to get in touch with security. Lately, I’ve been collecting a library of time lapses of Red Rocks to be used during the intro of a recap.
This helps establish location. Filmmaking 101.
IF YOU NEED A VIDEOGRAPHER…
To cover Red Rocks, whether on the ground or in the air, I’m always ready to hop on another project. I can also bring on and direct a crew if the project calls for maximum coverage. I actually prefer having at least one other shooter.
This allows me to have multiple angles of the same micro-moments (pyro going off, certain lighting effects, etc) to be able to cut up in post-production.
Note: The sooner you hit me up, the better. I’m able to perform miracles, within reason, but having a week or two heads up is much appreciated!
Call Me Brende
I’m Josh Berendes (Brende for short), a filmmaker, drone operator, and creative entrepreneur based in Denver, CO.
My mission is to inspire, entertain, and connect with viewers while showing people my perspective of the world.
My camera has taken me from Red Rocks shows and Super Bowl parties to deep canyons and high mountain peaks.
I’ve also been fortunate to work with brands like EA Sports, NFL, The Matador Network, and TDE.
My work ranges from raw emotional storytelling pieces on people and places to exciting visually dope bite-sized content.
I’d love the chance to bring your video ideas to life—let’s connect below.
