Live DJ Set Filming at Ballast Point Park - James Hayden Waves Of Gold

### Case Study: Live DJ Set Filming at Ballast Point Park During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, creativity found new avenues. My friend, director and producer, Nick from Production Technologies, assembled a team of highly skilled professionals for an ambitious project: recording a live DJ set by Haydney James at Ballast Point Park in Sydney. As a drone pilot, my role was pivotal in capturing the dynamic essence of the performance. The task was challenging due to the intensive nature of the drone work required. Ballast Point Park, with its restricted fly zones for public safety, posed significant obstacles. Navigating these zones demanded precision and skill, especially when flying mere centimetres from the park’s steel structures. The 45-minute set required sustained concentration and technical expertise, with multiple landings and battery swaps throughout the filming. Furthermore, the shoot started in the daytime and extended into the night, introducing the added challenges of nighttime flying, such as reduced visibility and the need for careful light management. Additionally, the formal authorisations and paperwork required to get approval for the drone work added another layer of complexity. Ensuring all necessary permits were in place and adhering to stringent regulations was essential to the project’s success. My experience in handling such administrative tasks efficiently ensured a smooth operation without any legal or safety issues. One of the most exciting aspects of the project was the live video feed transmission. Utilising an SDI link from the remote controller, the footage was fed directly into the switch controller for instant playback during the live stream. This required flawless coordination and seamless integration of technology, ensuring the live audience received uninterrupted, high-quality visuals. The experience was exhilarating. The crew and professionals on-site were highly impressed with the quality of the drone operations and the shots captured. The intricate manoeuvres around the park’s structures and the ability to maintain a live feed under such conditions highlighted my precision, reliability, and technical proficiency as a drone operator. This project not only showcased my piloting skills but also underscored my capability to handle complex and high-pressure filming environments. It was a testament to my commitment to safety, my expertise in drone operations, and my ability to deliver exceptional results even in the most challenging circumstances.