How does a drone show work?

What is a drone sound and light show?

Drone light shows are performed by groups of illuminated, synchronized, and choreographed drones arranged in various aerial formations. Almost any image can be recreated in the sky using a computer program that transforms graphics into flight commands and transmits them to the drones.

drone sound and light show - Allumee
Allumee drones ready for takeoff

How does a drone show work?

Drone shows work by programming a fleet of drones to follow specific flight paths and display various colors and patterns using their onboard LED lights. A central computer system that coordinates the drones' movements ensures they maintain a safe distance from each other while producing an impressive visual performance.
Our in-house animators meticulously designed each show to ensure that the images stand out from one another.

How long is a drone show?

The duration of a drone show varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the performance and the event requirements. Most shows last between 10 and 12 minutes, but they can be tailored to the event organizer's needs. Allumee has the unique capability to produce longer shows with larger drone fleets.

Will drones replace fireworks?

Drones have the potential to become a preferred alternative to fireworks due to their environmental friendliness, customizability, and reduced noise pollution. However, while fireworks will likely remain a traditional form of celebration, drone-based sound and light shows offer a modern and innovative option for event organizers seeking a more sustainable and adaptable form of entertainment.

Due to drought restrictions in some municipalities, they have chosen to opt for drone shows instead of traditional fireworks during their July 14th celebrations.

asics-saintelyon-drone-show-allumee
Drone show by Allumee for the Asics SaintéLyon 2023 race

How much does a drone show cost?

At Allumee, the rates a drone show starts at €18,000 excluding tax.
The price of a drone service is calculated based on several criteria, such as the type of drone used, the duration of the project, the nature of the service, and other factors specific to your event.
It is obvious that organizing a show with 500 drones costs much more than organizing a show with 100 drones. In addition to the drones themselves, labor, freight, and logistics are all additional expenses.

Can drone shows be customized?

Yes, drone shows are highly customizable to meet the specific requirements of your event, including the creation of unique animations, patterns, and colors that align with your event's theme or brand. This level of customization allows your audience to enjoy a memorable and personalized experience.

What are the different types of shows?

Our services are suitable for all types of events. Whether you are a community, a professional Or an individual, We respond to all your requests.

There are 3 types of shows at Allumee: 
– Hybrid
- Custom made 
- Signature

You can find all the details on our page: Our types of shows

500 light drone show - Allumee
Takeoff of 500 drones by Allumee

What does Allumee do differently?

We produce drone sound and light shows, but we also focus on 3 main pillars: 

Creativity : We place creativity at the heart of every performance by adapting our creations to a multitude of natural settings. Thus, our commitment to creativity ensures that each of our drone shows becomes an immersive sensory experience, capturing the beauty of each environment.

Technology We invest in the latest advancements in drones and control systems. Technology is the driving force behind our shows, allowing us to ensure perfect synchronization between each drone and precise movement control. The integration of LED lighting adds a striking visual dimension, playing with color nuances, synchronized lighting effects, and variable intensity. Furthermore, GPS ensures that all drones launch from the same point, follow defined trajectories, and maintain a perfectly coordinated distance and altitude. This allows us to deliver performances of unparalleled precision.

Operations Behind the scenes of every drone show, we deploy flawless operational logistics. Our operations team works together to plan, coordinate, and execute each flight safely and efficiently. From battery management and preventative maintenance to real-time coordination during the shows, we ensure that every aspect of operations is meticulously orchestrated. Our commitment to operational reliability supports our creative and technological vision, guaranteeing the success of each of our drone shows.

Discover our 2023 Showreel now, which brilliantly retraces the highlights and exceptional achievements of our last year.

How many drones are needed for a show?

The number of drones needed for a show depends on the desired visual impact, the complexity of the event, and the size of the audience. Small events may only require 100 drones. Conversely, larger shows may require hundreds or thousands of drones. The larger the show, the more detailed it will be.
Allumee effectively uses drones, in any quantity, to create an engaging and visually stunning experience.

Are drone shows safe?

Before we can perform any show, we must obtain all the necessary authorizations from the relevant authorities, including the DSAC (Directorate of Civil Aviation Safety). This may include flight permits, safety authorizations, safety distances, and other important approvals.

Furthermore, it is essential to establish a sufficiently large safety distance to manage any potential drone crashes. We have observers stationed around the flight zone, constantly monitoring to ensure that no drone leaves the formation. If a drone approaches too close to the flight zone boundary, the observer activates a remote control called a Kill Switch, which cuts off the drone's power.

How to make a drone sound and light show?

To put on a drone show, several steps must be followed. In our case, Allumee presents seven:
 
Meeting and technical study : Discussion with customers to understand their needs and vision, including a technical study of drone and logistics options.

Storyboard : Development of a detailed plan for the show, including drone movements, staging, special effects and musical selection.

Production : Using advanced technologies and collaborating with our specialized teams to create the visual and sound elements.

Audio-visual synchronization : Meticulous alignment of drone movements and special effects with the music for perfect harmony.

Permissions : Acquisition of all necessary legal and safety approvals for the show.

Tests : Carrying out flight, sound and light tests to ensure flawless performance on the day.

Realization : Delivery of the show with an emphasis on safety, quality and eco-responsibility, offering a memorable experience to the audience.

You can find all the details via our page: Our approach 

A drone show for a wedding?

A drone show is a fantastic option for weddings, adding a touch of magic and originality to this special day. Fully customizable, it allows for the creation of unique shapes in the sky, such as the couple's initials or symbols that are meaningful to them. This modern technology can be adapted to reflect the wedding theme, helping to create unforgettable moments. Drones bring a spectacular dimension to the wedding, ensuring that this day remains etched in the memories of the bride and groom and their guests.

Drone Show for a Wedding - Allumee
200 Drone Show for a Wedding

With our partner WeddingDroneShow, it is entirely possible to put on a drone show for your wedding.
Choose between 3 packages: 80, 100 or 200 drones and various options to make the most beautiful day of your life even more memorable. 

Can drone shows be used for advertising messages?

Yes, drone shows can be an innovative and effective way to advertise and market. By creating custom animations, logos, and messages, drone shows can convey your brand message in a unique and engaging way to capture the attention of your target audience.

What is the main benefit of using drone shows at events?

Using drone shows at events offers significant advantages. They are quieter than traditional fireworks, making for a more pleasant experience, especially for those sensitive to noise. Customization is another major benefit: almost anything you can imagine can be created in the sky with drones. They also offer a more environmentally friendly alternative. Drone shows create unique and memorable moments, leaving a strong and lasting impression on the audience. Furthermore, their novelty often ensures that it's a first for many spectators, adding an element of surprise and wonder to your event.

Can drone shows be done in all countries?

Regulations governing drone shows vary from country to country and even from region to region. It is therefore crucial to choose a drone show specialist who is well-versed in the different regulations. This specialist must be able to obtain all the necessary permits specific to the location of your event.

How can the weather impact a show?

Is wind dangerous for a drone?

Wind is a crucial factor in drone flight, affecting both safety and performance. Wind tolerance varies depending on the drone, ranging from 13 km/h for the least resistant models to approximately 50 km/h for the most robust. Steady winds are more manageable, while gusts can make control difficult and increase the risk of a crash. It is important to consult the manufacturer's manual to determine the wind resistance specifications for your specific drone.

Can rain harm drones?

It is not recommended to fly drones in the rain or on wet ground. Although some drones are more resistant to moisture, particularly those equipped with brushless motors, even a single drop of water can cause a short circuit in their electrical system. Snow poses an additional risk due to the cold.

Can I fly my drone in cold weather?

Older drones (dating from around 2015) generally should not fly below 0°C, while newer models can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C. This difference is due to advancements in battery technology, with some models even being self-heating. Cold temperatures affect battery performance, reducing flight time; for example, a temperature drop below 0°C can reduce flight time by 5 hours. It is important to keep the battery warm before flying and to monitor the drone's parameters during flight. If in doubt, it is best not to fly. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and understand the limitations of your drone.

team-allumee-on-the-training-ground

Allumee places great importance on safety, particularly by analyzing weather conditions to adapt its drone show performances. Although our drones can fly for 25 minutes, performances are limited to 20 minutes to maximize safety and anticipate unforeseen events.

Allumee strives to ensure well-executed and satisfying shows, even in challenging weather conditions such as thunderstorms.

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