We were on-hand this weekend for the 2nd Annual New York City Drone Film Festival to celebrate the the most creative and innovative examples of drone-shot aerial cinematography. In its sophomore season the event grew in every way–with twice as many entrants (more than 300!), and awards given in 12 categories (up from seven in 2015), plus prizes for Audience Choice and Best in Show. Just as striking as the jump in quantity of entrees was the quality of nominees. To a film they were polished, professional and compelling–we didn’t envy the task put before the Jury this year!
But we were thrilled and impressed with how this event has taken off. This year the screening and awards presentation was bookended by two days of drone seminars highlighting various technical, legal and artistic topics. and flight demos introducing the public to various aspects of flying, camera operation, and even FPV racing.
But the centerpiece was of course the screening and awards presentation. We snapped a few pics of the scene, so check them out along with some of the winning films!
The winner of the Extreme Sports category — and Best in Show — was this spectacular footage entitled “Afterglow: Lightsuit Segment” filmed at Sentry Lodge, British Columbia by Mike Brown and Nick Wagonner of Sweetgrass Productions.
Editor Matt Boyd and Publisher Yvonne DeFrancesco at the red carpet ceremony/reception prior to the awards screening. “We’re working– honest!”
NYC Film Fest founder and master of ceremonies Randy Scott Slavin taking a moment to enjoy the success of this year’s gathering.
Winner of the Architecture category was this beautiful reverse time-lapse film entitled “Greystone Rising”:
“GreyStone Rising” was the work of Director/Pilot Jody Johnson (center) and Editor Lisa Marie Blohm (right).
Primary sponsor GE collaborated on this custom Octo-copter, which was the prize for the Audience Choice Award.
