SVG Sit-Down: Ross Video's Jim Doyle Details New Drones-as-a-Service' Offering By SVG Staff
Thursday, September 19, 2024 - 11:54 am
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
Ross Video's creative services team, Rocket Surgery, has introduced a new offering that it's dubbing Drones-as-a-Service . SVG sat down with Jim Doyle, VP of Creative Services, Ross Video, to explore how this service was developed and its potential impact on the industry.
Can you provide an overview of the Drones-as-a-Service offering and what inspired its development?
Jim Doyle, VP of Creative Services, Ross Video
Doyle: Rocket Surgery has been managing Thursday Night Football for the past two seasons, during which we integrated virtual reality content into live drone video feeds. Initially, we relied on a third-party drone operator for these feeds. To effectively blend tracking data and graphics into the video, we used the Pixotope Fly tracking system, which worked well for our needs.
This success led us to consider providing drone services ourselves instead of depending on third parties. Two of our team members, already drone enthusiasts, obtained their official pilot licenses. Now, we have drone operators in both the United States and Canada, equipped with DJI Mavic drones. This enables us to capture video and seamlessly integrate virtual reality elements, whether live or prerecorded. We've proven our capabilities and are now offering this service to our clients.
What kinds of customers are you targeting with this service?
Doyle: It's well-suited for productions beyond just news and sports broadcasts. For instance, we've created drone footage with integrated graphics for Intel and Ross Video's NAB 2024 keynote, so corporate events have proven to also be a good fit.
What are the benefits of using drones for these productions?
Doyle: Drones offer several advantages over other methods such as Spidercam. They are not tethered, allowing for greater mobility inside and outside facilities, and can get close to the action due to their compact size. This makes them safer as well-our Mavic drones are small enough to minimize risk in case of an accidental collision.
Moreover, drones are quieter than expected, avoiding audio interference during recordings. They provide dynamic shots and enable creative integration of virtual reality elements into broadcasts.
Are there any upcoming projects where you'll be utilizing this service?
Doyle: Yes, we're gearing up for a project involving augmented reality (AR) for election coverage this November. Although it's confidential for now, we plan to release a case study once the project concludes.
And how will drones be used in the election coverage?
Doyle: In this context, drones will incorporate virtual reality within news broadcasts. They enable us to navigate physical space in innovative ways, revealing virtual content dynamically. This capability surpasses what can be achieved with traditional jibs, offering flexible camera movements for both close-ups and wide shots. It's especially useful for capturing location shots in election coverage.
What challenges come with using drones, particularly regarding regulations and restrictions?
Doyle: Commercial drone flights require approvals and adherence to regulations such as height restrictions, flight paths, and no-fly zones. In the U.S., this involves coordination with the FAA and similar agencies abroad. For instance, in Las Vegas, we were restricted from flying in national parks like Red Rock Canyon. While some areas have restrictions, managing these regulations is straightforward if you stay diligent with paperwork and request processes which we have mastered.
And do you handle all these regulatory aspects for your customers?
Doyle: Yes, we manage the entire process. As a managed service, we handle everything from drone operation to virtual content integration. This is all part of Rocket Surgery's Virtual Productions (RSVP) business unit. We've even conducted drone shoots without virtual reality, such as capturing footage of Ross Video's factory to highlight its solar and EV green initiatives.
How has drone technology changed the landscape compared to traditional methods like helicopters?
Doyle: The difference is significant. Previously, capturing aerial footage required hanging cameras from helicopters, which was costly. Today, drones offer superior results at a fraction of the price. Our drones feature built-in 4K and 8K cameras with gimbals, providing high-quality footage at a much lower cost than helicopters.
Where do you see this service heading in the future?
Doyle: I anticipate advancements in tracking technology will simplify the integration of virtual elements. Drones will continue to become smaller and more advanced. AI could also play a role, potentially allowing for autonomous drone operation. Currently, we use a spotter to ensure safety during flights, but AI could enhance safety further, especially in complex environments
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
How Chris Bolte Builds the Sound of PlayStation Games Chris Bolte '16 is a technical sound designer at Sucker Punch Productions, where he helps create the...
18/03/2026
Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4.
Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...
18/03/2026
SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...
18/03/2026
The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...
18/03/2026
(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...
18/03/2026
Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville
Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...
18/03/2026
Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded
Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...
18/03/2026
Mix-reference plug-in overhauled
iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...
18/03/2026
Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives
Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...
18/03/2026
Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture
18 March, 2026
Media releases
New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...
18/03/2026
Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...
18/03/2026
London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...
18/03/2026
SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations
Brie Clayton March 18, 2026
0 Comments
SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...
18/03/2026
Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K
Brie Clayton March 18, 2026
0 Comments
LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...
18/03/2026
Brainstorm transforms productivity and sustainability with Suite 7 at NAB Show 2...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, and engineers, today unveiled its educational presentations for the 2026 NAB Show. This year SMPTE will ...
18/03/2026
Maxon, maker of powerful, approachable software solutions for creators working in 2D and 3D design, motion graphics, visual effects, gaming, and more, today ann...
18/03/2026
Digital Alert Systems
Preview
2026 NAB Show
April 19 - 22
Booth C3452
At the 2026 NAB Show, Digital Alert Systems will showcase Version 6.0 of its DASDEC ...
18/03/2026
Setplex today announced that it will showcase its complete, fully integrated Zapflex platform for the first time at the 2026 NAB Show, introducing powerful new ...
18/03/2026
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION THAT QUALIFIED OR MAY HAVE QUALIFIED AS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7(1) OF THE ...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking DP for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Director of Photography for Low Budget Dramedy Fe...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Gaffer for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Gaffer for Low Budget Dramedy Feature Film- I...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Location, Sound for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Location/Sound for Low Budget Dramed...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Child Wrangler for Low Budget Film - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Child Wrangler for Low Budget Dramedy Fe...
18/03/2026
Calrec Redefines Broadcast Workflows at NAB 2026 with its Most Powerful Hardware...
18/03/2026
Oscar Nominated Two People Exchanging Saliva Posted with DaVinci Resolve Studio
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
DaVinci Resolve Studio handle...
18/03/2026
Boston Conservatory Presents Celebrated Musical Satire Urinetown Performances for this Center Stage production will take place at Boston Conservatory Theater ...
18/03/2026
Charlie Puth Joins Switched on Pop at Berklee NYC The Berklee alum spoke with host and Berklee NYC professor Charlie Harding for a live taping, answering audi...
18/03/2026
X-Rite Pantone Demonstrates Advanced Color Management Solutions to Support Smart...
18/03/2026
Wednesday 18 March 2026
BAFTA winner James McAvoy to star in Sky Original serie...
18/03/2026
Wednesday 18 March 2026
Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing announce multi-year agreement for the UK and Ireland
Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing have announced a new mult...
18/03/2026
Wednesday 18 March 2026
Sky Unveils Poster and Trailer for Original Feature Fil...
SVG Sit-Down: Ross Video's Jim Doyle Details New Drones-as-a-Service' Offering By SVG Staff 
