
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 ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
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 ...
30/04/2026
Jennifer Ehle (Contagion, Zero Dark Thirty) and Alex Hassell (Rivals, Wasteman, ...
30/04/2026
MELBOURNE, Fla., April 29, 2026 - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announ...
30/04/2026
MELBOURNE, Fla., April 30, 2026 - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) reports first quarter 2026 results.
Highlights
Orders of $7.8 billion; book-to-bill of 1....
30/04/2026
Behind the Broadcast: The Sound of Elite Golf Golf is gaining popularity; the 2025 Ryder Cup achieved record-breaking viewing figures in the UK specifically, wi...
30/04/2026
STA VENERA, MALTA, APRIL 29, 2026 CPI Media, a voluntary organization within the Missionary Society of St Paul (MSSP) and a leading media house dedicated to p...
30/04/2026
New software platform delivers comprehensive timing measurement across production workflows...
30/04/2026
Once again, the UK Pavilion in Hall 5 of BroadcastAsia 2026 will feature the latest and best in technology specifically developed and tailored for modern media ...
30/04/2026
Avid powers faster workflows and next-generation immersive audio with latest Pro...
30/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/04/2026
Scalable broadcast-grade production over public internet, replacing traditional OB workflows...
30/04/2026
Live demonstrations highlight LCEVC ecosystem momentum, AI-powered video pipelines, and expansion across broadcast, streaming, and social media.
DTV (TV 3.0) ...
30/04/2026
Student Spotlight: Matthew Leon The dual major shares his path from community college to Berklee, and how his heritage influences his work.
April 29, 2026
B...
30/04/2026
Berklee Artists to Perform at Major Global Music Festivals As part of the Berklee Popular Music Institute, students will perform at Lollapalooza, Governors Ba...
30/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/04/2026
A flexible monitoring platform designed to simplify ST 2110 operations, consolidate vendor tools, and support modern live production environments. See it at NAB...
30/04/2026
Sundance-premiering Run Amok is an expressive, unconventional take on today's teen experience, replete with musical numbers. When cinematographer Shachar ...
30/04/2026
JACKSONVILLE, AL, APRIL 29, 2026 Jacksonville State University, known as Jax State and a proud NCAA Division I member of Conference USA, has transformed its a...
30/04/2026
Transforming viewer and content data into real-time intelligence to deliver relevant streaming experiences at scale
ThinkAnalytics, the global leader in AI-pow...
30/04/2026
Sports Production, Delivery is Big Biz at NAB
Andy Marken April 29, 2026
0 Comments
Hero image source: NAB
One of the neat things about trade shows i...
30/04/2026
Back to All News
The Map of Longing Arrives on Netflix Next July 17
Entertainment
30 April 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
WE ARE ALL MADE OF SM...
30/04/2026
Back to All News
Saif Ali Khan Anchors a Story of Duty and Dilemma, Red Chillie...
30/04/2026
Back to All News
Netflix has released the trailer for Emi Mart nez: The Kid Who...
30/04/2026
Back to All News
A Bunch of Goofy Misfits Out to Save the World: Netflix Releas...
30/04/2026
Back to All News
Introducing Exciting New Ways to Find and Enjoy Your Next Favorite on Mobile
Product
30 April 2026
Global
Link copied to clipboard
Downlo...
30/04/2026
Com a evolu o de novos standards de broadcast em todo o mundo e o OTT streaming buscando a posi o de lideran a no consumo de m dia, tanto os codecs de v deo q...
30/04/2026
All-New AI-Powered Network Intelligence Solution, Resilient Remote OLTs and Back-Office Integration Platform Power Smarter, More Efficient Fiber Networks SAN JO...
30/04/2026
Two worlds, one show The tour unfolds in two distinct halves. The first is a sol...
30/04/2026
Rian na Fola airs on RT One and RT Player on Monday May 4
Rian na Fola is a o...
30/04/2026
It's gonna be May - and the cloud's in full festival mode.
16 games ar...
30/04/2026
Scripps Research ranks third in 2026 Cure Innovation Index
April 29, 2026
LA JOLLA, CA Scripps Research ranked third in the inaugural 2026 Cure Innovation In...
29/04/2026
It was a delicate job in a 150-year-old venue laden with traditions. Begun at th...
29/04/2026
In annual event, the league gives startup companies the opportunity to prove the...
29/04/2026
Panel discussions, networking, and a facility tour will take place in the renova...
29/04/2026
(L-R) Derek Drescher, Coss Marte, and Syretta Wright have each other's backs. (Micheal Hurcomb/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)
By Veronika Lee Cla...
29/04/2026
Combines EQ and harmonic distortion
Techivation's latest release is a simple EQ designed to offer quick control over a source's overall tonal balanc...
29/04/2026
Two new MPE controllers announced
Expressive E caused quite a stir when they released the Osmose, making the sort of expression that was once reserved for p...
29/04/2026
New modules & enhanced machine-learning
The latest version of iZotope's flagship restoration suite is now available, and now offers over 50 tools design...
29/04/2026
Surgeon Dr Jasmina Kevric wins 2026 Les Murray Award
29 April, 2026
Media releases
Australia for UNHCR and SBS are proud to announce that Dr Jasmina Kevric...
29/04/2026
Some people stumble into their passion. Julissa Padilla walked straight into a film vault. For her, entertainment was never just about the movies themselves. It...