Filming using a drone

Drones offer the possibility to shoot some truly beautiful views from up high for aerial sequences and panoramic shots, with a wide range of camera angles made possible.

Drone pilot

Careers in the film industry

Video by Damien VICART, drone pilot.

French legislation regarding the use of drones

The use of drones is strictly controlled. Once your drone takes flight is enters local airspace and comes under the jurisdiction of the DGAC, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

A guide to the simplified recreational and business use of unmanned aircraft:
www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/Guide_categorie_Ouverte.pdf

The use of a drone in built-up areas, above public spaces, is only possible for an operator who has declared their specific activities on the AlphaTango website. This DGAC portal is intended for users of remotely piloted aircraft to carry out the relevant procedures online:
alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr

The use of a drone therefore requires that:

the operator or remote pilot has a special operations manual, MAP (manuel d’activités particulières).
the remote pilot holds a certificate of theoretical aptitude for piloting drones, and has undergone practical training with an operator.

If this is not relevant in your case and you are in fact a recreational drone pilot, you are not allowed to fly a drone in built-up areas, above public spaces. You may only fly your drone within the city limits over private land (with the consent of the landowner), and only up to a height that does not exceed that of the surrounding buildings.

In any case (for recreational use or specialist activities), should you wish to make use of the photographs or videos taken by your drone it is necessary to make a declaration of aerial photography and cinematography activity by completing form CERFA 12546*01.
www.service-public.fr/professionnels-entreprises/vosdroits/R14172

Guides for recreational drones and specialist activities

Here is the complete guide for recreational drone use:
www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/Guide_aeromodelisme_modeles_reduits_drones_de_loisir.pdf
and the guide for using a drone for specialist activities:
www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/Guide_drones_activites_particulieres.pdf

Ask the professionals

With all these rules in place, the easiest and safest thing to do when you are planning a shoot is to use a professional company that has access to all the relevant equipment, expertise and authorisations required for shooting aerial footage using a drone.