AZDroneFest is a film festival and UAS Expo designed to educate, promote, cultivate and celebrate the art of aerial cinematography in Arizona.  The film festival is dedicated to recognizing the best in aerial cinematography in multiple categories.  Attached to the film festival is an education expo with industry panel discussions, keynote speakers and workshops for commercial drone pilots, drone enthusiasts and aerial cinematographers to attend.  AZDroneFest is owned and organized by USDroneFest, Inc.

AZDroneFest 2022

 

2022 WINNERS

 
 
 
 

THE EVENT

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AZDroneFest 2022

Film Festival  & UAS Expo
Oct. 22, 2022

9:30am - 3:30pm

Grand Canyon University
3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017

A FREE FAMILY EVENT

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

AN INDUSTRY EXPO

VIP TICKET REQUIRED

LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS

AN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

FREE EVENT OUTSIDE

WATCH AMAZING FILMS

vip

Early bird VIP Tickets

$25
  • Regular Price: $30
  • Access to All Sessions, workshops and panels

Luis Martinez, M.Ed.

Division Chief/Air – UAS Chief PILOT
Regional Fire and Rescue Department

_____________________________

Commercial Drone Use

Drones are being used in many
different industries in an array of
applications From first responders
to constructions, or inspections
drones are impacting our
everyday lives.

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

PRESENTER

Jeremiah Davis

Owner, Uplifted Creative

_____________________________

Working on Big Productions

So how do you get to work on
big productions? What are the tools,
and skills required to land some
of the biggest projects?
ReelBros will share some of their
expertise and show you some
amazing BTS.

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

PRESENTER

Deputy Chief Brian Ramirez

Casa Grande Police Department

_____________________________

Commercial Drone Use

Drones are being used in many
different industries in an array of
applications From first responders
to constructions, or inspections
drones are impacting our
everyday lives.

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

PRESENTER

Mignonne Hollis

Founder, Aerospace AZ

_____________________________

The Future of UAS in Arizona

As the founder of Aerospace Arizona,
Mignonne will discuss the future
of the UAS industry and its
economic impact for all pilots
in Arizona.

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Pete Phimphavong

Owner, Rektdrones

_____________________________

FPV Drones

From racing to film and amazing one shots,
FPV drones are a force to be recognized.
Faster, smaller, capable of carrying larger
cameras, FPV drones can create shots
like no other tools can. Find out how you
can start flying FPVs

11:00 am - 11:45 apm

PRESENTER

Brandon Main

Co-Founder, ReelBros

_____________________________

Working on Big Productions

So how do you get to work on
big productions? What are the tools,
and skills required to land some
of the biggest projects?
ReelBros will share some of their
expertise and show you some
amazing BTS.

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

PRESENTER

Saunders Staley

Owner, Flying Robot

_____________________________

FPV Drones

From racing to film and amazing one shots,
FPV drones are a force to be recognized.
Faster, smaller, capable of carrying larger
cameras, FPV drones can create shots
like no other tools can. Find out how you
can start flying FPVs.

11:00 am - 11:45 am

PRESENTER

Greg Reverdiau

Co-founder, The Pilot Institute

_____________________________

Regulations & Part 107

Drones are fun…. Let's make fun safe.
Stay up to date on the new FAA
regulations and learn the basics of
flying legally, including the different
regulations for commercial pilots
and hobbyist.

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

PRESENTER

Isabelle Nyroth

UAS Consultant

_____________________________

Enterprise Drone Use

Drones are being used in many
different industries in an array of
applications From first responders
to constructions, or inspections
drones are impacting our
everyday lives.

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

PRESENTER

JOHN HEBRANK

Co-Founder, ReelBros

_____________________________

Working on Big Productions

So how do you get to work on
big productions? What are the tools,
and skills required to land some
of the biggest projects?
ReelBros will share some of their
expertise and show you some
amazing BTS.

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

PRESENTER

Brian Geranen

Capitan, Phoenix Fire Department

_____________________________

Commercial Drone Use

Drones are being used in many
different industries in an array of
applications From first responders
to constructions, or inspections
drones are impacting our
everyday lives.

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

PRESENTER

Brandon Lugo

Director of Operations, Aerial Armor

_____________________________

Regulations & Part 107

Drones are fun…. Let's make fun safe.
Stay up to date on the new FAA
regulations and learn the basics of
flying legally, including the different
regulations for commercial pilots
and hobbyist.

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

PRESENTER

Justin Eddinger

GIS/ Natural Resource Specialist, Green Drone AZ

_____________________________

Drones for a better environment

Today drones are being
used in conservation efforts
on public lands by assisting
in data collection that can
inform scientists and land
managers to help guide
decisions.

11:00 am - 11:45 am

PRESENTER

Chuck Powell

Senior GIS Specialist, WestLand Resources, Inc.

_____________________________

Drones for a better environment

Today drones are being
used in conservation efforts
on public lands by assisting
in data collection that can
inform scientists and land
managers to help guide
decisions.

11:00 am - 11:45 am

PRESENTER

Alex Schreer

Co-Founder, ReelBros

_____________________________

Working on Big Productions

So how do you get to work on
big productions? What are the tools,
and skills required to land some
of the biggest projects?
ReelBros will share some of their
expertise and show you some
amazing BTS.

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

PRESENTER

 
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Download

AZDroneFest is going paperless, so download our Expo Map and Schedule before you arrive.
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Expo Map

Plan your visit to the Expo, and find out where your favorite exhibitor booth is.
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Schedule

Find out when the demos are, and don't miss our panel discussions.

2022 SCHEDULE

 
Download PDF Version

VIP TICKETS Track 1

  • Registration

    -

  • Keynote Speaker: Mignonne Hollis

    -

    As the founder of Aerospace Arizona Association, Mignonne will discuss the future of the UAS industry
    and its economic impact for all pilots in Arizona.

  • FPV Drones

    -

    Speakers: Richie Piper, Saunders Staley, and Bowser

    FPV drones are shaping the production landscape. With new FPV platforms available, creating new stunning visuals is becoming more accessible.

  • Working on Big Productions

    -

    Speakers: John Hebrank, Alex Schreer, Jeremiah Davis, Brandon Main

    So you think you're ready to fly your drone for Spieldberg on his next feature? What are the skills and expectations to work on a large set?

  • Public Safety and Commercial Drone Use

    -

    Speaker: Luis Martinez, Brian Ramirez, Isabelle Nyroth, Brian Geranen

    Drones are being used in many different industries in an array of applications.  From first responders to constructions, or inspections drones are impacting our everyday lives.

VIP TICKETS Track 2

  • Registration

    -

  • Drones for a better environment

    -

    Speakers: Justin Eddinger, Chuck Powell

    Today drones are being used in conservation efforts on public lands by assisting in data collection that can inform scientists and land managers to help guide decisions.

  • Regulations & Part 107

    -

    Speaker: Greg Reverdiau, Brandon Lugo

    Stay up to date on the new FAA regulations and learn the basics of flying legally, including the different regulations for commercial pilots and hobbyist.

FREE Outdoor Expo

  • Exhibitors Set up

    -

    Vendor set up time

  • Cinelifter Demo

    -

  • Spright Demo

    -

  • FPV FILM SCREENING & AWARD

    -

  • NARRATIVE FILM SCREENING & AWARD

    -

  • DJI Matrice 300 Demo

    -

  • DJI Matrice 600 Demo

    -

  • Spright Demo

    -

  • DJI Avata Demo

    -

  • LANDSCAPE FILM SCREENING & AWARD

    -

  • NEW PILOT FILM SCREENING & AWARD

    -

  • STILL PHOTOGRAPHY SCREENING & AWARD

    -

  • Cinelifter Demo

    -

  • DJI Matrice 300 Demo

    -

  • DJI Avata Demo

    -

  • DJI Matrice 600 Demo

    -

  • ARIZONA FILM SCREENING & AWARD

    -

  • SHOWREEL FILM SCREENING & AWARD

    -

  • DJI Avata Demo

    -

  • Spright Demo

    -

  • Cinelifter Demo

    -

  • INDUSTRIAL FILM SCREENING & AWARD

    -

  • FIRST RESPONDERS SCREENING & AWARD

    -

  • DJI Matrice 300 Demo

    -

  • DJI Matrice 600 Demo

    -

  • FESTIVAL END

    -

  • Exhibitors Breakdown

    -

 
  • Bill Davis
    Great Job! Thank you for all of your hard work to put this on.
    Bill Davis
  • Julien Hudym
    Super Festival, très bonne communication et événement en live vraiment chouette. Malheureusement, l'horaire été complexe pour moi, mais j'ai vraiment apprécié l'ambiance globale et la communication. A l'année prochaine j'espère !
    Julien Hudym
  • Chris Peloquin
    Great festival, and so much great information shared. The films in the festival were great as well!
    Chris Peloquin
  • Craig Murley
    Wow! What an experience. From the first communication to the event and the final Award ceremony - I found this to be friendly, informative and insightful. A great experience even though I could only attend virtually from Switzerland. Bravo!
    Craig Murley
  • Avian Cyclops
    It was really well organized & professional.  The expo, panel, & films were fantastic!  Loved it.
    Avian Cyclops
  • Devon Foster
    I have found no better place for drone filmmakers to showcase their work.
    Devon Foster
  • Devon Foster
    THANK YOU, AZDroneFest! I just started flying drones and have never won an award for it before. AZ DroneFest has truly helped launch my career as a drone pilot and filmmaker.
    Devon Foster
  • Maria Davis
    Very awesome film festival! I'm looking forward to next year!
    Maria Davis
  • Attila Szamosvári
    Thank you AZDrone Fest for choosing my film and organize this amazing festival! :) See you next year!
    Attila Szamosvári

CATEGORIES

 
All films must be 5 minutes in length or less and at least 50% must be shot using a drone or UAV (unless otherwise specified).
Films submitted to the "Narrative category" have no length restrictions and can have less than 50% of its shots being aerial shots. Narrative films will be selected based on aerial cinematography only and will be asked to provide a 5 min or less trailer to be used during the screening.
All entries must be through www.filmfreeway.com
 
Arizona Scenic Landscape

Arizona

Description: Single film or compilation either featuring Arizona, or from an Arizona filmmaker.

Length: 5 min or less

Entry Fee: $50
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Narrative/Documentary

Description: Single film, fiction or non-fiction

Length: unlimited

Entry Fee: $50

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Landscape

Description: Single film or compilation showcasing nature’s beauty

Length: 5 min or less

Entry Fee: $50

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Showreel

Description: Single film or compilation of clips showcasing your best work.

Length: 5 min or less

Entry Fee: $50

AdvertisingCategory

Advertising

Description: Single advertising spot/news story or compilation of clips from multiple project or stories.

Length: 5 min or less

Entry Fee: $50
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Still Photography

Description: Single still photo taken with a drone

Length: 5 min or less

Entry Fee: $50

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FPV

Description: Single film or compilation of clips using an FPV drone (racing drone)

Length: 5 min or less

Entry Fee: $50

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New Pilot

Description: Honorable Mention to celebrate new up-and-coming drone pilot with no more than 1 year of flying and filming experience.

Length: 5 min or less

Entry Fee: FREE
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Industrial

Description: Single film or compilation of clips used in construction, inspection or other industrial projects

Length: 5 min or less

Entry Fee: $20

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First Responders

Description: Single film or compilation of clips used in any first responders' project (training, inspection...)

Length: 5 min or less

Entry Fee: $10

OUR JUDGES

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Elena Buenrostro

Women Who Drone

Elena is a Content Producer, Certified Drone pilot, International Speaker, Actress and Founder of Women Who Drone. In addition to educating, hosting, producing and creating video content, Elena enjoys singing Karaoke, watching sunsets, and of course flying her drone.
 
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Tom Middleton

Lush Films / BBC

Tom has over 15 years experience working in professional multimedia production. Tom is a talented Cinematographer/Director at SMN Films in the UK, and a drone operator for the BBC. He has lectured in film production for Staffordshire and Worcester Universities.
 
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Maxime Pontoire

Emxpi

Maxime is a professional aerial photographer/cinematographer and drone pilot based in France. He has flown in France, the U.S., and French Polynesia, winning multiple regional awards. When he is not flying he shares his expertise on photo processing, flying techniques, and product reviews on his blog.
 
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Matthew Price

11 Loud Productions

Matthew has over 20 years’ experience as a cinematographer, camera operator, and drone pilot working for a vast array of world-renowned brands. Based in the San Francisco Bay area and owner of 11Loud Productions, he is a veteran storyteller who brings creativity and technical know-how to a set.
 
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JJ Trinidad

Skyecam

JJ Trinidad developed a passion for aerial film making while attaching on-board cameras to a remote controlled aircraft over 15 years ago. Today Skyecam is a top industry-leading Los Angeles Drone Production Company who specialize in aerial cinematography.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

AZDroneFest is governed by our Board of Directors, a group of volunteers dedicated to our mission

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Eric Legnon

Board Member - Treasurer

Eric is the owner of On Scene Productions, a full service production company in Arizona. As an industry leader who has worked in many different capacities, Eric brings a wide range of experience and expertise.
 
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Brandon LeTarte

Board Member

Brandon is an accomplished athlete, and coach. He is currently the women basketball head coach at Sunnyslope High School. Brandon has a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry (managing/recruiting/sales). Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Coaching, Team Building, Training, and Community Outreach.
 
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Theresa Maher

Board Member - Vice President

Theresa is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is currently the Managing Partner of Hire Story, a video production company specialized in recruitment videos. Theresa brings years of experience and dedication to the broadcasting industry.
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Corey Schubert

Board Member - Secretary

Corey Schubert works in media communications and public relations, and is a former public affairs editor and journalist. He's also the co-producer and co-writer of several short films.
 
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Yasmin Tajik

Board Member

Yasmin is a professional photographer and FAA certified drone pilot based in Arizona. She is also a Brand Ambassador for Women Who Drone. Her goal is to inspire and create change by sharing images that document the basic rights we all deserve living on this planet.
 
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Chris Tinard

Board Member - President

Chris Tinard is an award-winning video professional with over 16 years of experience in the field. He has traveled to film clients all over the nation and earned a reputation for excellence in storytelling through film.

AZDroneFest 2021

 

2021 WINNERS

AZDroneFest-BestFPV-2021_WHITE_SMALL

Cinematic FPV | A Visual Journey

Director: Danny Mcgee
Country: USA

AZDroneFest-BestNARRATIVE-2021_WHITE_SMALL

Bosphorus, Churches and Galata Tower Tour

Director: Yasin Fedakar
Country: Turkey

 
AZDroneFest-BestSHOWREEL-2021_WHITE_SMALL

EXPLORATION

Director: Craig Murley
Country: Switzerland

AZDroneFest-BestLANDSCAPE-2021_WHITE_SMALL

Outback Australia

Director: Chris tangey
Country: Australia

 
AZDroneFest-BestofARIZONA-2021_WHITE_SMALL

Arizona

Director: Todd Mowen
Country: USA

AZDroneFest-BestinADVERTISING-2021_WHITE_SMALL

Luminescence ★

Director: Leo Ginailhac
Country: France

 
AZDroneFest-BestCommercial-2021_WHITE_SMALL

Hard Hat

Director: Saunders Staley
Country: USA

AZDroneFest-BestNEWPILOT-2021_WHITE_SMALL

Southtyrol - Cinematic FPV

Director: Alex Kirchler
Country: Italy

AZDroneFest-BestFirstResponders-2021_WHITE_SMALL

22 Weeks

Director: Robert Smith
Country: USA

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AZDroneFest-DirectorsChoice-2021_WHITE_SMALL

Love Letter

Director: Stephanie Marie Morales
Country: USA

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AZDroneFest-BestPHOTOGRAPHY-2021_WHITE_SMALL

Sleeping Siren

Director: Devon Foster
Country: USA

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2020 WINNERS

BestFPV-2020

Flying Over Switzerland

Director: Danny Mcgee
Country: USA

AZDroneFest-BestNARRATIVE-2020_White

(Not only) Now it's epic.

Director: Mauro Pagliai
Country: Italy

 
AZDroneFest-BestSHOWREEL-2020_White

Duality

Director: Craig Murley
Country: Switzerland

AZDroneFest-BestLANDSCAPE-2020_White

Away

Director: Jason Hatfield
Country: USA

 
AZDroneFest-BestofARIZONA-2020_White

Arizona Canyoneering

Director: Chris, Jessica Foncannon
Country: USA

AZDroneFest-DirectorsChoice-2020

Mighty Wings

Director: Chris Peloquin
Country: USA

 
AZDroneFest-BestNEWPILOT-2020_White

Breathe

Director: Charlie Duncan
Country: USA

AZDroneFest-BestinNEWS-2020_White

Deserted

Director: William Pitts
Country: USA

 
AZDroneFest-BestPHOTOGRAPHY-2020__White

The Moon

Director: Saunders Staley
Country: USA

TheMoon

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