AZDroneFest is a film festival and Education 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.
2020 OFFICIAL GUIDE
2020 FILM SCREENING & AWARD CEREMONY
2020 WINNERS
Arizona Canyoneering
Director: Chris, Jessica Foncannon
Country: USA
(Not only) Now it's epic.
Director: Mauro Pagliai
Country: Italy
Away
Director: Jason Hatfield
Country: USA
Duality
Director: Craig Murley
Country: Switzerland
THE EVENT
SAVE THE DATE
AZDroneFest and Education Expo
October 22-24, 2020
(virtual)
2 events in one:
- An International Drone Film Festival with films from 13 different countries competing in 8 different categories
- An Education Expo with expert speakers, workshops and panels designed to provide you with top educational content
Conferences don’t have to be boring! Join us for the 2020 AZDroneFest & Education Expo on October 22-24, 2020. This all-virtual event is the place for anyone who is passionate about drones and cutting-edge technology. Commercial pilots, drone enthusiasts and aerial cinematographers, register today to learn about and celebrate drones. Three days packed with education and networking will wrap up with screenings of the best drone films of 2020.
Planned activities include:
- Licensure course
- Overview of federal rules and regulations
- Technology demonstrations
- Networking sessions
- Workshop on creating high quality shots
- Discussion on the future of drone flights
- Camera training
- Film screenings
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
Description: Single film or compilation either featuring Arizona, or from an Arizona filmmaker.
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
Narrative/Documentary
Description: Single film, fiction or non-fiction
Length: unlimited
Entry Fee: $50
Length: unlimited
Entry Fee: $50
Landscape
Description: Single film or compilation showcasing nature’s beauty
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
Showreel
Description: Single film or compilation of clips.
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
News
Description: Single broadcast News story or compilation of clips from multiple stories
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
Still Photography
Description: Single still photo taken with a drone
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
FPV
Description: Single film or compilation of clips using an FPV drone (racing drone)
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $50
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
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: FREE
OUR JUDGES
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.
Duane Oldham
Buzz Video / 602 Films
Duane is a talented DP with over 15 years of experience working on a wide range of projects from Network news to reality TV shows, and national TV ad campaigns. He is currently co-owner of 602 Films and recognized as one of the top DPs in Arizona.
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.
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.
Yasmin Tajik
Yasmin Tajik Photography
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.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AZDroneFest is governed by our Board of Directors, a group of volunteers dedicated to our mission
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.