Freelance Licensed Drone Operator – Aerials

Job Position(s): Freelance Licensed Drone Operator - Aerials

FilmFolk Ltd is hiring a Freelance Licensed Drone Operator for aerial production work based in London. This role sits within the camera department, delivering 4K aerial footage for corporate and private client productions across the UK. It suits an experienced drone operator who is comfortable working across a varied production slate and managing airspace logistics independently.

About the Role

Working as part of FilmFolk Ltd’s freelance camera crew, the Freelance Licensed Drone Operator covers aerial acquisition across corporate video production and private client briefs, primarily in London and the Midlands. A typical assignment involves pre-flight planning, liaising with the production team on shot requirements, executing aerial coverage on location, and handing off organised footage for post-production workflow. Schedules span both weekdays and weekends depending on the production calendar.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute aerial photography and videography assignments, capturing broadcast-quality 4K footage to brief across varied production types.
• Conduct pre-flight site surveys and airspace assessments in line with CAA regulations before each shoot.
• Coordinate with directors and camera department leads on framing, altitude, and movement to meet the creative requirements of each production.
• Maintain and carry out pre-flight checks on drone equipment to ensure safe and compliant operation throughout aerial production shoots.
• Manage and submit NOTAM applications and any required airspace authorisations ahead of filming dates.
• Deliver organised, labelled footage files to the post-production team, ready for edit and colour pipeline ingestion.

What You Bring

• A valid CAA Flyer ID is required; an A2 Certificate of Competency or General VLOS Certificate is strongly desirable.
• Proven experience operating camera drones on professional productions, with a solid reel of 4K aerial footage across corporate video or commercial production.
• Strong working knowledge of airspace classification, geo-fencing tools, and operational risk assessment for urban and semi-urban environments.
• Ability to work to a camera department brief and adapt aerial coverage in response to changing location conditions on the day.
• Own professional-grade drone equipment suitable for commercial aerial cinematography work.

Why This Role

FilmFolk Ltd operates as a London-based studio with an established roster of corporate and private clients, offering freelancers consistent repeat work rather than isolated one-off bookings. The team is known within the industry for a straightforward, supportive working environment where operators are trusted to run their department without micromanagement. For a Freelance Licensed Drone Operator looking to build a steady pipeline of aerial production credits across London and the Midlands, this is a practical fit.

Apply now for the Freelance Licensed Drone Operator position with FilmFolk Ltd and get your availability in front of a studio that works regularly with freelance aerial crew.