Nadus Films Drone Video Production - Filming Impactful Videos in 25 locations across 10+ Countries
In the past 20 years of commercial video production, we’ve seen one filmmaking tool transform the video production industry unlike any other - drones! Over a decade ago, DJI released its first drone- the Phantom. We were one of the first video production companies to buy this drone and utilize it for professional video production. I’d be lying if I told you there isn’t some residual PTSD from our early-day flights. Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMT) was a real thing. We lost a couple of drones simply because they developed a mind of their own. Out of nowhere, our drone would fly in the opposite direction never to be found again. The drone industry has come a long way since then!
Nadus Films has been making films that make a difference for 20 years, building an expansive catalog of commercial videos and award-winning documentaries across multiple countries and capturing captivating video footage. As a leading video production agency based in Louisville, KY, we are readily accessible throughout the US and within a day’s flight or drive to anywhere in the world.
Our documentary and commercial video production continue to innovate alongside technology advancements to bring organizations high-quality productions that develop connections with viewers across all video marketing channels, from social media and website video content to national broadcast spots, corporate videos, and branded documentaries. Drone videography has become a key component in our video production services, and we're seeing a consistent positive ROI and prevalence among video campaigns across multiple industries like real estate, travel and leisure, and automobiles.
Our drone reel is a testament to the 25 locations and 10+ countries we’ve flown our drones in - Liberia, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Nepal, Ethiopia, Iraq, Mexico, Cambodia, across the United States- to name a few. It’s a marvel to look back and see the results of two decades of dedication, innovation, and creative vision.
Of the assortment of drone shots, there are 3 that exemplify how drone services amplify commercial and documentary video productions.
How Drones Improve Commercial Video Productions and Documentary Films
1. Drone Videography Captures Views Previously Inaccessible Due to Safety Obstacles
Iraq – Returning Home (42 Second mark)
When the NGO Shai Fund invited us to Iraq to document the return of a family to Quaragosh, a town devastated by ISIS just 10 miles from Mosul, we accepted the call, understanding the risks involved. Ensuring our security measures were in place, we partnered with Sony, who sponsored our journey, providing us with compact Canon 5D cameras to maintain a low profile without compromising the quality of our film.
Navigating the complex landscape of Iraq, a region often overlooked by filmmakers due to its challenges and security concerns, we worked to tell the stories that are most needed, yet hardest to reach. Our dedication is to illuminate the human aspects of global crises and inspire change.
Our video production team played a crucial role in executing this project, leveraging their expertise to document the family's experience under challenging conditions.
The entry into Iraq was straightforward, but bringing in a drone posed a significant challenge. Opting for a Mavic Pro, the best compact drone available (at the time), allowing us the flexibility to capture aerial views of the desolate town without geo-fencing restrictions (at the time). Although we cannot disclose how, we successfully brought the drone into Iraq, allowing us to capture the visuals required to convey the magnitude of destruction and the resilience required to rebuild.
Our short film, “Returning Home,” captures the poignant return of a family to Quaragosh, revealing a ghost town scarred by conflict—bullet-ridden buildings and desecrated churches tell a narrative of loss and resilience. The film poignantly captures their silent tears as they step through their broken doorway, confronting a home shrouded in dust and the memories of a past life.
As we flew our drone over the city, capturing the extensive damage, we were ever cautious of the risks, avoiding booby-trapped buildings. The drone video not only brought home the scale of destruction but also highlighted the indomitable spirit of those who returned to rebuild. While filming in this vacant town, our security detail vanished for about an hour only to return to tell us that they had apprehended a truck full of ISIS fighters coming into our area. There was no one else there but us.
The courage and hope of the Iraqi people, especially those facing oppression, are at the heart of our film. Nadus Films is proud to share their resilience, contributing to a greater understanding and empathy through our cinematic journey.
2. Drone Videography Gives Viewers New Visual Perspectives
Wyoming’s vast landscapes offer a dramatic backdrop that few places can match. While filming a commercial video production for Evertrue, we encountered the iconic wild stallions of Wyoming—a breathtaking sight we couldn’t pass up. Understanding the target audience is crucial in such projects to ensure the content resonates and builds brand awareness. We immediately deployed our Inspire 2 drone, and as it soared above, we discovered not just one, but several herds thundering across the rolling plains.
These wild stallions, untamed and majestic, contrast sharply with the thoroughbred racehorses we’re accustomed to at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky where multiple Derby winners reside. This spontaneous detour enriched our shoot and captured raw, powerful footage that became a highlight for our client and our reel. In filmmaking, some opportunities are too good to miss! Some shots don’t require any setup, they just require you to show up.
3. Drone Cinematography Captures The Scale of Impact
Bangladesh – Darbie Angell (53 seconds in)
Capturing women leaders empowering others is always a highlight for us. Darbie Angell isn’t just designing products; she’s reshaping lives in Bangladesh by offering better wages, healthcare, and childcare. On a commercial shoot in Bangladesh, we witnessed the impact of her work firsthand. Inviting local women to join us for a drone shoot, we expected a crowd, but the turnout was staggering. Hundreds flooded the streets, participating in our largest drone capture ever with the Inspire 1, creating a vivid mosaic of colors—an artistic spectacle in its own right.
The journey didn’t stop there. We visited an orphanage where Darbie’s initiatives are making a real difference and explored Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest beach. An adventurous drone flight from a moving barge captured stunning vistas, though nearly ended in disaster due to unexpected wind resistance. In a thrilling moment, piloting the drone back in sport mode, we managed a mid-air retrieval—just one of many memorable experiences in a trip that beautifully intertwined human connection and natural beauty, all while celebrating the powerful narrative of women empowering women.
Social media video marketing was crucial in promoting this project, utilizing platforms like YouTube and Facebook to reach and engage with a broader audience.
Using Drone Services in Commercial Video Production
As a full-service video production company, we don't just deliver a drone footage clip, we provide a finalized video campaign that delivers an emotional connection to a brand's target audience, utilizing drone technology as one component in our creative arsenal. Nadus Films is a video production company that boldly traverses land, sea, and air to capture the extraordinary. We embrace every challenge, venturing into the unexplored to create cinematic content that makes a profound difference in the message it shares. We deliver video content that captivates your audience across social media, web, national broadcast spots, and communications channels. This drone reel showcases just a glimpse of the breathtaking footage we’ve collected over recent years, each frame a testament to our commitment to producing both commercial and documentary content.
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As you research commercial video production companies for your video marketing and think about how you want your brand's story shared, please let us know how we can help share your innovation with your target market through innovative, storytelling video production.