Construction Progress from Dirt to a Four-Story Luxury Hotel in 60 Seconds
Once or twice a month over the course of three years, I filmed the same drone orbit of The AVA Hotel construction site to produce this drone hyperlapse video for the builder to use in their marketing. A drone hyperlapse video (also called an aerial hyperlapse) is a time-lapse video where the camera isn't sitting on a stationary tripod—it's moving through space on a drone over long distances or extended periods.
The AVA Hotel, Paso Robles, Curio Collection by HILTON
To create the drone hyperlapse, the video orbits were shot with a DJI Phantom 4 Pro and Litchi software. On the first flight, I programmed the flight course (the orbit) that the drone would then fly autonomously every time I went back to the location. Each video is then painstakingly edited together in Final Cut Pro, creating a drone hyperlapse video.
The Drone Hyperlapse Casualty
Throughout 50+ flights, I only lost one drone. The crash happened in mid-flight; one of the propellers on the Phantom flew off by itself, causing the drone to fall like a rock. Luckily, it only hit the ground, but it did total the aircraft. I was able to recover the video footage and found a replacement drone before my next scheduled shoot. It is one of the misfortunes of the business.
Who Owns Our Airspace?
After flying my drone there repeatedly for about a year, I was approached by a local police officer who informed me that I could not fly over their station. This was hard not to do since the station was across the street from the construction site and I had to fly across it with every orbit of the hotel site. I had already gotten my footage for the day, so I respectfully packed up and left. Back in the studio, I contacted my client's project manager, who was able to get me permission directly from the police chief. With the police chief's (Do Not Hassle) email on the ready, I was prepared for the next police visit, but they left me alone after that.
Being Kind
Knowing that local police do not control airspace, I could have questioned the officer's authority over FAA-regulated airspace, but I didn't see that going anywhere in my favor. After being a licensed, certified commercial Part 107 UAS pilot for nine years, I have been approached many times by upset or angry misinformed people. Most of them calm down when I let them know I'm just doing my job and not doing anything nefarious. Courtesy can go a long way.
Drone Hyperlapse is a Solid Commitment to a Long-Term Process
The wrap-up of this drone hyperlapse project was bittersweet. After three long years, the hotel is complete and is a beautiful asset to downtown Paso Robles, but my job here is done. I've grown to love recording the process of a bare dirt lot becoming a spectacular building. Being a long-term partner to my clients assures them that what I start will be finished, just like they do for their clients. That commitment is valuable to everyone.
Tap to see more about our Done Services:
