LOCAL 600
DRONE OPERATORS
IATSE Local 600 · International Cinematographers Guild drone crews for studio features, network television and major streaming productions.
IATSE LOCAL 600 UNION DRONE CREWS
FOR FILM, TV & STREAMING
We Fly Aerial Media provides IATSE Local 600 union drone operators, aerial camera operators and drone technicians for studio features, network television and major streaming productions. Following two consecutive arbitration decisions in favor of Local 600 (the International Cinematographers Guild), major studios and networks — including Warner Bros., Netflix, Disney and all AMPTP signatory companies — are now required to cover drone camera crews under applicable Local 600 contracts on feature film and television productions.
On a union production, drone pilots and camera operators must be classified and paid as Camera Operators, and drone technicians as Assistant Camerapersons, with full pension and health contributions. Hiring a non-union drone vendor on a union show opens your production to grievances, arbitration and potential work stoppages. Our teams have worked globally for 10+ years on some of Hollywood's most iconic productions and are available in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Miami, Atlanta and Austin — union and non-union crews available.
PLATFORMS & CAMERAS
OUR DRONE PACKAGES
DJI INSPIRE 3 + X9-AIR
- 8K Full Frame · 120FPS · 14+ Stops
- CinemaDNG, ProRes RAW + 422HQ
- Swappable DL lenses 18–75mm
- 4K live wireless video for broadcast
- ~28 min flight time · 58 mph max
DJI MAVIC 4 PRO
- 28, 70, 168mm triple lens system
- 6K 60FPS HDR Video
- 100MP DNG RAW photos
- 51 minute flight time
- 1080P 60p HDR live wireless video
FREEFLY ALTA X HEAVY LIFT
- Sony Venice + Venice 2
- ARRI Alexa Mini, Mini LF, Alexa 35
- RED Komodo + V-Raptor
- Freefly MōVI Pro or DJI Ronin 2
- 9–30 min flight time
LOCAL 600 DRONE FAQ
COMMON QUESTIONS FROM
UPMs & LINE PRODUCERS
Common questions from production coordinators, UPMs and line producers booking union drone crews.
Yes, on feature films and scripted/unscripted television productions operating under AMPTP agreements. Following two arbitration decisions in IATSE Local 600's favor, studios and networks are now required to cover drone camera crews under applicable Local 600 contracts — including paying union scale and contributing to pension and health funds. Commercial production is currently excluded from this requirement.
Yes. We provide IATSE Local 600 union drone operators for studio features, network television and streaming productions under AMPTP agreements. For non-union commercials, branded content, music videos, corporate work and independent productions, we provide non-union operators on our payroll. Our producers will help you determine which crew type is appropriate for your production and your deal.
Contact us with your shoot dates, location and a brief description of the shots you need. Our aerial producers will provide a quote that includes union rates, all required FAA coordination, insurance certificates meeting studio requirements and permit coordination. We are familiar with major studio and network vendor requirements and have all necessary documentation on file.
Yes. We hold active FAA waivers for nighttime UAS operations and flights over people — both required more often than not on studio and network productions. We also have extensive experience obtaining COAs (Certificates of Waiver or Authorization) for Class B, C and D airspace, stadium operations and location-specific special use airspace. Our FAA authorization process is included in all quotes and typically adds no additional time to your pre-production schedule.
EMAIL US
TEAM@WEFLYAERIALMEDIA.COMGET IN TOUCH
BOOK YOUR DRONE CREW
Tell us about your production — desired platform, location and shoot dates — and we'll get back to you same day.