Drones are changing how we experience live events, adding new ways to tell stories and create amazing visual displays.
Taking drones to their creative limits is Sam Nuttall, Chief Remote Pilot at AGB Creative. Sam is thrilled to be working at the cutting edge of drone light show technology.
Sam has over 20 years of experience in event planning, production management and logistics. He’s worked in government, technology, arts and entertainment. His career has taken him to Europe, Australia and the Middle East, working on high-profile projects that mix creativity and technology, and amaze audiences.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam focused on drones, inspired by the potential to create new effects and boost event production. With his background in production and event management, he became the senior pilot at AGB Creative where precision, safety, and creativity are key.
Sam holds a remote pilot licence (RePL) and has trained around the world in drone systems management and swarm technology – which allows for synchronised displays involving hundreds of drones.
He’s also led teams in using drone technology and operating cutting-edge drone systems for events.
A few years ago, Sam led a partnership between AGB Creative and Nova Sky Stories. Together, they used advanced systems software and hardware to create detailed patterns and animations in the sky.
‘The Nova Sky Stories system, which is the only drone technology designed for light shows, sets the industry standard for safety, efficiency and performance. These drones are engineered with advanced flight control, built-in redundancies, and seamless synchronisation, ensuring a smooth and spectacular display every time.’
For Sam, it’s not all about getting caught up in the magic of the bright lights.
‘A big part of my focus is on ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements. This impacts everyone involved in putting a show together and is out of respect for audiences who expect their safety to be front of mind.’
For anyone interested in flying drones for fun or for work, Sam shares his tips for keeping yourself and others safe in the sky.
Before you fly, always familiarise yourself with the drone safety rules and local airspace restrictions, as these will change depending on your location. Download a CASA-verified drone safety app and check your local state or territory rules.
When flying a drone for work, invest in the right training to understand both the technical and operational aspects of flying a drone. You will need to register your drone and check whether you need a remote pilot licence (RePL) or an operator accreditation.
‘Public safety is always the top priority, especially when running large events. Certain rules apply when flying around people or in public areas. You must fly at least 30m away from people, and you can’t fly above them at any time unless you have a CASA approval. Different rules apply when flying for work, including providing aerial photography or light shows for an event’.
Check the requirements on the CASA website and visit the CASA Facebook page for temporary restricted airspace notifications in place due to major events.
Finally, be aware of the environment around you, including obstacles and other factors that could impact your flight. The weather conditions are especially important, as they’ll determine the time of day and conditions you can fly in based on the licence you hold.
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