Pricing, honestly
What does a drone show cost?
There is no fixed price for a drone show. The cost is set by four things: the number of drones, the show length, the location with its permits, and how complex the animation is. Most shows fall between 100 and 1,000+ drones. Tell us the event and we tell you what it takes within a business day.
Four things set the number
01
Number of drones
The drone count is the biggest lever. Every drone is a flying pixel: more pixels means sharper shapes, readable logos and typography, and a show that fills the sky rather than a corner of it. Most shows fall between 100 and 1,000+ drones.
We prefer a minimum of 100, because below that shapes stop reading from a distance. We flew 600 over the IJ in Amsterdam for Spotify, 1,000 over Central Park and 1,400 in Cannes for Kargo. Each step up brings more crew, more batteries, more take-off area and more animation time.
02
Show length
A show runs from about three minutes up to twelve. Battery capacity sets the ceiling, and weather, distance and altitude eat into it. Length costs less than drone count, but it is not free: every extra minute is more animation, more sound design and more rehearsal.
Our advice is usually shorter and denser. A five-minute show that has a beginning, a turn and an ending lands harder than ten minutes of shapes.
03
Location and permits
Where you fly decides how much paperwork, insurance and site work sits behind the show. Open airspace over a lake, a park or a golf course is straightforward. A city centre, an airport corridor or a beach with two million people is not, and that is where our experience pays off.
Permits, airspace exemptions, travel, freight and the days our crew is on site are all part of the number. A show in Las Vegas costs something different from the same show in Amsterdam.
04
Animation complexity
A logo reveal and a narrative with characters, transitions and a soundtrack are not the same job. Every show we fly has a story arc, and the more the story moves, the more design and simulation time it takes to make a thousand drones do it safely.
This is also where impact comes from. If your idea needs a different kind of show, we are open about it: our partners at Sky Elements fly every kind of show at every scale and are the best in the world at it.
Show scale planner
How big should your show be?
Pick the audience, the place, the length and the ambition. We give you a drone range and a show length that would make impact, with the reasoning. It is a starting point, not a quote.
Rule of thumb. Under 1,000 people: 100 to 200 drones. Up to 10,000: 200 to 400. Up to 50,000: 400 to 700. Beyond that: 700 to 1,000+. Indoor shows stay small; the ceiling sets the limit. City centres add permits and time, not necessarily drones. A single moment works at 3 to 5 minutes; a story needs 6 to 10.
Questions we get
Frequently asked
Seventeen questions we answer every week. Yours is not here? Ask us.
Can drones fly over people?
No, not without proper safety measures.
Can you also fly in daylight?
Our drones are equipped with super-bright LED technology. Operations in daylight are theoretically possible but not recommended by us. Depending on the intensity of the sunlight, the visibility of the performance can be low. Flying during sunset proves to be the most beautiful option, as the surroundings will still be visible.
Do your drones cause air or noise pollution?
We live in ever changing times. Now, more than ever, it is important to focus on world improving solutions. Our drones are environmentally friendly. This ensures drone performances are a perfect substitute for older, vibrant display shows such as fireworks. We use renewable energy to run our system. The drones are low-noise once they reach their operational level in the air and don’t cause known air pollution and environmental damages.
How can I create my drone light show?
We live to turn your ideas into reality! In the process of creating a drone light show, you and our creative department will work closely together. There will be plenty of feedback rounds to create the desired outcome for both parties. Check out our drone shows or drone show proposal for more info.
How do you make a drone show?
Each drone show is unique. To create a custom performance that meets your needs, we take the following approach: 1. You, the clients, tell us what’s on their mind 2. Together we brainstorm and design the initial storyboard for the drone show 3. We keep in close contact with you to put together the perfect drone light show 4. By means of a video render, we show how the performance comes to life and tells your story 5. Final feedback can be given and incorporated in the show 6. We create the final render, exactly showing what you’ll see in the nightly heavens 7. We’ll bring your story to life, making the sky our canvas in a custom, grande finale. Find out more about how we set up a drone show proposal .
How does a drone light show work?
Drone light shows consist of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) equipped with LEDs that are flown in formation to create still or moving images. Our UAV fleet is controlled via a software application on a handheld computer. Check out our drone shows for more info.
How many drone light shows can take place during a working day?
Our flight crew is characterized by its flexibility. We adhere to our clients’ schedules. However, the frequency of flights may be affected by airspace regulations, weather conditions, the duration of the light show, and the drone system’s charging process.
How many drones can I request when booking a drone light show?
We offer a wide range of ‘sizes’ for our light shows, but we prefer a minimum of 100 drones. The reason for this is that it is difficult to make shapes with fewer drones. There is no exact maximum number of drones we can fly with but it runs in the thousands. Please contact us for further information on the appropriate number of drones.
How much time does it take to organize a show?
It usually takes about a month to prepare a drone show . It is possible to expedite the creation, but it depends on the circumstances. Check out our timeline for more information and feel free to contact us for options.
What can I expect in terms of process?
Each drone show has its own process. Check out our drone story proposal for an indication of each process, or contact us by phone or email.
Is it possible to link live performances and other entertainment to the show?
Yes, the drone show is fantastic when combined with fireworks, water screens, live music or sound design. We can arrange these types of performances to make your story come alive.
What does a drone show cost?
Drone show costs vary depending on what kind of show you want. Variables that come into play are the number of drones, the location, the design you want, and so on. Contact us, and we will create a custom-tailored drone show proposal for you.
What drones are used for light shows?
We are not limited to the use of a certain drone. For each project, Drone Stories analyses which drone is the best flying pixel, enabling us to tell your story. We use drones that are specifically designed for drone light shows. They are fully approved by aviation authorities around the world and have many safety features to guarantee safe operation.
What influence do weather conditions like rain and wind have on the show?
It depends on the conditions. The drones can handle a few drops of rain. However, we try to avoid flying in the rain because it can damage the drones and make the show less spectacular. Flying when it’s windy is also possible, but the maximum wind speed is 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour). We always put safety first. The pilot on site will determine if it is safe to fly or not.
What is a drone light show?
For us, a drone light show is when we use drones (and other creative additions such as musicians, artists, projection and our surroundings) to tell spectaculair, mind-blowing stories. Drone shows , however, are normally defined when multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are flown in a coordinated fashion with light fixtures attached. They are usually equipped with LEDs with the show commencing during night in the starry skies. Alternatively they can be equipped with smokepods, lasers, light beams or other payloads. Using the sky as our canvas.
What is the average duration of a drone light show?
The show can last up to twelve minutes, depending on weather conditions, distance and altitude. We use efficient Lithium-Ion batteries to power the flight and lighting facilities of each drone.
Which locations are suitable for drone light shows?
A drone light show requires clear airspace. We cannot fly very near airways or airports. However, with the proper exemptions, there are many possibilities. Any other location may be suitable after further inspection by our technical crew. Locations such as large parks, over water, on a golf course or a large private property are in favor of Drone Stories.
Let’s collaborate
Want a real number for a real show?
Give us the event, the city, the month and the audience. Within a business day you get a proposal with a drone count, a show length and what we would do with it. No obligation.