Member Article

Drone pilot Dani takes Fluid Ideas to new heights

Graphic designer Dani Berzins is helping creative agency Fluid Ideas to reach new heights after becoming a fully-qualified drone pilot.

High-flyer Dani, 31, undertook months of training to gain a Permission for Commercial Operations from the Civil Aviation Authority.

To qualify, she had to learn a 165-page manual, pass a series of online, theory and practical tests, undertake an intensive training course, bank a required number of flight hours and write a bespoke operations manual for Fluid Ideas outlining its drone procedures, risk mitigation and flight planning.

Fluid Ideas, which is based at Darley Abbey Mills near Derby, is seeing increasing demand for drone footage from clients and Dani’s qualification has enabled the agency to bring the service in-house.

Dani, who is part of Fluid Ideas’ leadership team, said: “Drones have replaced camera-manned helicopters as a more efficient way to achieve spectacular and innovative cinematic footage.

“They are agile and compact, and make smooth, high-quality and attention-grabbing videos more attainable.

“Clients are increasingly requesting this service, but to operate a drone commercially requires a PfCO from the Civil Aviation Authority, so I decided to study for the qualification.

“There is much more to it than might be assumed, as it’s important to use the drone in the correct way.

“Each shoot needs careful planning. Understanding the drone’s capabilities and conducting each flight in a responsible manner gets the best footage and results for our clients and their projects.”

Joint managing director Phil Harvey said: “It’s taken Dani a lot of hard work and dedication to get there, and we are extremely proud of her achievement in becoming our first fully-qualified commercial drone pilot.

“Drone footage is a valuable addition to our growing range of services and a speciality we are proud to now offer in-house.

“The drone is especially useful for videos where a view from height is a great advantage, such as for spanning retirement villages and property developments and for sweeping lifestyle shots.”

Fluid Ideas is a full-service agency whose operations span branding and campaigns, graphic and website design, computer-generated imagery, 3D animation and video, photography, copywriting, digital marketing, content management and social media.

Its client base includes companies involved in sectors including healthcare, retirement living, property, professional services, education, leisure and hospitality.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Fluid Ideas .