In short
- Treat drone footage as an option that depends on permission, place and weather.
- Ask early, because the approval process has its own lead time.
- Agree ground-based shots as a backup before the day.
- Crowds, restricted areas and Sabah or Sarawak need extra checks.
Drone footage can add an opening shot or a view of a large venue, but it is never certain. Treat it as an option that depends on permission, place and weather, and plan the event so it still works without it.
Do you need drone footage at all?
Ask what an aerial shot would add that a ground shot cannot. A wide view of a large outdoor event or a resort can help. At an indoor ceremony it usually does not. Our guide on whether your event needs drone footage helps you weigh it.
What drone footage depends on
| Dependency | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Approval | Has the flight been approved for this place and date? |
| Venue and landowner | Does the owner agree to a flight over or near the site? |
| People nearby | Will crowds or restricted areas be under or near the flight? |
| Weather and light | What is the backup if wind or rain stops the flight? |
| State | Does the event fall in Sabah or Sarawak, where extra authorisation applies? |
CAAM (the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia) says standard drone applications should be made at least 14 working days before the activity, and that Sabah and Sarawak need additional authorisation. Always check the current timeline. Our guide on lead time for a drone application explains how to plan around it. For events in those states, see the guides for Sabah and Sarawak.
Plan a backup before the day
A flight can be stopped even after it is booked. Agree a ground alternative, such as a high camera position, and how the quote treats the change. Our guide on what happens when a booked drone flight cannot proceed lists the points to settle.
What to confirm when drone footage is part of your video
Say what the aerial shots are for, which film they go into, and who holds the approvals. The guide on drone footage in an event video package lists what to confirm. The drone planning checklist turns it into questions you can answer before you enquire.
This is where we help: send us the venue and date, and we will say whether aerial shots look realistic and plan the ground alternative alongside. The service is described under event drone footage.
Send us the venue and date and we will tell you whether aerial shots look realistic. Drone footage is available on request, and we confirm what is possible for each event.
Ask about your eventSources
- CAAM, Unmanned Aircraft System, checked 2026-10-11
Checked on the date shown. Rules and venue requirements change, so confirm them for your own event.