Today we’d like to introduce you to Kanin Howell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started in the film industry. My father is a legendary Stuntman and multiple Emmy award winning Stunt Coordinator so I followed in his footsteps at an early age. Since the age of 5, I have worked on hundreds of film, TV and commercial productions and made a name for myself in the highly competitive world of stunts. In 2007, I was honored to became a member of Stunts Unlimited, an elite group of professional Stuntmen founded in 1970 by the Legendary Stuntman Hal Needham. At 25, I started Stunt Coordinating commercials and that’s where this story takes us to drones. While Stunt Coordinating Season 4 of Arrested Development I was saddened to hear the news of a helicopter crash on another production that killed the pilot and camera crew and I thought to myself, there has to be a better way. That’s when the lightbulb went on and I decided that drones were the answer. Why put people at risk on manned helicopters when you could capture aerials with a drone? The answer? I knew from years of on-set experience that Directors and cinematographers want to use the same camera in the air as they’re using on the ground, not a GoPro or 5D. In order for Drone 55 to stand out from the pack we had to fly the big cinema cameras like the RED. At that time, there really wasn’t anyone flying the RED since the heavy-lift drones were really expensive and the drone cinematography industry was still in its infancy. Everyone was flying servo based gimbals and the stabilization wasn’t cinema quality, let alone capable of carrying a heavy camera like the RED. Then Freefly announced the MōVI M10 brushless 3-axis gimbal and that was the game changer. The MōVI was the missing piece and the timing was perfect. My business partner, Josh Gallo, and myself had just formed Drone 55 and we were in the market for our first drone and gimbal.
Has it been a smooth road?
My initial plan wasn’t to be a pilot, but plans change. When we formed the company in 2013 there was no part 107 FAA commercial drone laws, let alone any kind of drone pilots license. Finding trained, and talented pilots wasn’t easy. I had to take the bull by the horns and start flying myself. Because there were no clear commercial drone laws most people were afraid to get into the drone industry but the upside was hard to ignore. We hired an attorney, analyzed our risks and got in on the ground floor. Of course, there were challenges, but nothing worthwhile is easy, otherwise everyone would do it. From time to time when I’m overthinking our place in the industry my wife likes to remind me of how far we’ve come in a short time. She still remembers the day our MōVI arrived. Josh and I took it out of the box and like on two frightened deer we just stared at this $15,000 piece of equipment we didn’t even know how to turn on. We actually ended up plugging a cable into the wrong port and frying it on the first day! It was so frustrating but we didn’t get discouraged. Back then, and for the most part it’s still the same way today, online forums were the only source of information on drones. The drone industry was developed by a community of hobbyist, and tinkering in the garage was the main source of innovation. Believe it or not, the manufacturer of the MōVI directed us to the forums when we called for technical support!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Drone 55 is a nationwide aerial service provider based in Los Angeles, CA with offices in Seattle, WA, specializing in drone cinematography and photography. Established in 2013, Drone 55 has become one of the most respected names in the drone industry. Our clients include the biggest names in their respected industries, many of them repeat customers and referrals. Drone 55’s aerial services include, 360 panoramic and gigapan view study photography; photo backplates for 3D architectural illustration and visualization; aerial photography for real estate marketing, aerial cinematography for film, television and commercials; video backplates for 3D architectural illustration and visualization; and video marketing for real estate.
Why us? We get your shot safely. Safety is always our first priority. Our drones are operated by professional photographers & camera operators with FAA Remote Pilot Certificates (14 CFR Part 107) with years of experience. All of our unmanned aerial systems include GPS flight systems with live video feedback, and fail-safe safety features. In addition to safety, Drone 55 strives to provide quality services and works diligently to pursue this, including working hand-in-hand with our clients in achieving this common goal. We offer cost efficient drone packages that enable our clients to obtain aerial footage where it once would have been too expensive or impractical with manned aircraft.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love LA. It has everything, including beautiful locations and a plethora of clients in various industries looking for aerial services. It’s also very competitive, but competition is good, it makes you better.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3500 W. Olive Ave., Suite 300
Burbank, CA 91505 - Website: www.drone55.com
- Phone: 213 807 3935
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/drone55inc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drone55
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drone55inc
- Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/drone-55-studio-city
Drone 55 Aerial Cinematography & Photography
Image Credit:
Drone 55, Inc.
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