Aerial cinematography is no longer the niche domain it once was. With the rapid advancement of drone technology and the rise of First-Person View (FPV) cinematography, filmmakers are now equipped with tools that redefine how stories are told. From immersive action sequences to graceful transitions between locations, the camera has gained wings. At the heart of this transformation is Jake Howard, an LA-based aerial cinematographer whose career is helping to reshape the visual landscape of modern storytelling.
What separates Jake from many of his contemporaries is not just his mastery of flying drones or the images he captures, but the way he approaches every shot as an integral piece of the narrative. His work exemplifies how aerial cinematography, when executed with intent and precision, can elevate a project from visually interesting to truly unforgettable.
The Allure of Flight and Perspective
Jake’s love for flight started early, rooted in both technical curiosity and artistic drive. But it wasn’t until he discovered FPV drones that his passion became a fully formed career. Unlike traditional aerial drones, FPV drones offer a more dynamic and immersive experience. Controlled from the pilot’s viewpoint, they are capable of aggressive maneuvers, rapid direction changes, and tight, flowing paths that traditional drones cannot match.
He saw the opportunity to use FPV drones not just for spectacular visuals, but for storytelling. Rather than viewing the sky as just a vantage point, Jake treats it as a narrative space. He emphasizes the aerial perspective as a storytelling device—one that can bridge transitions, introduce environments, and immerse audiences in ways traditional cinematography often cannot.
This unique approach makes his work stand out. Instead of using aerial shots as isolated visual candy, he works closely with ground-based cinematographers to ensure that his drone footage aligns seamlessly with the rest of the visual story. For Jake, the beauty lies in the transition—the careful passing of the visual baton from the ground to the sky and back again.
High-Stakes Shoots and the SoFi Stadium Breakthrough
While Jake has flown in a wide variety of environments—from natural coastlines to urban jungles—one project stands out as a defining moment in his career. A shoot inside Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium for the LA Rams offered him a chance to push his abilities and technology to the edge.
This wasn't an ordinary commercial gig. Directed by Stadium and produced in collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Wally Pfister, the shoot involved navigating an FPV drone through the cavernous interior of one of the most complex stadiums ever built. The challenge was immense. SoFi’s interior presented tight spaces, variable lighting, and structural obstacles that demanded split-second reflexes and surgical precision.
One of the shoot’s most iconic moments involved flying from the top deck of the stadium all the way down to the field. It was a high-speed dive that no conventional filming setup could achieve. A crane couldn’t do it. A cable cam couldn’t do it. Only an FPV drone could thread the space in a way that was both visually striking and narratively cohesive.
Executing that dive shot meant months of preparation, including numerous test flights, simulation runs, and equipment refinements. It also required intense coordination with production staff to ensure safety and compliance. But the end result was worth it—a breathtaking sequence that showcased not just the grandeur of the stadium, but the potential of FPV cinematography to deliver unmatched cinematic experiences.
Automotive Passion Meets Aerial Innovation
Jake’s interest in aerial filmmaking is rivaled only by his passion for cars. From a young age, he has been captivated by performance vehicles, and today he combines this love with his filmmaking expertise in automotive commercials and campaigns. According to Jake, there is an almost perfect synergy between FPV drones and high-speed vehicles.
This connection has brought him onto sets with some of the most exciting vehicles in the world. One standout experience was working with Lucid, an electric car manufacturer that is emerging as a formidable competitor to Tesla. During the shoot, Jake had the opportunity to film and ride in their 1800-horsepower EV—an experience he describes as both exhilarating and creatively fulfilling.
Shooting cars is uniquely suited to FPV drones. Their speed and responsiveness allow for complex tracking shots that capture motion, momentum, and mechanical beauty in a way that few other tools can. The drones can fly close to the ground, follow curves, dive from above, or spin around a moving vehicle—all in a single take. This gives the final footage a kinetic energy that resonates deeply with car enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.
Jake has also worked in rugged environments like Borrego Springs, where trucks undergo intense durability tests. These shoots offer a raw, unfiltered backdrop that pairs well with the gritty realism of FPV footage. Documenting a vehicle's resilience in such conditions requires both artistic sensibility and technical proficiency—a balance Jake has perfected through years of experience.
Safety, Reliability, and the Importance of Equipment
In an industry where the margin for error is razor-thin, the dependability of equipment becomes non-negotiable. Jake’s approach to aerial cinematography is built on the principle that safety and performance are inseparable. This is especially true when working in high-pressure environments like stadiums or big-budget commercial sets, where there is no room for second takes.
Every project begins with rigorous gear checks and redundancy planning. For Jake, the foundation of a successful shoot lies in trusting that his equipment will perform as expected. Media reliability is particularly critical. A corrupted card or camera failure could mean the loss of a once-in-a-lifetime shot. That’s why he relies exclusively on high-performance media cards like those made by ProGrade. These cards are engineered to handle extreme conditions, high data rates, and physical impact—making them ideal for the high-speed, high-stress world of FPV cinematography.
Beyond the camera systems, drone reliability is equally essential. Custom-built FPV drones undergo meticulous pre-flight checks. Motors, batteries, and signal integrity are examined before every mission. Each aircraft is fine-tuned for the specific shoot environment—whether that means high-speed pursuits, indoor maneuvers, or endurance flights across large landscapes.
But perhaps more important than the gear itself is Jake’s personal commitment to safe flying. He works with safety coordinators, crew members, and talent to establish clear flight zones and emergency protocols. This disciplined approach has earned him the trust of directors, producers, and brands who know that working with Jake means balancing creativity with caution.
Pushing the Limits of Technology and Skill
Staying at the forefront of aerial cinematography requires constant innovation. Drone technology is advancing rapidly, with new stabilization systems, camera mounts, and aircraft designs becoming available every year. Jake is always on the lookout for tools that can enhance both the artistic and technical quality of his work.
One recent area of focus has been stabilized FPV drones. These rigs combine the immersive feel of FPV flight with gimbal-stabilized cameras, allowing for smoother footage without sacrificing dynamic movement. They are particularly valuable in narrative filmmaking, where a more polished look is often required.
Larger FPV drones are also opening new creative possibilities. These aircraft can carry full-sized cinema cameras, providing ultra-high-quality footage while still maintaining the agility of FPV flight. Integrating these into a production requires not just hardware expertise, but deep familiarity with post-production workflows, camera specs, and director expectations.
But technology alone doesn’t drive innovation. Skill is equally important. Jake spends time outside of client work honing his piloting abilities—flying in new environments, testing limits, and developing new movement patterns. He understands that cinematic flight is an art, and mastering it takes dedication, discipline, and constant refinement.
Bridging Worlds and Telling New Stories
Jake Howard’s work sits at the intersection of aviation, cinematography, and narrative. His ability to bridge these worlds is what makes his approach so compelling. Every flight is a carefully choreographed dance. Every shot is a collaboration. Every project is a new opportunity to explore how visual storytelling can evolve when the camera is set free from the ground.
He brings not only technical skill and equipment but also a unique mindset—one that values the story above all else. He listens to directors, understands the emotional tone of scenes, and tailors his aerial movements to fit the mood and pacing. It’s this sensitivity to story and structure that separates Jake from those who merely fly drones.
For audiences, the result is something special. A car commercial becomes an adrenaline-filled journey. A stadium promo becomes a majestic reveal. A product demo becomes an adventure through space and motion. Jake’s flights do more than show the world from above—they immerse us in it, reminding us that the sky is not just a backdrop, but a vital part of the story.
Inside the Flight Plan: Jake Howard’s Cinematic Workflow
While the thrill of flight and the beauty of the images are what audiences see, behind every breathtaking FPV drone shot lies a rigorous process. From concept to execution, Jake Howard’s approach to aerial cinematography is built on careful planning, precise collaboration, and an intuitive understanding of cinematic language. The magic may happen in the air, but the foundation is built on the ground.
This part of Jake’s work is often invisible to the audience, but it's critical to the final product. Every successful shot begins long before a drone takes off. It involves coordination with directors, location scouting, weather considerations, technical configurations, and risk management. Jake treats each shoot like a complex production within a production, applying a disciplined, cinematic approach to drone filming that mirrors traditional filmmaking standards.
Beginning with the Story
Every aerial project begins with the narrative. For Jake, the drone is never used for spectacle alone. He asks essential questions from the beginning: What is the story being told? Where does the aerial perspective fit? How does the camera movement support the tone, pacing, and emotional arc of the scene?
In pre-production meetings, Jake sits down with the director, cinematographer, and creative team to understand their vision. These conversations guide his decisions on flight paths, drone configurations, and shot composition. He studies the script and shot list like any member of the camera department would, making notes on moments where an aerial perspective could enhance the scene or provide a transition that deepens the narrative.
This storytelling-first approach means Jake is often brought in early in the process, rather than being treated as a last-minute add-on. Directors who have worked with him repeatedly cite his ability to translate creative direction into aerial choreography that feels natural and cinematic.
Scouting the Skies: Planning and Location Analysis
Location is everything in aerial cinematography. Jake treats each site as a unique set of challenges and possibilities. Long before the drone launches, he conducts detailed location scouting. Sometimes this is done on foot, sometimes with small drones or even VR simulations to map out potential flight paths and identify obstacles.
He looks at every angle—from topography and light direction to the presence of trees, poles, glass, and unpredictable elements like birds or people. These considerations influence not just safety, but the way a scene is visually composed. The way light hits a surface from above can drastically change how a moment is perceived. Shadows, reflections, and environmental movement are all part of the equation.
Weather is another critical factor. Wind speed, temperature, and even humidity affect drone behavior. Jake works with meteorological data and live forecasts to determine optimal shoot windows. When traveling for work, he often builds in contingency days to accommodate unpredictable weather, ensuring the production timeline can still be met even if flight delays occur.
Technical Configuration and Custom Rigs
No two shoots are alike, and Jake’s arsenal of drones reflects that. He owns and builds a range of FPV drones, each customized for specific shooting scenarios. From nimble micro drones suited for interior spaces to larger rigs capable of carrying cinema-grade cameras, Jake configures every element based on the requirements of the project.
Camera choice is often determined in coordination with the DP. Some projects require GoPro-level flexibility, especially in tight or risky environments. Others call for RED Komodo, Z Cam, or Blackmagic setups when dynamic range and resolution are a top priority. Each camera requires a different frame, gimbal setup, and power system. Mounting the camera, balancing the weight, and fine-tuning the flight behavior becomes a meticulous engineering process.
Jake also experiments with lensing and ND filters to ensure color grading compatibility and image consistency across shots. The goal is always to ensure the aerial footage blends seamlessly with the rest of the film. This is particularly important when mixing FPV footage with traditional gimbal or handheld shots.
Coordinating with Production Teams
On set, Jake functions like a hybrid between a pilot and a camera operator. But his role is deeply integrated with the entire production. He works side-by-side with camera departments, stunts, safety officers, and producers to ensure everyone is aligned. This includes creating flight maps, defining launch and landing zones, and walking through each shot with the crew.
Communication is vital, especially in fast-moving environments where timing and precision are critical. Jake often uses clear cue systems, radio communication, and synchronized rehearsals to execute complex shots. Whether it's timing a pass with an actor’s movement, flying through a moving vehicle convoy, or diving through architecture, his work demands total alignment with the crew.
This collaborative mindset is one reason why Jake is trusted on big-budget sets. His presence doesn’t disrupt workflow—it enhances it. Directors know they can count on him to deliver on both the creative vision and the logistical execution.
One-Take Wonders: Capturing the Shot
When the camera finally flies, the preparation pays off. Many of Jake’s best-known shots are one-take wonders—complex sequences captured in a single, continuous flight. This kind of work requires total mastery of flight control and a deep connection to the rhythm of the scene.
Flying FPV is about instinct as much as it is about muscle memory. The pilot wears goggles that deliver a live video feed from the drone’s perspective, creating an immersive, high-pressure experience. Jake describes it as stepping inside the camera—a total immersion that allows for an almost subconscious connection between intent and motion.
But there’s no safety net. One small error could ruin the take, damage the drone, or endanger the set. That’s why these shots are so impressive—they represent the intersection of creativity, skill, and high-stakes risk-taking. But when they land, they create a level of emotional impact that audiences can feel.
Integrating Aerials in Post-Production
Once the footage is captured, Jake works closely with the post-production team to ensure the aerial shots are integrated smoothly into the edit. This often involves reviewing dailies with the director or editor, adjusting LUTs for color grading, and advising on shot selection.
Since FPV shots often bring high speed and unconventional motion, editing must be handled carefully. Jake advocates for using these shots not as spectacle but as part of a rhythm. A well-placed FPV shot can act like a bridge between story beats, accelerating the narrative or offering a moment of awe before settling back into character-driven scenes.
In some cases, stabilization or visual effects are used to polish the footage. But Jake believes in keeping the essence of the shot intact. He prefers to capture the desired motion in-camera as much as possible, reducing reliance on post-processing and preserving the natural fluidity of the drone’s path.
Teaching the Craft: Mentorship and Community
As FPV cinematography continues to grow, Jake has also taken on a role as a mentor within the community. He runs workshops, shares flight demos, and consults with up-and-coming pilots looking to break into the film industry. He believes in elevating the standard of work across the board—not just for safety, but to expand the creative potential of the medium.
He emphasizes ethics and responsibility as much as technical skill. As drone use becomes more widespread, so too do the risks of misuse. Jake advocates for strict safety standards, responsible flying practices, and ongoing education as the industry evolves. For him, the future of aerial cinematography depends not just on technology, but on the culture surrounding it.
The Seamless Blend of Ground and Air
What ultimately defines Jake Howard’s approach is the seamless integration of aerial shots with ground-based storytelling. He doesn’t view drones as an isolated tool but as an extension of the camera department. His shots don’t exist for the sake of being aerial—they exist because they advance the story.
This ability to blend perspectives—to shift from handheld to gimbal to drone without disrupting the visual continuity—is what makes his work cinematic. It’s not about height. It’s about movement. It's about emotion. And it’s about capturing the exact moment that propels a narrative forward.
Jake’s philosophy is that the camera should always serve the story, no matter how it's mounted. Whether it’s flying through a stadium, chasing a vehicle through the desert, or gliding over a mountaintop, his aerial shots are not just impressive—they are essential.
Breaking Boundaries: High-Profile Collaborations and Signature Projects
Jake Howard’s ascent in the world of aerial cinematography hasn’t been by chance. His relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence and technical innovation has led him to work with major brands, filmmakers, and studios. These collaborations are not only proof of his growing stature in the industry but also showcase how FPV technology is redefining what’s possible in visual storytelling.
Among Jake’s most talked-about projects is his work on a commercial for the LA Rams, directed inside SoFi Stadium—an architectural marvel and a logistical nightmare for drone work. This project wasn’t just another sports promo. It was a creative experiment in scale, motion, and coordination, involving some of the most challenging indoor FPV flying attempted to date.
What made this shoot groundbreaking was not only the scale of the environment but also the trust placed in Jake by a team of seasoned filmmakers. The opportunity to work with Oscar-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister raised the stakes and set a new benchmark for what an FPV pilot could contribute to a commercial production.
The LA Rams Project: A Study in Precision
Flying a drone through SoFi Stadium’s vast interior required absolute control and spatial awareness. Jake and his team became the first to attempt an FPV dive from the upper decks down to the field, covering a distance that would be impossible with cranes, cables, or conventional gear.
The complexity wasn’t limited to the flight path. The drone had to navigate narrow walkways, under lighting rigs, and through dynamic lighting environments that shifted rapidly. GPS was unreliable indoors, and the sheer size of the stadium made visual line-of-sight monitoring difficult. This meant Jake had to rely entirely on his instincts and visual feedback through his goggles, flying with precision in an environment built for football, not filmmaking.
The result was a fluid, exhilarating sequence that gave viewers a completely new perspective on the stadium, and on what branded sports content could look like. It was a defining moment in Jake’s career—proving that FPV wasn’t just a novelty but a serious storytelling tool.
Automotive Cinematography: Where Speed Meets Control
If there’s one genre where FPV aerial cinematography shines, it’s the high-octane world of car commercials. For Jake, whose love of cars predates his drone career, these projects offer a perfect blend of technical challenge and personal passion. Over the years, he has worked with some of the most respected automotive brands, pushing FPV gear to its limits while chasing down muscle cars, electric vehicles, and prototype trucks.
A standout moment came during a shoot with Lucid Motors, where Jake was tasked with capturing a sleek, 1800-horsepower electric supercar in motion. The car’s rapid acceleration and aerodynamic design demanded a drone that could keep pace, while still delivering smooth, cinematic motion. Jake had to custom-build a lightweight, high-thrust drone with just the right balance of speed and control to get the shot.
What made the Lucid project memorable wasn’t just the technology—it was the opportunity to bring out the personality of the vehicle. The aerial sequences weren’t just for flair; they were designed to reflect the spirit of the car itself—clean, powerful, and futuristic.
The Art of Matching Movement
Capturing a moving car with a drone might seem straightforward, but in practice, it’s an intricate dance. The drone must mirror the car’s speed, adjust for terrain, anticipate turns, and maintain dynamic framing—all while avoiding obstacles and wind shear. Jake explains that it’s a mix of choreography and improvisation. You plan for the movement, but you also react in real-time, adjusting based on what the car and environment give you.
This skill set is especially valuable in branded content, where visual storytelling and brand identity are tightly interwoven. FPV shots offer a way to inject emotion and adrenaline into campaigns without relying solely on post-production effects. The aerial perspective, when used correctly, makes the viewer feel part of the action rather than just an observer.
FPV and Branded Content: Changing the Rules
More brands are turning to FPV pilots like Jake because traditional advertising no longer holds the same impact. In a world where content is consumed quickly and often without sound, visual storytelling has to work harder. It has to be engaging from the first second. FPV footage delivers this kind of immediacy.
It breaks conventions. It pulls the audience in with fast-paced, swooping motions that follow the curve of a racetrack or the climb of a skyscraper. Unlike slow pans or static drone shots, FPV makes every frame feel urgent and alive. For this reason, Jake often collaborates with creative agencies and directors at the early stages of a project—helping design sequences where FPV serves the concept rather than just decorating it.
This early involvement leads to better results. The FPV camera becomes part of the storyboarding process, not an afterthought. Whether it’s flying through a car’s open window or following a skateboarder through a tunnel, these shots aren’t just cool—they’re planned.
Working with Industry Veterans
As Jake’s reputation has grown, so has the caliber of his collaborators. From Hollywood cinematographers to legacy brand directors, he’s been able to learn from and contribute to teams that define the standards of the industry. Working alongside veterans who have spent decades in film has only sharpened Jake’s understanding of what makes a shot meaningful, not just technical.
One director he often references encouraged him to think of FPV not as drone flying, but as handheld cinematography in the air. That mindset—camera-first, drone-second—has shaped the way Jake approaches his work. The focus isn’t just on nailing the flight, but on capturing human emotion, tension, and energy in a way that supports the edit and tone of the project.
Reactions from the Film Community
It’s not uncommon for seasoned filmmakers to react with disbelief when they see Jake’s FPV shots in the editing room. Many are stunned by how smoothly the footage integrates with the rest of the project. In fact, Jake has had veteran editors ask him how he achieved a tracking shot they assumed was CGI or gimbal-mounted—only to find out it was one continuous FPV flight.
These reactions validate the effort Jake puts into blending aerial footage with traditional cinematography. It’s not about making the drone the star—it’s about making the footage invisible, in the best way possible. When FPV shots feel like a natural extension of the story, that’s when Jake knows he’s done his job.
Capturing Human Moments from the Sky
While action and vehicles are thrilling subjects, Jake also values the opportunity to capture more intimate, human moments. Whether it’s a slow pass through a group of surfers on the beach or a soaring pullback from a lone figure on a desert road, his aerial work often explores solitude, movement, and emotion from above.
These moments require a softer touch and a different kind of piloting—slower, more fluid, and aware of pacing. In these cases, the drone acts like a floating observer, drifting just close enough to feel present, yet distant enough to retain perspective. These shots often resonate deeply with viewers and provide a moment of calm in otherwise intense narratives.
Future Collaborations and Creative Aspirations
Looking ahead, Jake is setting his sights on larger-scale productions, including scripted features and long-form documentaries where FPV can be integrated more organically into narrative arcs. He’s also exploring collaboration with international crews, opening up new landscapes and challenges for aerial storytelling.
One of his aspirations is to work on a full-length feature where FPV serves as a recurring visual motif—almost like a character of its own. He believes there’s untapped potential in using FPV not just for transitions or action, but for creating a visual language that represents a character’s emotion or point of view.
Jake also wants to expand into educational filmmaking, particularly in environmental and conservation-focused projects. The ability to fly low over fragile ecosystems without disturbing wildlife gives FPV an edge over larger equipment. It allows for immersive storytelling with minimal environmental impact—a combination that aligns with Jake’s growing interest in using his skills for purpose-driven media.
Engineering the Future of FPV Cinematography
At the heart of Jake Howard’s success is a relentless pursuit of innovation. Beyond piloting skill or creative instinct, it’s his deep understanding of the technical side—how drones are built, optimized, and maintained—that has positioned him as one of the leading figures in aerial cinematography. Jake doesn’t just fly drones; he builds them, modifies them, and pushes them to do what conventional equipment cannot.
Every shoot, whether for a car commercial or a cinematic scene inside a stadium, presents a unique set of physical and creative demands. Jake’s approach often starts in his workshop, where he engineers custom FPV drones tailored to each production. These aren’t off-the-shelf machines—they’re purpose-built tools designed for speed, stability, and resilience.
From tweaking motor configurations to testing different camera mounts and gimbal setups, Jake is constantly refining his fleet to match the vision of each project. The result is a level of performance and versatility that allows him to capture shots previously thought impossible—from intricate indoor passes to high-speed chases through tight terrain.
Stabilized FPV: Bridging Smoothness and Speed
One of the most significant advancements in Jake’s recent work has been the integration of stabilized FPV technology. Traditionally, FPV drones are known for raw, dynamic movement—great for action, but often too jittery for cinematic sequences. By adapting gimbal systems to FPV platforms, Jake is developing drones that can deliver the smoothness of a Steadicam with the agility of a racing drone.
This hybrid capability opens up new creative possibilities. Now, he can follow a character through a building, then exit through a window into an exterior flight—all in a single, seamless take. These continuous movements maintain immersion and help directors tell stories with greater fluidity.
It’s a major breakthrough for filmmakers seeking to combine practical effects with the visual freedom that FPV provides. And it’s a space where Jake continues to invest time and resources—testing prototypes, refining balance, and studying the interaction between motion and emotion.
Training Like an Athlete
Behind every flawless FPV shot is hours of training, often compared to the kind of regimen a professional athlete follows. Jake dedicates a portion of each week to flight practice, both in the simulator and outdoors. His focus isn’t just on maneuvering through obstacles—it’s about developing muscle memory, reaction time, and spatial awareness under pressure.
FPV flying demands an almost meditative level of focus. At 80 miles per hour, a split-second miscalculation can destroy equipment or worse. That’s why Jake treats his craft with the same seriousness a pilot or stunt driver might. He prepares for every shot with detailed plans, rehearsals, and simulations to reduce risk and increase creative freedom.
This kind of discipline is essential when working in environments with high stakes—on film sets, with actors nearby, or in limited-access locations like live stadiums or automotive test grounds.
Safety First, Always
For Jake, innovation and performance always take a backseat to safety. In the world of aerial cinematography, equipment failure isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a safety hazard. That’s why he takes extreme care in vetting every component of his gear, from the airframe to the camera system to the memory cards.
He emphasizes reliability at every level, particularly when it comes to data integrity. Losing footage because of a media failure can derail an entire production, especially when working with single-take opportunities or expensive setups. Jake relies on gear that has been tested under stress—equipment that’s rugged, dependable, and built for the demands of professional cinematography.
This includes using high-end memory cards designed for extreme environments and heavy data loads. Whether shooting in high-altitude deserts or inside industrial facilities, his storage solutions must perform flawlessly under all conditions. It’s an overlooked aspect of the job, but one that underscores his professional approach to every detail.
Mentorship and Industry Development
As FPV cinematography gains prominence, Jake has taken on an informal role as a mentor and advocate within the community. He frequently shares insights, best practices, and even technical breakdowns with aspiring drone pilots. His goal is to help raise the bar across the industry—not just for quality, but also for safety, professionalism, and creative intent.
He’s also interested in supporting more formal pathways into the field, advocating for specialized training programs and certifications that reflect the unique demands of FPV work. As productions grow more complex and regulations tighten, he believes the future of aerial cinematography depends on a well-educated and technically competent pilot community.
Jake often collaborates with other professionals on test flights and beta programs, sharing data and helping manufacturers refine their technology. This collaborative spirit helps drive innovation not only in gear, but also in the storytelling techniques that FPV enables.
Expanding Horizons: From Hollywood to the Natural World
While Jake’s roots are in commercial production and narrative filmmaking, his ambitions reach much further. One of his long-term goals is to apply his skills to environmental storytelling—projects that raise awareness about conservation, climate, and the natural world. FPV drones are particularly suited to these missions. They can access remote areas, film without disturbing wildlife, and deliver immersive visuals that engage audiences emotionally.
Imagine flying through a redwood forest from a bird’s-eye view or following a migrating herd across open plains—all without setting foot on fragile ecosystems. These are the kinds of shots that can only be captured through FPV, and they represent an exciting new chapter in aerial cinematography.
Jake is already in conversations with documentary filmmakers and nonprofit organizations, exploring ways to bring his visual language into environmental media. The opportunity to combine his love of nature, storytelling, and technology in a way that supports global awareness is a direction he’s deeply passionate about.
The Future of FPV in Narrative Film
One of the most promising frontiers for Jake lies in long-form narrative projects. While FPV has become a staple in action sequences and commercials, it has yet to be fully integrated into traditional scripted films. Jake sees this as the next big opportunity—using FPV not just for spectacle, but as a tool to tell stories with emotional and narrative depth.
He envisions scenes where the FPV camera acts like a character—moving with intention, expressing mood through motion, and offering the audience a unique perspective that enhances the story. Directors are increasingly open to this idea, especially as stabilized systems and tighter choreography make it easier to integrate FPV into multi-camera setups.
Jake is already experimenting with story-driven FPV concepts, developing short films and spec scenes that demonstrate the narrative potential of this format. These experiments are helping shift perceptions—from FPV as a novelty to FPV as a fully-fledged cinematic language.
Building a Legacy
More than just projects and partnerships, Jake is thinking about legacy. What kind of impact can he make on the industry? How can he influence the next generation of filmmakers and visual storytellers? These questions are shaping how he chooses his collaborations, how he shares knowledge, and how he invests in the future of his craft.
He wants to be known not just as a top-tier FPV pilot, but as someone who elevated the medium—who helped make it safer, more expressive, and more deeply integrated into the art of filmmaking. That means continuing to take risks, innovate with technology, and collaborate with creatives who want to tell bold, original stories.
Final Thoughts
Jake Howard’s journey through the world of FPV aerial cinematography is not just about flying drones—it’s about redefining the visual language of storytelling. From adrenaline-pumping car chases to seamless transitions inside architectural marvels, Jake brings an unmatched blend of technical mastery, creative instinct, and disciplined precision to every frame he captures. His passion for flying is grounded in more than thrill-seeking; it's driven by a relentless desire to elevate narratives through innovative perspectives that only aerial cinematography can provide.
What sets Jake apart isn’t just his ability to pilot custom-engineered drones at high speed or navigate impossible environments—it's his visionary understanding of how aerial shots can emotionally connect with audiences. His work proves that FPV isn't merely a stylistic flourish; it’s a narrative tool that, when used effectively, can create moments that linger long after the footage ends.
With the industry rapidly evolving, Jake remains firmly at the forefront—adopting new tech, mentoring rising talent, and helping shape standards for safety and professionalism. His ongoing exploration of stabilized FPV, larger cinema camera platforms, and dynamic storytelling techniques positions him as both a pioneer and a teacher in this still-young field.
Looking ahead, Jake’s impact will likely extend far beyond commercials and feature films. As he sets his sights on environmental work, educational initiatives, and genre-defying projects, he’s building more than a personal brand—he’s helping to define the future of aerial cinematography. And as the medium continues to grow, the sky is no longer the limit. It's the beginning.