about us

Rise Aerials is based in Colorado and specializes in aerial cinematography services. We fly drones for all sorts of films/commercial productions, documentaries, narrative work, and live broadcasts. Drones are our passion and all we do. We fly the Inspire 3, Mavic 3 Pro Cine, and a large assortment of FPV drones.

Owner and head pilot, Troy Fairbanks, has always dreamed about operating a business solely focused on providing aerial cinematography services. Rise Aerials is a culmination of his lifelong passions of RC helicopters/planes and cinematography/filmmaking. His passions merged over a decade ago when the first DJI Phantom 1 drone came out. For the past 11 years he has been dedicated to the craft and profession of flying drones to capture unique, beautiful, and captivating specialty camera movements from the air.

“We provide top-tier aerial cinematography with A FOCUS ON safety, professionalism, passion, and A great attitude.”

License & Insurance

We are Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 certified drone operators, recurrent certified, and carry $1,000,000 in drone liability insurance. We have an aviation liability policy that covers both liability from the drones as well as physical damage to the aircraft, gimbal, and camera.

Safety

Safety is our number one priority. Flying drones for purposes of aerial cinematography requires specialized skill and expertise. Our head pilot, Troy, has 11 years of drone operating experience. We implement all necessary protocols, aircraft maintenance, and other precautionary measures to make our drone flights as safe as possible.

expertise

The Rise Aerials team operates as a unit to capture stunning aerial imagery. With thousands of flights and collaborating on over a hundred projects, we have the expertise to deliver high-end cinematography from the air.

Equipment

We utilize top-of-the-line professional drones, such as the DJI Inspire 3, DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine, and custom built FPV drones. We have a production cart, director’s monitors, hands-free wireless communication, and many other accessories and equipment for an effective on-set workflow.

FAA REgulations

In adherence to FAA regulations, we utilize extensive resources and experience to research airspaces, secure necessary clearances, and ensure safe and legal flight operations.

our services

Commercial Productions

This is our bread and butter and a majority of our jobs. View our client list to see who we have worked with!

Narrative Films

We haven't done much of this yet, but are very eager to. Let us know if you have a narrative film project that could benefit from our services.

Documentaries

One of our favorite types of work to do. Please reach out if you need aerial cinematography for a documentary project.

Live Stream & Broadcast

We offer aerial cinematography for live broadcast with our Inspire 3 and Mavic 3 Pro Cine drones. The Inspire 3 can do up to 4K output for broadcast. It also has timecode for multi-camera projects!

Drones we fly

DJI INSPIRE 3

This is the drone that we primarily operate. It has the capability for dual operation (Pilot and Camera Operator) and allows for an AC to pull focus. We use DJI 18mm, 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses, as well as Laowa anamorphic lenses. It supports up to 8K at 75fps or 4K at 120fps ProRes Raw on a full-frame sensor, with exceptional low-light capabilities. The workflow is highly professional.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

This drone is ideal for straightforward shoots. It’s more compact and offers longer flight times compared to the DJI Inspire 3. Equipped with three internal cameras (24mm, 70mm, and 166mm), it supports a quicker workflow but has fewer features than the Inspire 3.

FPV Drones

These fully custom FPV drones are designed for high agility and maneuverability. They offer a "bird-like" flying style and can be flown indoors. Equipped with a GoPro 12, the footage can be stabilized using ReelSteady.

rise aerials team

Troy Fairbanks

Owner/Head Pilot

Drew Bennett

Cam Op/Drone Tech

Louis Fehlig

First AC/Drone Tech

“Troy was truly a joy to work with! The care, skill, and professionalism he brought to our production were invaluable. He's also perhaps the best drone pilot/operator I've ever collaborated with.”

Amar Chebib

Director of Birkenstocks commercial “Runners Know”

"Troy and his team were an absolute joy to work with. He was very knowledgeable of the technical requirements needed for the shoot and helpful during the creative process. Even more impressive was that he created a demo to see how the idea could come to life. "

Dave Blauvelt

Creative Director/Principal of Urban Canvas

“Whenever I need a drone operator for my productions I go to Troy first. His attention to detail, preparedness and skill is the best in the business. He is easy to work with and takes my direction and vision to the next level. I know I can rely on Rise Aerials to get the shot.”

Ross Stoner

Owner of Coastless Media

“Troy was an absolute pleasure to work with on our ATV film, Butter 2: Four Wheel Flavored. His experience was evident in the stunning shots he captured with some of the best shots in the movie. He was easy to work with, communicated clearly, and seamlessly fit in with our team. Highly recommend working with Troy if you’re looking to film with drones!"

Derek Guetter

Director of Butter 2 - Motobutter.com