TALKING DRONES WITH VISION2VIDEO AT THE MEDIA HUB

From flying over red carpets to being used by troops in the Middle East, drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have been the cause of controversy and headlines recently. And at the next Media Hub gathering, filmmaker and photographer Paulo Coll talks about how he uses drones or UAVs to capture stunning aerial images.

The networking group, set up by Parfitt Media and MumsaboutCookham.com to bring media types together, will be held at 8pm on Wednesday 11th February at the Bel & the Dragon in Cookham. Cookham-based journalist Sarah Parfitt and I, who host the hub, will introduce Paulo Coll from vision2video.

Paulo says: ‘vision2video is a video production company that holds UK Civil Aviation Authority Permission For Aerial Work (CAA PFAW) to use UAVs with which we capture stunning aerial video footage and photographs from angles and places that are otherwise unobtainable even with manned aircrafts.

‘There is a lot of fear surrounding “drones” (not a term that is much liked in the industry but one that is persistently used by the press) and though many of the concerns are valid and need to be considered, the situation is not as threatening as the media suggests.’

Paulo will reveal what goes on behind the scenes of a qualified video or photography aerial shoot and will answer any questions regarding legal requirements, safety and applications and benefits of using RPAs.

Journalist, media trainer and consultant Sarah Parfitt says: ‘Paulo is a long-standing member of the Media Hub, and we’re lucky to have his expertise in our networking-group. I am really looking forward to his presentation about how he uses UAVs to get some amazing images for corporate clients.

'I recently read a business article about how drones will soon be as ubiquitous as pigeons. That might be a slight exaggeration but they are certainly getting lots of coverage in the press – from taking selfies, to shooting films in Hollywood to monitoring livestock. It’s a fascinating area.'

Having seen some of Paulo’s images of the flood in Cookham last year, we know our members will find it really fascinating. Plus we are looking forward to the social catch-up afterwards.

The next Media Hub will be at 8pm on 30th April at the Bel & the Dragon, where music producer Stuart Epps will give members an insight into his career and the role Cookham has played in music history. Stuart will reveal what it was like to work with Led Zeppelin, Bill Wyman, Chris Rea, Elton John, Oasis and Robbie Williams before the members enjoy drinks and canapes.

To register for the Media Hub, you need to join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/MediaHub/. Booking via Eventbrite is also essential.