About us

About Drone Chief(s)

Welcome to the about page of Drone Chiefs. Or rather: welcome to the story behind Drone Chiefs. Drone Chiefs is a sole proprietorship from Utrecht, founded and run by me: Roy de Ruiter. What started with filming aftermovies, music videos, corporate videos, testimonials and travel videos grew, after more than 12 years of experience, into a specialisation in aerial filming and FPV video. When the first DJI Phantom came out, I was sold straight away. What began as a hobby quickly became a huge passion for aerial cinematography and creative filming from unique perspectives. That passion led me to dive deep into professional drone work, FPV flying and complex aerial shoots. In the end I obtained the highest drone licence available at the time: the Dutch ROC permit. Today this falls under European legislation as an Operational Authorisation in the Specific category. With this Specific authorisation we can carry out special drone flights at locations where many other operators aren't allowed to fly. Think of no-fly zones, urban areas or complex productions for companies, events and television. That's also why we regularly work with other filmmakers, videographers and drone pilots who can operate under our authorisation through Drone Chiefs. This has grown into a strong and friendly pool of freelancers who support each other on video productions, aerial shoots and FPV projects. Although Drone Chiefs is officially a sole proprietorship, this collaboration often makes it feel like a team of colleagues. That's exactly why the name Drone Chiefs fits better than Drone Chief. At Drone Chiefs everything revolves around creative filming, professional camera work and unique aerial footage that's just a little different. From FPV drone videos to cinematic aerial footage and complete corporate videos: we combine technology, creativity and safety to take every production to a higher level.

Filmmaking with a story

My passion for film and video started early and eventually led me to study film production in the United States. After my studies I started at Spinnin' Records, where for several years I worked on music videos, aftermovies, interviews and footage of mainly well-known DJs and artists.

It was a hugely energetic period full of creativity, travel and big productions. From festivals to international shoots: no week was the same. But all the travelling and long shoot days also made it clear that, in time, I wanted to set my own direction in film and video.

So I eventually started my own business and made all kinds of productions to discover where my real passion lay. During that period I produced travel videos for brands such as Eliza Was Here, among others, with storytelling, atmosphere and cinematography at the heart.

Over time I discovered that my strength lies mainly in corporate and testimonial videos. Videos that aren't just beautiful to watch, but that really work for companies and tell a story that sticks.

It's exactly that combination of storytelling, professional camera work, aerial filming and FPV video that makes the work so interesting for me. I enjoy telling a complete story from A to Z most: from concept and filming to editing and cinematic aerial footage. Often these are testimonial videos that don't feel like a standard testimonial. Authentic, dynamic and visually strong.

Thanks to my background in film production and my specialisation in aerial filming, I can combine traditional video with unique aerial footage. The result is corporate videos that not only look professional, but really make an impact.

Cameraman van Drone Chiefs filmt een wielrenner op een gravelpad

Portret van een teamlid van Drone Chiefs

What I'm working on now

In recent years Drone Chiefs has grown into more than aerial filming and video production. Besides making corporate videos, FPV videos and cinematic aerial footage, I've increasingly focused on innovation in content production and automation.

Together with a partner I founded Nederlandse Dronebeelden. On this platform we sell professional drone footage of the Netherlands, shot by me and by other experienced drone pilots. The aim is to give filmmakers, videographers and companies an affordable way to get high-quality aerial footage, including footage from no-fly zones that was shot fully legally with professional cameras.

Many companies and content creators simply don't have the means to film complex locations themselves, or don't have the right permits. Through Nederlandse Dronebeelden they still get access to quality stock footage and cinematic drone videos for their own productions, commercials and social media content.

Visit Nederlandse Dronebeelden