MAP Speaker Series: Drone expert discusses personal videography experiences

On the evening of Feb. 7, students still loitering around campus could hear sporadic applause and a booming voice resonating through a microphone from the Media Arts Program Annex.

Inside the building, a packed crowd of students and parents watched as stunning drone shots of a lone surfer in the ocean played on the projector, the man behind the beautiful camerawork beaming from behind a podium on the stage.

Freelance videographer Eddie Codel told the audience he was inspired to venture into the world of drones by a friend’s short film. The film incorporated advanced drone cinematography to portray a summer vacation experience. For Codel, seeing the uncommon camerawork was eye-opening; he was instantly excited to film with the new technology.

Codel shared his journey with videography and photography with a crowded room of students and parents during the MAP Speaker Series that night. He focused specifically on drones: ways to use the technology, how to get into the hobby and his personal experiences with the devices.

“Drones are basically a tool for filmmakers — a flying camera in terms of cinematography,” Codel said. “In the same way you would use a ground based camera or a gimbal, think about how a drone would be useful for a shot.”

For students looking to get into drone videography, Codel suggested a variety of ways to connect with other drone users for resources and advice.

“Connect with other groups of people who are doing it and try to meet up with them,” Codel said. “Otherwise, look online, and find these groups where people are involved in recreational drone use and flying. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most drone people are really friendly.”

With the technology rapidly advancing, Codel sees a future for the industry that doesn’t necessarily involve filmmaking, with positive purposes such as search and rescue missions, combating deforestation and poaching and “generally empowering people who don’t normally have a platform.”

The speaker event where Codel shared his insights on drone use was organized by MAP Speaker Series and special events co-heads junior Krithi Sankar and senior Madeline Stuart.

During the planning stages of organizing the event, Stuart reached out to friends in the film industry to scout for potential speakers. Codel was one of the first locals to turn up in her search. After getting a presentation together with engaging content from Codel’s prior experiences and work, Sankar and Stuart began advertising to students and parents in the community.

“The best thing about this event was that we were really displaying that you can be innovative through so many different forms,” Stuart said. “Whether it's through film, drones, or any kind of job you take on, creativity and innovation is the key to success and using those abilities to go about life with a really positive attitude will get you places.”

The message struck home with students in the audience. Juniors Meghna Gupta and Rauna Zahabi left with a positive impression.

“I’ve been to a couple Speaker Series from this year and last year, but I liked that this one was super related to the film industry and really focused on how students can go into a career like that,” Gupta said. “I thought that hearing all of this from someone who’s done it all was especially helpful.”

Zahabi also found the talk valuable, saying it piqued her interest in drone technology.

“I think Eddie did a really a good job of talking about his career path,” Zahabi said. “I know for me, I was never really interested in drones, but now after this talk, it looks like a lot of fun and really something I can utilize.”

The MAP leadership team is already planning the next speaker series on April 18, which will consist of a speaker panel of four SHS alumni currently working in the acting and film industries who will share advice and their experiences working in their respective fields.