The setting: a unique stage

During Amsterdam Fashion Week, the roof of the Nieuwe Kerk was transformed into a spectacular catwalk. A temporary scaffolding structure atop this iconic monument set the scene. A visual spectacle, but a massive logistical and operational challenge to capture. The goal was clear: dynamic drone shots that capture the grandeur of the location and the elegance of the show, right in the busiest part of Amsterdam.

The strategic move: onto the roof

A crucial factor in the success of this mission was our relationship with de Bijenkorf. While many parties are forced to operate from the street, we were granted access to the roof of the Bijenkorf store, directly opposite the Nieuwe Kerk.

This offered two huge advantages:

• Undisturbed Focus: On the ground, in the middle of Dam Square, a pilot is constantly approached by curious passersby. “What are you doing?”, “Is that allowed?”. Every distraction is a risk. On the roof, we were not bothered by bystanders. This allowed the team to focus 100% on the flight.

• Clear Sightlines: From the roof, we had a perfect, obstacle-free Visual Line of Sight at the same height as the catwalk. This allowed us to fly safely and accurately without buildings blocking the signal or the view.

Proactive action: notifying the police

Flying in the city center means high visibility. Even when everything is completely legal, concerned citizens often call the police when they spot a drone over Dam Square. To prevent panic or unnecessary interventions, Zero Gravity maintains a strict protocol.

Prior to the flight, we contact the dispatch center via the non-emergency number (0900-8844). We provide our exact location, flight times, and permits. If a report of a “drone sighting” subsequently comes in, the police can immediately see in their system that it is a legal, registered flight by Zero Gravity. This preserves the peace and ensures the operation isn’t halted for an unnecessary inspection.

Complexity: CTR zones and regulations

Besides the crowds and the location, in Amsterdam you always have to deal with the proximity of Schiphol Airport (the CTR zone). This demands specific knowledge of aviation regulations. Where external parties often get tangled in the web of rules, we know exactly how to operate safely within these zones.

Want to know more about how we handle flying around airports? Read our article: Flying drones at Dutch airports: the art of flying where others aren’t allowed

The result

The combination of a smart choice of location, proactive contact with the authorities, and our flying skills ensured a flawless production. It resulted in unique footage where the historic Nieuwe Kerk and high fashion merged. Curious about the footage? Watch the final result of the Amsterdam Fashion Week video here →