The Assignment

Strijp-R is a residential district built over and around the former Philips industrial site. The result is a unique location, focused on expats and inextricably linked to Eindhoven’s industrial past. After twenty years of construction, this project deserved a cinematic conclusion; diederendirrix commissioned Zero Gravity Drone to seal this era in grand fashion.

The Challenges

Our biggest challenge? Eindhoven Airport. Due to its proximity to the airport, you can’t just take to the skies. As a certified drone service provider, Zero Gravity holds the necessary permits, but this requires strict protocols and constant radio contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC).

Want to know more about how we arrange waivers for controlled airspaces? Read our article on CTRs here.

Furthermore, the architecture of Strijp-R required a specific approach. While we usually like to reach for the heights, this low-rise neighborhood forced us to stay close to the ground to achieve the dynamic shots we are known for. Fortunately, the many industrial relics provided plenty of angles to truly take the viewer on a journey through the district.

Finally, this project was fully edited in-house. At the client’s request, the video contains no voice-over or on-screen text, allowing the drone shots to fully immerse the viewer in the atmosphere of the neighborhood. There was a desire to showcase the history. Since we weren’t flying back in 2006, we incorporated old aerial footage and maps into the edit. By animating these and adding special effects, the past flows seamlessly into the high-end visuals of today.

The Equipment

For this production, we combined the best of both worlds:

• DJI Mavic 3 Cine Pro: Chosen for its reliability and safety in populated areas, the DJI Mavic 3 Cine Pro also supports efficient single-operator use. This made it possible to maintain full creative and technical control while capturing high-quality aerial footage of Strijp-R.

• DJI Avata 2: A compact powerhouse. This drone enabled us to fly inches away from, and even through the characteristic metal pipe structures on the site.

The Result

Filming a residential area may seem simple at first glance, but the combination of No-Fly Zones, technical regulations, and the architect’s artistic vision makes it a complex process. By combining certified professionals with innovative hardware, we were able to give Strijp-R the ‘Zero Gravity factor.’ The result is a video where history and modern living pleasure merge.

Do you want to know more avout the Strijp-R project? Check diederendirrix’s website!