smart SXSW 2019: Drone over Austin

At SXSW 2019 in Austin, Texas, a drone designed as a life-size smart EQ fortwo flew over 6th Street – an experiential marketing stunt for smart. Project lead: Jochen Riehm.

Project details

Location: Austin, Texas (USA) – SXSW festival
Project: smart “Rise of a new era” – experiential marketing
Client / production: smart (Mercedes-Benz), agency KMB
Services: Project lead and flight show with show drone
Shoot date: March 2019

Brief and execution

At SXSW smart presented the future of urban mobility. The idea: a “flying smart” – a drone designed like a smart EQ fortwo, hovering over Austin’s famous party strip and surprising the crowd.

Flying a large show drone near crowds in a foreign city takes preparation: permits under US law, safety zones, coordination with organiser and authorities. The scene appears in the official SXSW highlight trailer at second 38.

Equipment and permits

Show drone designed as a life-size smart EQ fortwo.

Project lead: Jochen Riehm. Flights in the USA are governed by FAA rules.

FAQ

What is experiential marketing with drones?

The drone itself becomes the experience: as a flying product, logo or show element. It surprises the audience and creates images people share.

Does VR-Copter also fly outside Europe?

Yes, by arrangement. For assignments abroad we clarify permits, transport and insurance in advance.

What does a drone stunt for an event cost?

A shoot day with a drone crew starts at €1,300 net, with Inspire 3 and cinema setup from €2,400 net, and as a combined drone, FPV and car-to-car package from €3,900 net – each including pilot, equipment, insurance and permit coordination.