About Company
SkyVista Media (Pty) Ltd is a boutique creative production company based in South Africa, specializing in aerial videography, photography, and visual storytelling for tourism brands, conservation projects, property developments, and outdoor experiences. As a small, passionate team, we focus on capturing authentic, cinematic visuals that help our clients showcase locations, landscapes, and stories in a powerful and engaging way.
Our work blends creativity with technical excellence, delivering high-quality visual content that connects audiences to the beauty of South Africa’s natural and built environments. We collaborate closely with tourism operators, lodges, conservation initiatives, and marketing agencies to produce meaningful media that inspires discovery and exploration. We are expanding our freelance network and are seeking skilled professionals who share our commitment to safety, storytelling, and visual excellence.
Job Description
SkyVista Media (Pty) Ltd is seeking a highly skilled and experienced **Freelance Drone Operator (Video Capture)** to support our ongoing creative projects across South Africa. This is a project-based contract opportunity focused on capturing professional aerial footage of wildlife, landscapes, tourism destinations, resorts, and commercial properties.
Your role will be central to creating marketing and promotional content used for digital campaigns, websites, social media, and client presentations. We are looking for a confident drone pilot with a strong cinematic eye who can translate creative briefs into striking aerial visuals while working safely and professionally in a variety of filming environments.
You must demonstrate advanced flying ability, technical camera knowledge, and an in-depth understanding of South African aviation regulations. Experience filming wildlife or in environmentally sensitive areas is highly valued. This role offers creative freedom, flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to collaborate with a growing creative team on visually exciting projects throughout the country.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct detailed pre-flight checks, flight planning, and risk assessments in compliance with SACAA regulations.
- Operate drones safely and professionally in line with SACAA rules and company safety procedures.
- Capture high-quality aerial video and photography with strong focus on cinematic composition and storytelling.
- Work with project managers and creative directors to interpret briefs and achieve desired visual results.
- Perform basic post-production tasks including footage review, colour adjustment, stabilization, and sound sync as required.
- Maintain and manage drone equipment, batteries, accessories, and calibration to ensure optimal performance.
- Handle secure storage, organization, and delivery of captured footage to designated platforms.
- Provide technical input and creative shot suggestions for upcoming projects.
- Maintain professional communication throughout all project phases.
Required Skills
- Valid SACAA Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) and current Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator Certificate (ROC).
- Minimum of 2 years professional drone filming experience with a strong portfolio.
- Proficiency operating professional drone platforms (DJI Mavic series, Inspire series, Autel EVO or similar).
- Solid understanding of camera settings, lighting, composition, and aerial cinematography techniques.
- Experience with industry-standard video editing tools such as DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro for basic editing tasks.
- Excellent knowledge of aviation safety protocols and privacy regulations.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively within creative teams.
- Ability to work independently, manage time efficiently, and deliver high-quality content on deadline.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience filming wildlife, tourism locations, or natural landscapes.
- Advanced skills in video editing, colour grading, or motion graphics.
- A creative mindset with ability to pitch innovative aerial shot ideas.
- Knowledge of South African weather conditions and environmental filming challenges.
- Ownership of professional-grade drone equipment and backup systems.
- First-aid or emergency response certification.
Perks & Benefits
- Flexible project-based freelance schedule.
- Opportunity to work across stunning locations throughout South Africa.
- Creative freedom to contribute to unique visual storytelling projects.
- Professional exposure through campaigns for tourism brands and conservation partners.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment within a small creative team.
- Chance to grow long-term freelance partnerships based on performance.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a professional CV and portfolio showcasing aerial videography work. Please include details on SACAA licensing, drone platforms operated, and availability. A short cover letter outlining your experience and approach to safe drone filming is encouraged.
Applications should be sent via our website contact form with the subject line:
“Freelance Drone Operator – Video Capture Application.”