Drone Cinematographer & VFX Pilot
Heavy-Lift | Inspire 3 | FPV | VFX Scanning | 14+ Years | 7 Continents | Hollywood Features
Before drones, I was a national champion swimmer. That competitive drive never left — it just found a new outlet. I co-founded XM2 with two mates: three guys with a dream and a vision, starting from humble beginnings and building it into a 7-figure global aerial cinematography operation. Over 14 years I have flown on every continent, delivered shots most pilots would not attempt, and built a reputation as one of the most trusted drone operators in the film industry.
Whether it is a chase sequence through a European city, an aerial reveal over Antarctic ice, or an FPV shot threading through a live film set, I bring calm precision to high-pressure situations. Today I am moving into the next chapter — raising my kids, flying freelance on the biggest productions, and building Drone Pro Hub, an education platform helping the next generation of professional pilots.
Full Story & Timeline
Available for your next production, anywhere in the world.
Get in TouchAidan is one of the most skilled and reliable drone operators I have worked with. His ability to deliver under pressure, in challenging environments, is second to none.
What started as a side project with aerospace engineer Ben Biggs became the fastest battery-powered drone ever recorded. Built from 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf components, developed and piloted by Aidan Kelly and Ben Biggs. The record still stands.
The same engineering DNA that produced the world record drone runs through XM2, the aerial cinematography and manufacturing company Aidan co-founded, and XM2 Earth, which designs and manufactures persistent tethered drone platforms for defence, mining, and energy sectors.
Beyond cinematography, I specialise in VFX scanning and 3D environment capture for some of the biggest productions in the world. Aerial photogrammetry, ground photogrammetry, drone LiDAR, ground LiDAR. If a VFX house needs it scanned, I have done it.
I have worked directly with studios like Lucasfilm scanning full environments, vehicles, and sets for digital reconstruction. This is precision work where the scan data feeds directly into the VFX pipeline, and getting it right on the day saves productions millions in post.
All scan data delivered production-ready for integration with major VFX pipelines. Experienced working directly with VFX supervisors and on-set data wranglers.
A drone education and community platform for pilots who want to go professional. Courses, tutorials, and real-world knowledge from someone who has done the work.
Visit Drone Pro HubCo-founded and scaled to a 7-figure global aerial cinematography and drone manufacturing operation. Major Hollywood and international film, television, and commercial productions.
Co-founder & Australian DirectorTethered drone systems for defence, mining, energy, and security applications. Designs and manufactures persistent aerial platforms capable of staying airborne for up to two weeks. ASX-listed (ASX: XEA).
Co-founder & Australian DirectorCrypto, stocks, and property. A hobby I enjoy sharing with others.
iRacing, full rig. The competitive streak never left. Just moved indoors.
Focus SAM Squared. Gravity riding. Need to get out more.
Building smarter workflows. Always experimenting.
Looking for a drone cinematographer for your next production? Whether it is a feature film, television series, commercial, or something entirely different, I would love to hear about your project.
Based in Melbourne, Australia. Available worldwide.
Aidan Kelly
Drone Pro Hub