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Let’s Play: D&D in US Prisons

I was asked by documentary filmmaker and producer Elisabeth de Kleer if I would be willing to help create a Kickstarter video for her upcoming documentary film on inmates who play Dungeon and Dragons in the American prison system. Being a bit of a D&D nerd myself, this was an easy call. The Let’s Play: Dungeons & Dragons Behind Bars project went live today.

Her documentary will tell the story of how inmates and ex-cons are using role playing games to survive inside prison and how these games are used as tools to prepare for life on the outside. In the US, where the notion of rehabilitation is a joke, role playing games offer a very real way for inmates to find focus, meaning and community in their lives which goes a long way to reducing recidivism. Breaking the cycle of reoffending is a goal that benefits everyone. If you feel the same, please consider backing this worthwhile project.

They Promised Us Jetpacks

Here’s your real life Tony Stark flying his jet suit around Hiller yesterday. Richard Browning of Gravity Industries, British inventor of the Daedalus Flight Pack, is as close to Iron Man as anyone has gotten. Just don’t ask how he scratches his nose.

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Drone’s Eye View of Richmond, VA

I was back on the east coast for the holidays visiting family and friends. I brought the new DJI Mavic Pro with me (fantastic little drone btw, best one yet) while visiting Richmond, Virginia. The mighty James River runs through this historic city, a perfect place for capturing some aerials. This short aerial film was shot during the closing days of 2016 during an especially magical golden hour.

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Circuit Classics Crowdfunding Campaign Video

Today marks the launch of Star Simpson’s Circuit Classics crowdfunding campaign, which aims to bring Forrest Mims’ vintage hand-drawn circuit designs to life.

Anyone who has grown up in the Radio Shack era of electronics will instantly recognize Forrest Mims’ hand lettered book, Getting Started in Electronics. Star took three of Mims’ popular designs and is bringing them to life as electronic kits with Mims’ circuit diagrams rendered as lovely, functional circuit boards.

Star approached us to create the campaign video for her project, which we were extremely excited to take on. Not only is this such a cool project, but it gave us the opportunity to come up with creative ways to present Star and her work in the video. The design of the circuit boards, Mims’ books and the workbench setting all lent themselves to visually rich possibilities. Have a look at the video and see if you agree.

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Aerial Tour of the Port of Oakland

Take a 3 minute tour of the Port of Oakland, the fifth busiest container shipping terminal in the US. Things to see: Big cranes! Big ships! Lots of containers! Be sure to click the gear icon to watch in full 4K glory.

I shot this while on a walking tour of the Port in support of the The Container Guide by Tim Hwang and Craig Cannon. Flying camera used was a DJI Phantom 3 Professional.

Of course, any self-respecting walking tour with a drone requires a dronie.

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Drone Highlights of 2014

A lot has happened in my drone world this past year, though I really haven’t made much mention of it here. A quick recap of  some of the highlights:

  • In February, I acquired a 3D Robotics IRIS, a fun ready-to-fly quadcopter with autonomous flight capabilities.  I shot this fire aftermath video soon after.
  • Built my first quadcopter in April and participated in the Game of Drones – Aerial Action Sports League competitions at the Bay Area Maker Faire in May. Didn’t win any battles, but did hang out in the net a good bit.

First Drone Build: Von Drone California Special

  • Presented at dorkbotSF about my drone build and Game of Drones Maker Faire experience.
  • Shot a few dronies with friends using the 3D Robotics IRIS and a new DJI Phantom 2 Vision+.
  • Built a FPV 250 racing quadcopter. Needs a bit of tweaking and more air time, but she flies.

Second Drone Build: Turtle 250 FPV Racer Quad

  • Built a quadcopter based on the Game of Drones Hiro “indestructible” airframe.

My build of the Game of Drones Hiro "indestructible" airframe.
Third Drone Build: Game of Drones Hiro “indestructible” Airframe.

  • Shot a ton of aerial videos in exotic locales that are in the ever growing edit queue.  Soon, really!

Media Coverage

I can only imagine what 2015 has in store for our drone future.