In a landmark decision for film and production companies, the Midwest of the United States, and the unmanned aircraft systems industry, Buchalter Nemer’s Aviation and Aerospace Practice Group made history last week when it secured a Grant of Exemption issued by the Federal Aviation Administration authorizing film and production company Picture Factory, Inc. to operate camera-mounted drones for the purpose of aerial filming and photography. Picture Factory, Inc. is the first production company in the Midwest to receive a Grant of Exemption allowing commercial filming operations using drones in U.S. airspace.
“We’re proud to offer yet another cutting-edge way to give our clients unique perspectives and moving camera shots from places otherwise impossible to reach,” said Craig Peterschmidt, co-founder of Picture Factory.
The FAA’s Grant of Exemption was issued in response to Picture Factory’s Petition for Exemption under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which provides a procedure for expedited authorization of commercial operations using unmanned aircraft systems weighing no more than 55 pounds. Picture Factory was represented by attorney Paul Fraidenburgh in Buchalter’s Orange County, California office. Mr. Fraidenburgh has gained a national reputation for his representation of clients in the unmanned aircraft systems industry. The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and several other publications have quoted Mr. Fraidenburgh on the topic of unmanned aircraft systems, and his clients are among the most cutting-edge aerial filmmakers and aviation companies in the world. He can be reached at (949) 224-6247 or pfraidenburgh@buchalter.com.