Drone light shows have exploded in popularity — from major state fairs to marriage proposals — but have you ever wondered who’s behind the scenes making those flying pixels dance? Meet Anna Klemmer, a freelance drone show designer who works as a chief pilot at Skyworx.

Skyworx is an American drone show company that has done work for major corporate clients including Netflix.

In an interview with The Drone Girl (watch the full conversation embedded below!), Klemmer shared her journey into the world of drone shows — a path that started not with aviation, but with art.

“I studied design and animation in school,” Klemmer said. “Drone shows were a natural fit because they’re this intersection of technology and the arts.”

Klemmer has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Colorado State University. Initially hired as a designer, creating animations for drone formations, Klemmer quickly became fascinated with the piloting side of the operation. She transitioned into becoming a chief pilot, overseeing everything from pre-show setup to the real-time coordination of hundreds of drones — sometimes all controlled by a single computer.

Running a drone show: behind the scenes

At a typical show, Klemmer is responsible for managing the team, ensuring safety protocols are in place, and operating the computer system that controls the drones. Safety is paramount, especially with large shows involving 500 drones, like the one Klemmer piloted during this interview.

That was for the opening night of Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025, a fan event that brought together all sorts of facets of drones including drone soccer and orb racing into an epic air show that culminated in a traditional light show.

“We really take into account our safety areas,” she said. “We have people all over making sure the whole safety zone is secure, and the audience is a safe distance away.”

With around 60 drone shows under her belt, Klemmer said one of her favorite experiences was putting on a light show at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo.

“There were monster trucks, a destruction derby — just a really cool, high-energy event to tie a drone show into,” she said.

What it takes to land a job as a drone show pilot

Thinking about becoming a drone show pilot yourself? Klemmer says adaptability and confidence are key.

“You need to be a quick learner and really willing to adapt to any situation,” she said.

Interestingly, Klemmer doesn’t fly drones recreationally — no FPV racing, no drone photography on the side. Her entire drone career is focused on choreographed light shows, which just makes her artistic approach even more unique.

But career opportunities are definitely there — especially as drone shows become more accessible and mainstream. Klemmer says she sees them expanding far beyond just concerts and major events.

“We’re starting to see them a lot at bigger corporate events, weddings, even engagements,” she said. “When there’s people gathering, there’s going to be drone light shows.”

Watch my full interview with Anna Klemmer below:

The post Anna Klemmer: how this professional drone show designer pilots dazzling displays appeared first on The Drone Girl.