New technology from startup ventures is transforming the sports industry. The mission of this series is to introduce startup companies in the sports technology space to a broader audience and allow Founders of promising new ventures to tell their story. This particular startup is taking part in the Hype Global Sport Innovation Competition In Rio De Janeiro on August 24th, 2016.
Company: Phoenix Filming
CEO: Melissa K. Smith
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
1. What is your elevator pitch?
If you operate within a team that strives for the most proficient players in the league and would like to have a complete field of view of your practices and training camps, current drone technology can provide you with situational awareness in a variety of performance areas. From player spacing to rushing lane depths to individual hands, feet and eyes; coaches, trainers and athletes can get the access to the same film capabilities during practices as they do on game day.
2. Problem & Solution
ESPN, and other major sports broadcasters use a variety of cameras and tools supported by the advanced infrastructure of a professional stadium to get overhead and sideline shots. Without access to similar tools, teams have to use man-lifts and hand-held cameras to get some of those shots. They still cannot get every shot they want, the “All-22 Shot”, the “Box Shot”, the “High End-Zone Shot” the “Goalline Shot” and the “Sideline Shot”.
Unmanned aircraft or “drones” can bring those shots to teams in a safe, legal and cost-effective manner. Using drones to capture practice film of all the players on a football, soccer, lacrosse, or hockey field – or just filming a single player is a unique advantage for coaches and trainers. 
Phoenix Filming brings those capabilities to sport organizations through our Drones as a Services (DaaS) Program. For teams that have, want or think they want to add drones to their capabilities matrix, we help develop a program to select the right drone system and work with the FAA and local air traffic administrators to make it legal for each team.
For teams that want the film, but do not want to own and operate the drones, our DaaS Program also offers flight services that allow our pilots to operate our drones for the team. Through our DaaS Program, Phoenix Filming is quickly becoming the trusted advisor for sports teams who are looking to integrate drones into their filming matrix.
3. Market – your target market and the overall market
Drones are an emerging technology and the complete application is not yet realized by many industries. As companies and end-users become comfortable with the capabilities of this technology, regulations (state, federal and international) will find a way to keep up. Until then, this industry will continue to disrupt.
Australian firefighters to get a drone-eye view during emergencies https://t.co/8sXgabOk4V pic.twitter.com/U5T4AjvZdH
— Iain Butler (@theUAVguy) March 7, 2016
Phoenix Filming has decided to target markets that are easily approved by the current regulation process. Working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), we have found that the sports industry is an easy and safe application for all stakeholders. Drones also address a need and a problem within this sports market sector. We have been working with a lot of video directors in the National Football League (NFL) to understand their filming constructs, we were a vendor at the NjFL Combine, and are in contract negotiations with several NFL teams. We are also talking with Lacrosse and Soccer teams at the High School and Collegiate levels.
4. Business Model – how do you make money?
Our services are billed at an hourly rate (per flight hour). Our rate varies depending on the requirements of the team and the length of the contract.
5. Management Team – with titles
Melissa K. Smith, CEO
After spending 4 years in the USMC and 8 years working on unmanned aircraft programs for the USAF, Melissa decided to start her own company to combine her love of sports and drones. Melissa continues to support the warfighter through a variety of volunteer organizations.
6. What else do you want the audience to know about your venture?
Phoenix Filming is working to educate the public about drones and their application as a tool for different industries and not just a toy for hobbyists. Our ability to prove utility within the sports industry is exciting.
Bonus Question: If you were to invite any CEO to dinner who would it be and why?
Kevin Plank, CEO of Under Armor. The current trajectory of his company and his ability to pivot is remarkable. “When the map and the terrain don’t match, follow the terrain!”