Before every Boston Celtics tip-off at TD Garden this season, the “Boston Rising” video that features green light-emitting drones taking flight alongside the players is shown to pump up the fans.
The game day intro is powered by futuristic technology, and the Celtics are rising as well on the court. They’re off to a 9-2 start for the best record in the NBA despite losing both the season opener and new arrival Gordon Hayward — who for now still appears in the video after suffering a season-ending leg injury in that first game.
“The Celtics are a team built for a promising future and we feel that this concept truly embraces that optimism of something exciting to come,” said co-director Steve Davis, an editor for production company The Famous Group.
“I wouldn’t say there is a direct meaning,” Celtics vice president of live events Sean Sullivan said of what the video represents to the team. “What I would say is that in all regards we strive to achieve championship excellence in all areas whether it’s on the court or in the community and the experience we provide for our fans is no different. We want to deliver a unique, entertaining show for our fans and create an atmosphere that you can only get inside the TD Garden.”
Boston Rising | Boston Celtics Open 2017 from The Famous Group on Vimeo.
The video involves a synchronized group of piloted drones showcasing aerial acrobatic capabilities alongside the players, including tech-savvy Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown. Two smaller drones had green LEDs, and a large drone included a giant remote-operated spotlight. The drones are used as both flying cameras and characters in the storytelling.
The Famous Group and Strato Aerial conducted a drone rehearsal in Irvine, Calif. before the actual shoot in Boston, and it worked well enough where it all seemed choreographed.
“I believe we are the first team in professional sports to utilize drones in this capacity with our players,” Sullivan said. “It was an incredibly well-planned, highly technical process to ensure player safety first and foremost, but one that could deliver the most impactful and memorable visual experience for our fans. In addition, the players were quite taken with the set and the feedback was fantastic when they were able to see the final product.”
Boston Rising | Behind The Scenes from The Famous Group on Vimeo.