How to Side Hustle w/ B-Roll
Updated: Sep 26
One of the best business development strategies I've learned as a drone pilot is simple: Never pack up your gear too quickly. Opportunities for Drone Cinematographers are all around you.
After I finish an aerial project, I always take a few minutes to look around the surrounding area. If I spot a luxury hotel, resort, golf course, apartment community, or commercial property nearby, I'll often invest another hour capturing cinematic b-roll footage.
Then while grabbing lunch, I'll edit a quick highlight reel in Final Cut Pro on my iPad... Then I'll walk into the property, ask to speak with the manager, and simply say:
“I was filming nearby today and created this short aerial video of your property. I'd love to show it to you—no obligation."
Almost everyone is willing to watch a 60-second video.
On this particular day, the hotels told me they already had established production companies they regularly worked with. But instead of walking away empty-handed, I ended up getting their production company contacts and licensing my aerial b-roll footage for their future marketing projects.
A win-win.
The lesson? Not every cold call leads to a new client—but it can still lead to new opportunities.
For drone pilots, video producers, media developers, almost ANY business — consistent growth often comes from cold calls in person; investing a little extra time each day to build relationships, create awareness, and look for ways to help businesses achieve their marketing goals.
Those small efforts compound over time into a stronger brand, a larger network, and a reliable book of business.
Sometimes the next client is literally next door...
Merlin Dean
Founder - Drones by Merlin
