Why produce something like this?
Like all cities across Canada, the people that make up Calgary have had to make sacrifices to ensure the health and safety of others.
As I was walking through the streets it was hard not to notice all the familiar places closed for business. What would happen if someone were to give them a call? A lot of them would probably have a voicemail machine.
Our normal way of life has been altered and as such we are momentarily absent. I set out wanting to leave a message of reassurance, hope and pride. The same way you would care for your own loved ones, I set out to do the same for the city I have called home since 2014.
Our collective voluntary actions and for some, unfortunately, voluntary actions have led us at a loss for physical connection and spaces. We are all in this, though isolated, together.
With the experience, access to equipment, and a strong desire to say thanks, the idea was born. Now to act.
“All good thoughts and ideas mean nothing without action.”
The Script.
Created on the night of April 24th between the 9:29pm and till April 25th at 12:41pm. (On google docs thus all the timestamps are changes are there) The foundation for the visual love letter was set in motion.
Hey…. just wanted to give you a quick call, I’ve been thinking about you over the past little bit... and thought I’d check in……. Sounds like I might have caught you at a bad time….. anyways, just wanted to say that I miss you very much.
I know it hasn't been that long since we last saw each other…. it just seems like forever since we last spoke. It’s hard not to be reminded of our time together, especially with spring on its way.
Things have been a little bit different this past month, for everyone…and things have changed so much. It almost doesn’t seem real.
I know how resilient you are, and how you’ve always had that can do attitude.
But I can imagine things being a bit tough, especially now.
No one has really gone through anything like this before.
But if there is anyone who can go through something like this challenge, it would be you.
I miss you so much… and I really want to be with you again…...but I want to make sure we do so at the right time.
I know we won't be able to do the things we had planned on doing this year….and that’s okay… don't feel too bad about it, I understand.
The reason this country is so special, is that we are there for each other, especially during tough times.
You know, this whole experience has really put into perspective what’s important…… It's not so much all the physical space…. but people… being in a community and just being together.
Looking back, I know we are going to say it was the right thing to do. We’re going to come out of this, stronger and closer together.
There’s a lot of people all over trying to make things better…… and they are really going above and beyond to make sure we are all okay.
The least we can do is to do our part.
Anyways….. wish you all the best over the next little bit…. can’t wait to see you again….. love you.
The Music.
Conveying the emotion of the voicemail message meant finding a piece of music that would be match the energy. I found this piece in Mathew Morgan’s “Sun Through the Clouds”. Not only was the actual piece of music perfect, but the name too.
It hones the message that even though times are darker than usual, the sun will eventually shine through the clouds. It is just a bit cloudy at the moment but that the sun will be there.
At the end of the project, sound effects were added to transport the viewers into the environment. Since the shots were were not known at the time this was left until the very end.
For a fun activity, try playing the music and going above to read the script to see how powerful the two are.
“The sound and music are 50% of the entertainment in a movie.”
Locations in the Film
Calgary Stampede Grounds
“The Stampede Grandstand is a 17,000-seat, plus 8,000 more with standing room, stadium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It annually hosts the rodeo, the chuckwagon races and the evening Grandstand Show portions of the Calgary Stampede.”
Nosehill Park
“Nose Hill Park is a natural park in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, Alberta which covers over 11 km². It's the fourth largest urban park in Canada, and one of the largest urban parks in North America.”
McMahon Stadium
“McMahon Stadium has been the home of the Calgary Stampeders for the past 57 years and supports the University of Calgary Dinos along with many other amateur sports. “
Peace Bridge
“Peace Bridge is a bridge that accommodates people walking and cycling across the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The bridge, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, opened for use on March 24, 2012”
17th Ave (Red Mile)
“One of the city's most iconic street, 17th Avenue S.W. (and the streets that adjoin it) has made and maintained a name for itself as a go-to retail district in Calgary.”
Inglewood
“Quirky Inglewood is home to shops selling vintage furniture, indie fashion and rare vinyl, and offers an eclectic dining scene spanning Vietnamese, Mediterranean and modern Canadian cuisine. The Esker Foundation and indie galleries show contemporary art, while city history is chronicled at the 1875-built Fort Calgary. Music venues like Festival Hall stage folk and alternative gigs.”
Kensington
“With over 250 unique shops, restaurants, and services, it is possible to spend a day, a night, or an entire weekend!
The centrally located streets are ultra-pedestrian friendly. Walk across the Louise Bridge from downtown, ride along the bike path, or use the Sunnyside LRT station and several bus stops.”
Studio Bell
“Exhibits on Canadian music history, hands-on instrument areas & concerts in a contemporary setting.”
Stephen Ave
“The street is known for some of Calgary's finest restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars. The street also provides an eclectic mix of boutiques and high-end retail.”
YYC
“YYC offers direct flights to Canada, the USA, Mexico, the Carribean, Europe, Asia, and Central America.”
Drone use in Canada
Photo: Brendan Miller/Postmedia
Disclaimer: Below are my own best recommendations for flying drones safely and legally in Canada. Please do your own research and consult with Transport Canada Regulations and local bylaws before commencing any drone flights in Canada. I am not a lawyer, and this page is NOT legal advice.
Transport Canada - Drone Safety
Drone Registration All drones over the weight of 250 grams need to be registered with Transport Canada. This is a minimal cost (apx $5) This essentially is like obtaining a license plate for the drone so that it can be tracked.
In the event that the drone is lost and/or a recall from the manufacturer the drone owner can be notified.
Pilot Licensing There are three types of operations for drone use. Basic, Advanced and SFOC (Special Flight Operations Certificate).
Study Guides Before taking the exam, a course is highly recommended, especially for advanced pilot certification. If keen on self-learning, Candrone offers an affordable online course. It took me about a month and has all the knowledge requirements set out by Transport Canada.
Because you have to take an inflight exam for the Advanced license there is also a prep-course that can be done as well.
This Youtube Channel by Don Joyce has great videos as well.
How can I determine controlled airspace vs uncontrolled airspace?
The National Research Council of Canada has an online Drone Site Selection Tool.
Any area that is in red requires an Advanced License. Any area in Yellow or elsewhere would only require a basic license.
As you can see for Calgary, the majority of downtown requires an Advanced License. This is due to the proximity to YYC Airport and the many helipads.
Obtaining Permission in a Control Zone.
Once you have an Advanced License you must submit a form to NAV Canada identifying the date, time, location and proposed altitude of the flight.
This must be done at a minimum of 48 hours before you would like to fly and can be done online.
Privacy / Takeoff Permission
You MUST seek permission from private property owners to be able to takeoff from their property or want to fly the drone over their private property.
If you are flying in public parks and streets etc. You MUST consult with local bylaws. For instance, if you want to takeoff from a city park or street in the City of Calgary you have to apply for a filming permit.
Many property owners and municipalities required commercial general liability insurance in addition to drone specific insurance. I operate with a $3 million dollar gen liability insurance and a $2 Million dollar drone specific policy.
Drones under 250 grams
Drones under 250 grams do not need to adhere to the registration or licensing requirements. They do however, still need to adhere to local bylaws. The City of Calgary, for instance, has certain areas that allow for these drones to be used.
That being said, there are still restrictions.
Below is some guidance on operating a micro Drone – drone under 250 grams in Canada .
The 250 g weight threshold was selected to mitigate the risk that a drone would pose to an aircraft and people on the ground, and is consistent with the approach taken in several other countries, including the US.
Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 900.06 states “No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system in such a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person.” This regulation applies to RPAS's less than 250 grams. So there is no minimum distance from helipads / aerodromes and no maximum altitude as long as you don’t operate your RPAS in such a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person and that your RPAS remains within your visual line-of-sight.
Pilots of micro drones weighing under 250 grams (g) are not required to register their drone or obtain a drone pilot certificate, but must fly in a way that does not endanger the safety of people or other aircraft.
All RPAS/drone pilots (this includes drones under 250 grams) are subject to the Criminal Code as well as all provincial, territorial, and municipal laws governing areas such as privacy and trespassing. This means that if you wish to fly your drone over a private property, you must get the owner’s approval. Furthermore, if you with to fly at an advertised event, you must also get the consent of the event organizer.
Micro drones cannot fly in a Class F or a 5.1 restricted airspace or in airspace that prohibits aircraft or is restricted under CAR 601.16 and 601.17 (examples of these are: Federal Parks, Niagara Falls, Parliament Hill, over prisons, forest fire areas, etc.). If the airspace prohibits “aircraft” than it prohibits sub 250 gram RPAS’s too.