Cable cams at festivals: The safe alternative to drones

Why are we using cable cams more and more at festivals in 2026 instead of drones? Because drone flights over crowds are prohibited in Germany—and are now actually being enforced. A cable cam still delivers that spectacular bird's-eye view, just legally and without the risk of crashing.

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Why are there hardly any drones flying at festivals anymore?

In short: It has always been prohibited, but it is only now a real risk. According to Section 21h of the German Air Traffic Regulations (LuftVO), there is a general flight ban for drones over crowds—with no exceptions, not even for small 250-gram drones that are otherwise allowed to fly over individuals. Violations can result in fines of up to €50,000, and if people are endangered, Section 315 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) even carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

Two or three years ago, hardly anyone cared—FPV over the crowd was standard at festivals because it simply wasn't being monitored. That has changed: The police are now cracking down, and given the tense global security situation, tolerance for unauthorized flying objects over crowds has generally decreased. For organizers, this means: anyone relying on FPV shots over the crowd is taking a risk that is no longer just theoretical.

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What exactly is a cable cam?

A cable cam is not a drone, but a camera carriage that travels along a tensioned wire—remote-controlled, smooth, and without rotors. Because it doesn't fly, it is not subject to the drone flight ban over crowds. This allows the camera to be moved safely and legally over a crowd, without any gambling on permits beforehand.

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How safe is a cable cam really?

It isn't as flexible as an FPV drone—no free flight through space, no spontaneous flight paths. But it cannot crash. The camera is securely attached to the cable, which is anchored at both ends. No rotor to fail, no GPS drift, no risk of collision with the audience or stage structures. For productions over crowds, this is the decisive advantage.

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Where do we use cable cams?

This year, we used the cable cam at several festivals—including the Ikarus Festival, where we combined it with FPV (more on this in the article about the Ikarus Festival 2026). Three areas of application have proven particularly effective:

• One-shots: a continuous camera sweep over the crowd as a powerful opener or closer for aftermovies
• Day recaps: the cable cam provides the establishing shots that show just how packed the venue was and how great the atmosphere felt
• Livestreams: an additional, dynamic camera perspective above the audience, live and without delay

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What do our clients say?

This perspective is consistently well-received by organizers and brands alike—it’s exactly the kind of shot that creates a "wow" moment in a recap or aftermovie, offering a view of the crowd you simply can't get with other cameras.

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FAQ

Is a cable cam suitable for every festival?
Almost always, provided there are two stable anchor points—stage towers, masts, or permanent structures, though trees can also serve as anchors. We inspect the location in advance and plan the route to suit the terrain.

Does a cable cam require a permit?
No, unlike drones flying over crowds, no aviation permit is required. However, the anchoring must still be coordinated with the event organizer and comply with building safety regulations.

How long can a cable cam route be?
From a few meters to several hundred meters, depending on the terrain and anchor points. We design the route individually based on the stage setup and the desired shot.

Can a cable cam also be used for livestreams?
Yes, we have done this several times this year. The cable cam operates as an additional live camera alongside the stage cameras.

How much does it cost to use a cable cam for a production?
It depends on the length of the run, setup and teardown time, and the duration of the production. Send us your lineup and details about the terrain, and we will provide you with a quote.

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