Peregian Beach schoolboy Eamon Kriz is combining his interests in drones, sport and photography to set up a business using drones to film adventure sports.
His business, In the Air, is a finalist in Generation Innovation an initiative of Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien to encourage entrepreneurs on the Sunshine Coast.
Eamon, 15, has been videoing sailing, surfing and mountain biking events as well as festivals, weddings and major developments.
“Most people can’t afford to hire a film crew and helicopter and film themselves surfing or when they get married, but they would have a better chance affording a drone,” Mr O’Brien said.
Eamon, who is also a sailing instructor, said he came up with the idea after filming his brother surfing.
“I have always loved remote control toys and drones and I also like to surf. I started filming my brother surfing and then other people started asking me if I could film them,” he said.
“I started to think, I could actually turn this into a business and do it commercially.”
Eamon said Generation Innovation had enabled him to secure a broader licence to fly more areas of the Sunshine Coast, giving him another edge over drone competitors.
“I hope one day I can film national sporting events. I’ve already filmed the state sailing event and I’d love to do more like that,” he said.
Noosa council is a silver sponsor of Generation Innovation.
“A decade ago, when I was making documentaries on Noosa and Cooloola, the only way to get that sort of footage was by hiring a helicopter,” Noosa mayor Tony Wellington said.
Eamon is one of three finalists in this year’s Generation Innovation. The public can vote for their favourite idea from 21-23 August at www.generationinnovation.com.au, and the winner will be announced on 24 August.
