SKY STORIES
GALLERY
Welcome to Nova Sky Stories where the realms of world-class technology and transcendent art intersect to bring awe to live audiences worldwide. More than a drone show, “Sky Stories” are visual art experiences that are created to move the soul. Please enjoy this highlight gallery of Sky Stories that have brought amazement and joy to millions of people around the globe.
NBA All-Stars | Indianapolis | February 2024
NBA LIGHTS UP INDY SKY FOR 2024 ALL-STAR GAME
1,500 drones took flight above Lucas Oil Stadium to celebrate the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in one of the nation's largest drone Sky Stories to date and a monumental first for the National Basketball Association.
Aspen World Cup | Aspen, CO | March 2024
SKIING THE SKIES OF ASPEN
In the crisp Colorado night in March, the skies above Aspen sparkled with stars and a story —the story of a ski town transformed into a race town, narrated by the glow of 800 drones. In celebration of the 2004 Audi FIS Alpine World Cup, the Aspen Skiing Company flew a gorgeous narrative in the sky with Nova Sky Stories.
Mercedes AMG x IWC | Las Vegas | November 2023
Lewis Hamilton & George Russell vs 1000 Nova Drones with Mercedes AMG x IWC
In anticipation of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Mercedes AMG & IWC hosted a one-of-a-kind event with famed drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. They raced the track at Speed Vegas putting on a spectacular show with 1000 Nova drones. Designed by TwoFiftyK in collaboration with the Nova Sky Stories Design Team, the fastest drivers on earth sped under wildly innovative drone tunnels and other amazing formations. The drones hovered a few feet above the track in a ground breaking moment in drone history. Produced by Drone Stories, the spectacle left viewers in awe and created an unforgettable moment for Mercedes AMG and IWC.
Central Park | New York City | October 2023
Nova flies first ever drone show in Central park with Studio DRIFT flying sculpture "Franchise Freedom"
On Saturday, October 21st, Dutch studio DRIFT alongside producer Drone Stories flew 1000 Nova Sky Stories drones into the heart of New York City‘s Central Park. DRIFT founders Ralph Nauta and Lonneke Gordjin designed this beautiful art piece called "Franchise Freedom" using inspiration from bird murmurations to mimic flocks of starlings twirl and dive in synchronized harmony across the skies. This incredible show was made possible in partnership with the NYC Mayors Office, the NYPD, and the incredible people of New York City.
United Nations | New York City | September 2023
A thousand drones bring climate-change Sky Story to New York City skyline
On September 15th, 2023, Projecting Change and partners lit up the NYC sky above the UN Building with a series of synchronized drone shows designed to inspire, educate, unify, and activate a local and global collective around the climate crisis and other important environmental campaigns. This coincided with the 78th United Nations General Assembly and the UN - Secretary-General’s Climate Ambition Summit and SDG Summit, sending a strong message to world leaders - and will served as a beautiful kick-off to Climate Week.
Arizona State University | Tempe, Arizona | September 2023
ASU Students Design a 600 Drone Halftime Show in a new Academic Partnership with Nova Sky Stories
A team from Arizona State University animated the sky with 600 lighted drones in a spectacular show before more than 53,000 people at Mountain America Stadium on September 23, 2003. The drone Sky Story, which flew during halftime of the ASU football game, was designed by three students and a professor in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
The drones danced in a space above the scoreboard that was as big as a 30-story building, swirling and zipping around to create a series of three-dimensional animations. The drone colors were synched to the Sun Devil Marching Band, whose members wore glowing LED bracelets that emitted radio signals.
The drones danced in a space above the scoreboard that was as big as a 30-story building, swirling and zipping around to create a series of three-dimensional animations. The drone colors were synched to the Sun Devil Marching Band, whose members wore glowing LED bracelets that emitted radio signals.
Burning Man | Black Rock Desert | August 2023
House of Fābl Unveils Immersive 1000 drone Sky Story "Unlocking the Mysteries" at Burning Man
House of Fābl unveiled its multimedia, immersive storytelling project, at Burning Man 2023. House’s artists Hunter Leggitt, Keenan Hock, and Jonathan Berry, in collaboration with Christiana Musk and musical artist Boreta, choreographed 1000-drone, 270 M wide Sky Story - “Unlocking the Mysteries."
This immersive drone sky story dives into the profound significance of the women-led Eleusinian Mystery cult and the sacred rituals held annually at the Temple of Eleusis. The Kykeon spills out its truth to the playa: “If You Die Before You Die, You Won’t Die, When You Die.” Special thanks to Brian Muraresku, Drone Stories, Studio Drift, Matt Emmi, Peter Platzgummer, Luna Art Car & Flux Foundation.
This immersive drone sky story dives into the profound significance of the women-led Eleusinian Mystery cult and the sacred rituals held annually at the Temple of Eleusis. The Kykeon spills out its truth to the playa: “If You Die Before You Die, You Won’t Die, When You Die.” Special thanks to Brian Muraresku, Drone Stories, Studio Drift, Matt Emmi, Peter Platzgummer, Luna Art Car & Flux Foundation.
Wintjiri Wir̲u | Central Australian Desert | Nightly since May 2023
Uluru Becomes a Top Australian Tourist Destination with Nightly Drone Sky Story
Tourists from all over the world are booking tickets to visit the Central Australian Desert to experience Wintjiri Wir̲u, an Indigenous cultural storytelling experience at Uluru. The ancient Anangu story is brought to life through state-of-the-art technology with 1200 choreographed drones from Nova Sky Stories alongside laser and light projections that light up the sky in a modern, artistc expression. Drone, light and sound show designed and produced by RAMUS.
Dead & Company Final Tour | July 2023 Folsom Field | Boulder, Colorado, USA Oracle Park | San Francisco, California, USA
Dead & Company Celebrate Final Tour with Mind Blowing 600 Drone Sky Story
Dead and Company wrapped up their final tour giving their audience an unforgettable show at all stops but particularly in Boulder, Colorado and San Francisco with a 600 drone Sky Story that lit up the night sky on the final nights. Emergent from behind the stage, hundreds of twinkling blue lights swirled into formation, transforming into some of the most iconic Grateful Dead imagery. From the iconic Steal Your Face logo to a Dancing Bear pirouetting above the stage, the drones painted a celestial canvas that left the audience awestruck.
Summer Olympic Games | Tokyo, Japan | July 2021
Nova Team and Technology Flies over 1800 drones at Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olymic Games featured a ground-breaking opening ceremony involving 1800 drones that illuminated the night sky over Japan's National Stadium.
Super Bowl LI | Houston, Texas, USA | February 2017
Nova Drones Fly at Super Bowl LI Halftime Show
Hundreds of Nova drones flash and flock in unison as an American Flag behind Lady Gaga during her Superbowl LI performance in Houston, Texas. Both in-person and virtual viewers were mesmerized by the drones dancing in the night sky.
Burning Man | Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA | August 2022
1000 Drones Fly at Burning Man 2022
Artists fly "Man vs. Machine" installation of 1000 Nova Drones at Burning Man 2022
Designed by Studio Drift and ten other amazing aritsts, the 2022 drone sky story at Burning Man was a beautiful and meaningful display called "Man vs. Machine." Starting out as sketches on paper, artist Ralph Nauta and a team of artists translated the ideas through Nova's software system Genesis to calculate the sketches into drone art. Nauta co-founded Studio Drift with Lonneke Gordijn in 2006 with the aim of questioning human behavior with their art. With 1000 drones, 4 different show designs and 15 shows in total, the response in Black Rock City was magical.
Special thank you to TwoFiftyK, Human Experience Creations and Drone Stories.
Designed by Studio Drift and ten other amazing aritsts, the 2022 drone sky story at Burning Man was a beautiful and meaningful display called "Man vs. Machine." Starting out as sketches on paper, artist Ralph Nauta and a team of artists translated the ideas through Nova's software system Genesis to calculate the sketches into drone art. Nauta co-founded Studio Drift with Lonneke Gordijn in 2006 with the aim of questioning human behavior with their art. With 1000 drones, 4 different show designs and 15 shows in total, the response in Black Rock City was magical.
Special thank you to TwoFiftyK, Human Experience Creations and Drone Stories.
Formula 1 | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | November 2022
Formula 1 Sky Story to Launch the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Formula 1 kicked off its Las Vegas return with a drone sky story above Caesars Palace. Designed by TwoFiftyK. Produced by Drone Stories. Four of the sport's star drivers are showing up to supercharge the party, including 7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, his Mercedes-AMG Petronas teammate George Russell, Oracle Red Bull Racing's 4-time Grand Prix winner Sergio Perez and Alex Albon from Williams Racing.
Universal Studios Hollywood | Hollywood, California, USA | Nightly since May 2022
Universal Flies Drone Sky Story as part of Dark Arts Installation
The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle projection shown at Universal Studios Hollywood features Universal's first use of drones in a nighttime show. As darkness falls on Hogwarts Castle, unspeakable creatures cloak the stone walls and are proejected into the night sky.
New Year Celebration | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | December 2022
City of Amsterdam Rings in New Year with Spectacular Firework and Drone Display
Amsterdam began 2023 with The Netherland's first time fireworks and drones danced in the sky together. Produced by Drone Stories and designed by Studio DRIFT, the Sky Story is about connection, inclusiveness and love, symbolized by elements such as a heart, a rainbow, the well-known Amsterdam crosses and dancing figures.
Ultra Music Festival | Miami, Florida, USA | March 2023
2023 Ultra Music Festival Launches Awe-Inspiring Sky Story
Ultra Music Festival used a Sky Story in combination with fireworks to conclude its 2023 performances. The world’s premier electronic music celebration returned to Bayfront Park as Ultra Music Festival on March 24-26, 2023. What began more than 20 years ago as a “little concert on the beach” has grown into one of the largest musical celebrations on the planet, drawing electronic music’s biggest names to the shores of Biscayne Bay. Set against the glittering backdrop of Downtown Miami, Ultra has become a showcase for DJs and producers.
Produced by Drone Stories and designed by TwoFiftyK
Produced by Drone Stories and designed by TwoFiftyK
Amsterdam Dance Event | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | October 2022
Spotify Launches DJ Playlist with Interactive QR Code in the Sky with Drones
Amsterdam Dance Event and Spotify collaborated with Drone Stories to fly 600 Nova drones at the Amersterdam Dance Event in October 2022. Spotify promoted its new DJ Mixes with QR codes for the audience to interact with the show by clicking, downloading, and listening to the new playlists. The light patterns and animations of the drones were designed to sync with the music creating a magical experience for the live audience.
Coachella | Palm Springs, California, USA | April 2023
Bjork Breaks Barriers with a 40 Minute Drone Sky Story at Coachella
864 drones accompanied Bjork for her incredible drone sky story at Coachella 2023. She’s always pushing art to new levels. Her show represents the longest drone sky story ever flown at a festival. Created by Studio DRIFT, designed by TwoFiftyK, produced by Drone Stories.
Dave Matthews Band | Gorge Amphitheater, Washington, USA | September 2022
Dave Matthews Band Remembers Late Band Member with Drone Sky Tribute
25,000 guests watched Dave Matthew's Labor Day concert above the Columbia River at the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington. He used a Sky Story to pay tribute to his late band member, LeRoi Moore. Produced by Sky Elements and designed by TwoFiftyK.
Van Gogh Museum | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | June 2023
Van Gogh Art Comes to Life in the Sky for Museum 50th Anniversary Celebration
200 drones illuminated the night sky in June 2023 to recreate the highlights of Vincent van Gogh's most iconic paintings. Audiences across Amsterdam came out to watch the mesmerizing display that paid tribute to Van Gogh and the museum's dedication to preserving his legacy. Created by Studio DRIFT, designed by TwoFiftyK, produced by Drone Stories.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration | Dublin, Ireland | March 2021
Boosting Tourism in Ireland with a Gorgeous Drone Sky Story above Dublin
Tourism Ireland organized a very green drone show to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in 2021. A fleet of 500 drones danced across Dublin’s night sky presenting a heartfelt, uplifting celebration of the national holiday, and spread messages of hope to audiences around the globe.
Sydney Opera House | Sydney, Australia | January 2023
Sydney Australia Elevates Tourism with Unforgettable Drone Sky Story
Elevate Sydney transformed the Cahill Expressway into a festival playground with live music, entertainment and a spectacular drone show to end the night sessions. Produced by AGB Events and operated by Mirragin Skyshows
Blade Runner Black Lotus Movie Premier | Los Angeles, California, USA | November 2021
HBO Max Promotes Bladerunner Movie Premier in the Sky
Red drones filled the sky as a beautiful preview for the HBO Max premier of Blade Runner: Black Lotus in November 2021