The Invest Plymouth Team recently visited Different View as part of our business relationship programme for a chat with Oliver Dickinson, Drew G., Charlotte Ashcroft-Booth and Luke Shaw.
Different View is a media production team serving diverse clients, from local businesses to international projects. They specialise in drone operation, video production, photography, CGI, and graphic design, using cutting-edge technology like FPV drones and advanced CGI.
Approved suppliers for aerial videography to broadcasters like BBC and ITV, Different View also works with the Association of British Ports. Based in Plymouth, they bring innovative solutions to various projects including work with clients such as Williams F1, IBM, Reiss, Yacht Haven Marinas, Royal Navy, MSUBs and the National Marine Aquarium.
Keep an eye on their work as they continue to deliver creative and innovative media solutions across the region and beyond! All taking place right here in Britain’s Ocean City!
Please tell us about your business.
Different View is a Plymouth-based media production company specialising in drone and FPV operations, video production, photography, CGI, and graphic design. We offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to various industries, including marine, corporate, events, broadcasting, immersive experiences, and property. Our team is adept at creating compelling visual content that resonates with audiences and meets the unique needs of each client.
We've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from local businesses to international brands. Notably, we are suppliers for major broadcasters like the BBC and ITV, and have been recognised on the suppliers’ list for the Association of British Ports. Our commitment to quality and innovation has positioned us as a trusted partner in the media production landscape.
What inspired you to start your business?
My journey began with a passion for photography and storytelling. After years of studying and practising photography, I transitioned from a career in primary education to pursue this passion full-time. Winning at the British Photography Awards was a pivotal moment that gave me the confidence to establish Different View.
A major turning point came when IBM commissioned me to film a docuseries for the Mayflower Autonomous Ship. This project, which spanned nearly two years, allowed me to collaborate with a range of talented creatives. The resulting series was viewed by over 230 million people and went on to win a European Content Award.
Another milestone came when MSubs offered us a retainer agreement. That opportunity had a huge impact on the growth of the company - not only did we begin managing media for all companies under MSubs, but our work quickly attracted attention beyond their network. Their belief in me and Different View has led to numerous referrals across Plymouth and further afield. This ongoing support has also allowed us to bring in other talented creatives under the Different View umbrella, providing consistent work and building a strong, collaborative network.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our portfolio of immersive films and continue pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. We're investing in cutting-edge equipment and technologies to enhance our service offerings, using our expertise in drone building, maritime content and story telling. Additionally, we're focused on growing our team and increasing our presence in both local and international markets. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of media production, delivering innovative solutions that captivate and engage audiences.
What do you love about doing business in Plymouth?
Plymouth offers a vibrant and supportive environment for creative businesses. The city's rich maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes provide endless inspiration for our projects. Moreover, the collaborative spirit among local businesses and organisations fosters a sense of community that is invaluable. Being based in Plymouth allows us to tap into a network of talented professionals and access unique locations that enhance our storytelling capabilities.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business in Plymouth?
Embrace the local community and seek out collaborative opportunities. Plymouth is home to a wealth of resources and networks that can support your business journey. Don't hesitate to leverage these assets and connect with other entrepreneurs. Stay adaptable, be open to innovation, and let the city's dynamic environment inspire your work.
What’s been your most successful or innovative drone-based project to date, and what made it stand out?
One of our most innovative projects was the Mayflower Autonomous Ship docuseries, commissioned by IBM. It combined drone cinematography, storytelling, and cutting-edge marine technology to document an autonomous vessel crossing the Atlantic.
We’ve also worked with major brands such as Williams F1 and Reiss, where time-critical filming and detailed storyboarding were essential. Additionally, our experience in live television has pushed us to operate with precision under pressure; requiring clear communication and expert drone handling.
From an innovation perspective, our immersive film work stands out. We developed custom fittings to mount a 360° camera onto an FPV drone, integrated CGI sequences, and built bespoke underwater filming rigs. These technical challenges pushed our creativity and demonstrated our ability to engineer visual solutions beyond traditional media production.
What excites you most about being part of Plymouth’s growing ecosystem?
Plymouth is rapidly becoming a hub for creative and technological innovation, particularly in the maritime and digital sectors. There’s real momentum here - from cutting-edge AI research and flagship events like the British Firework Championships and Plymouth Boat Fest, to increasing visits from cruise ships and other major vessels, which all signal the city’s rising profile. Being part of this transformation, and helping to shape Plymouth’s creative identity, is both a privilege and a hugely exciting opportunity.
Looking ahead, where do you see Different View in 10 years - are there new technologies or markets you’re aiming to explore?
In ten years, we aim to be at the forefront of aerial storytelling in the UK - particularly within the marine, and immersive media sectors. We’re exploring heavy-lift drones for cinema-grade cameras and building other filming rigs to access areas that are not normally accessible. We also hope to expand internationally, sharing Plymouth-grown creativity and innovation with a global audience.
What’s your role within the business, and what inspired you to combine creativity with drone technology?
I’m the founder, drone operator / builder and photographer. I also handle the marketing and networking. My role spans client collaboration, drone operations, and directing visual narratives. What inspired me to integrate drone technology was its ability to unlock completely new perspectives. It enables storytelling in a way that connects audiences emotionally with industries, environments, and ideas they might otherwise never experience.
When you’re not flying drones or editing footage, how do you unwind or stay inspired creatively and digitally?
I'm very much an outdoor person. A keen interest in football, cricket and golf. I also enjoy the water; whether that's using my Day Skipper in sailing or surfing in Polzeath. I also enjoy photography and finding new and interesting scenes to capture.
If you could meet a digital pioneer, filmmaker, or tech innovator who could influence your work, who would it be and why?
Obviously, someone like David Attenborough would be incredible. However, looking at the area I'm pushing, meeting someone like Nurk FPV (Paul Nurkkala), a world-champion drone pilot and innovator, would be incredible. His creative flight paths and technical engineering background have helped elevate FPV into a legitimate art form. We’re constantly pushing our drone builds to capture more cinematic footage - so his approach to functional design and performance would be hugely inspiring.