Reaching new heights: Shaun Wellfare on how Nine’s drone program innovates sports broadcasting

From regional news to global events

Shaun’s journey to becoming a groundbreaker of Nine’s innovative drone program is a testament to dedication and adaptability in media. His initial television experience was developed during high school holidays, where he spent his spare time at the local WIN news station in Shepparton, Victoria, learning camera operation and editing.

Starting his career with intense, foundational experience as a camera operator and editor at WIN News, he quickly built the skills needed to perform under pressure and adapt to change. “After studying, my first paid job in television was an ENG Camera/Editor at WIN News Wagga. I completed 4 days of training then I was on my own to shoot and edit 4-5 stories a day. Covering major floods, drought, fire, fatalities and crime with very little experience was a challenge, but it set me up with a good foundation of skills for working under pressure and adapting to change.”

His ultimate goal – to work as a cameraman for Nine in Sydney – was achieved in 2007. For the next six years, he traveled the world, covering major global events, from the tsunami in Japan, Christchurch Earthquake, Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey and terrorist attacks in Jakarta, among many other major global events.

Today, Shaun works in Nine’s Resources department as a Senior Production Camera Operator and Drone Operator. He applies his extensive experience across a huge range of productions, including Wide World of Sports, NRL Broadcast, Stan Sports, 60 Minutes, Today, and the Olympics. He began flying drones for Nine in 2017, helping a small team integrate drone footage into live broadcasts for the Ashes Cricket and the NRL. The program has since grown significantly.

“We now have a large team of drone pilots across Australia using drones in most shows on Nine. Giving a completely new experience for the audience.”

Changes: flying over the crowds safely

Innovation in broadcasting is often tied to evolving technology and the regulations that govern it. 

Shaun explains the operational advantage: “Recently we have now been granted approval to fly the drone with a parachute attached. This allows us to fly over people safely under specific guidelines and cover larger areas around the stadium.”

This technical permission has massive implications for capturing the atmosphere of major events. Where previously drone flight was heavily restricted around large crowds, Nine’s audience can now be fully immersed in the pre-game excitement.

“We can now fly down Caxton Street showing all of the crowds heading towards Suncorp Stadium,” Shaun notes, providing new, powerful shots that capture the energy and scale of the event. For the viewer at home, this translates to a richer, more engaging experience.

“This is a game-changer for us, as it allows us to fly further than we could previously, allowing for new angles and helping better capture the atmosphere during a game. The fresh pictures we can now film are incredible and I feel this is only the beginning of what we can do in the future.”

Capturing the atmosphere: drone operations on games day

For a major broadcast like the State of Origin, the drone operation is a complex, multi-person effort, not just one pilot. It involves Chief Remote Pilot planning, a team managing compliance, pre-approvals and due diligence, specialist ground technicians to set up broadcast links, and a pilot team preparing the drone operations.

Once airborne, Shaun’s goal is clear: capture the magic.

“Once we are flying and sending pictures back to the broadcast we are searching for the best angles to capture. We work closely with the director on what they need during the broadcast to help build the atmosphere of a major event like State of Origin.”

For Shaun, the key to a great drone shot is creating a sense of scale and anticipation. “It is creating an angle that makes the stadium feel like an epic event that gets the audience excited about what’s to come.”

The drone footage doesn’t replace traditional camera work; it enhances the overall narrative. It contributes to “the feel of a big event,” giving the audience a sense of place and capturing those stunning cinematic moments, like an epic sunset over the stadium. The NRL Grand Final, Origin, and the Lions Tour for Stan Rugby are among the standout events he’s covered.

Leading the future of live sports coverage

Nine’s investment in its drone program is a clear statement about its commitment to being a leader in visual storytelling and ground breaking innovation. Shaun reflects, “Nine’s investment into new technology keeps us at the forefront of new and creative ways to broadcast sport. Leading the way of what is possible. Every year there is always a need to give the audience something they haven’t seen before.”

The evolution of regulations is not just a technical win; it signals an exciting new era for sports fans. This landscape offers new opportunities to cover the game, proving Nine’s dedication to delivering a fresh, cutting-edge experience every time. The incredibly talented drone operators at Nine are constantly “hunting for that new look,” ensuring the broadcast maintains a competitive edge in the dynamic world of Sports and Media coverage.