Jeffrey Katzenberg on the rise of drone light shows: The sky becomes a new creative canvas

Company Overview & Strategy - Nova Sky Stories, formerly an Intel division acquired in 2022, specializes in drone light show technology, aiming to transform spectacles into immersive storytelling experiences [2][4][10] - The company is transitioning from simple drone displays to 70-90 minute long narrative-driven shows, akin to Broadway productions, with plans for further expansion and complexity [10][14] - Jeffrey Katzenberg joins Nova Sky Stories as an investor and strategic advisor, drawn by the technology's potential to revolutionize entertainment, comparing it to the early days of computer animation [2][8][11] Market & Growth - The drone light show market is experiencing rapid growth, with Nova Sky Stories projecting approximately 500,000 tickets sold this year, a significant increase from 6,000 tickets sold last year [15] - The company emphasizes the communal and emotional connection fostered by its shows, typically attracting audiences of around 3,000 people per show [15] - Nova Sky Stories envisions expanding its shows to large venues like Dodger Stadium and the Rose Bowl in the future [19] Technology & Innovation - Nova Sky Stories utilizes proprietary drone technology developed over ten years by Intel, featuring drones that replace each other in the sky to maintain continuous performance [4][16] - The company is rapidly advancing its technology, with plans to deploy fleets of 10,000 drones simultaneously in the near future, enabling the creation of complex characters and interactive experiences [17] - Future technological advancements will allow for the creation of interactive characters that can engage with the audience, such as Tinker Bell or Toothless the Dragon [18]