THE SQUAD
HoverSquad offers a management structure of trusted, experienced media professionals supported by a UK-wide network of experienced drone professionals and specialists.
Contact Andy or Neil for an informal chat about how we can support your drone needs, with solutions from small to large scale, from media production to inspection and more.
ANDY SMYTHE
Founder/Director
Andy has worked as a producer, director and cameraman for the BBC for 20 years.
Originally trained as a TV news reporter, he was a pioneer of video journalism in the UK, winning a European award for his work in 2004. He went on to spend 10 years as a producer for the BBC's factual department in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
Latterly, he was a senior team leader with the BAFTA award-winning Victoria Derbyshire programme in London, before working as a cameraman/editor for the BBC's Europe team in Brussels.
He has successfully filmed and edited many high-end commercial projects, often including drone work.
Andy is experienced at managing high-risk deployments and complex operations.
He is a trained drone pilot and has had a lifelong interest in aviation.
NEIL SMYTHE
Founder/Director
With over 20 years' experience in sports content production and strategy, Neil's credits run from broadcast to digital and social.
He spent 8 years on the team at Soccer AM (Sky Sports), gaining a grounding in all aspects of live studio tv production from VT editing to script-writing, live gallery and OB producing (and even the odd, sometimes very odd, on-camera appearance!).
His other tv credits include David Beckham's Soccer USA for Channel 5 and GoalMouth for Disney XD.
Since 2007 Neil has worked primarily in the digital/social space, creating content and building audiences for brands, rights holders/owners and influencers. He launched Copa90, grew Fremantle's fan channel network from 0 to 35 million monthly views, produced at two World Cups for The Football Association and helped create/successfully pitch for Formula E's digital content strategy.
Since 2018 he has led content and operations at Hashtag United, the world's most popular non-league football club.
Neil has been invited to speak on panels at various media events worldwide from Cannes to New York and Macau.
His interest in drones was sparked by a dramatic bid to set a new drone world speed record back in 2017. You'll have to contact him to find out what happened!
JOIN THE SQUAD!
To join our growing network of drone professionals, please send us your CV/qualifications and we'll be back to you!